The following article was submitted to AroundAmbler.com by Jennifer Kennedy
On Wednesday, September 24, over 80 supporters of One House at a Time: Beds for Kids gathered at Well Crafted Ambler to help end child bedlessness. The nonprofit with roots in our community raised over $9,000 at the fall fundraiser to address the growing problem in Greater Philadelphia.
In 1998, members of Upper Dublin Lutheran Church in Ambler started One House at Time (OHAAT) by collecting gently used furniture and delivering to those in need. As the program grew, volunteers noticed a common issue during couch or table deliveries: Children were sleeping with their parents, on a make-shift bed or on a sheet on the floor. Many organizations help low-income families obtain housing, which meant thousands of children had a bedroom but not a bed.
“Poor sleep puts children at risk of developing a wide range of health programs as well as cognitive, academic and social-emotional impairments,” said OHAAT Board Member Emily Jeske, who has been with the organization since the beginning. “We realized we could have the most impact by creating a quality bed program that would allow each child to get the sleep they need to thrive.”
In 2011, OHAAT launched Beds for Kids dedicated to providing beds for children ages 2 – 20. The organization operates out of a large warehouse in Huntingdon Valley and has served 20,000 children in the Greater Philadelphia area to date.
Families are referred to the program by over 300 social service agencies. Many are transitioning out of shelters or other temporary housing and have been sleeping without a bed for years. Anyone that works with children can refer a family living below the poverty line. Beds are often delivered within a week of receiving the referral.
Each child receives a new bed frame, mattress, pillow and set of sheets. They are also given a Bedtime Bag with a blanket, stuffed animal, toothbrush and books.
Financial contributions can be made online or by mailing a check to One House at a Time, 411 Susquehanna Road, Ambler, PA 19002. Donations of items also can be delivered to one of their drop-off locations. Volunteer opportunities include a Youth Ambassador Committee for middle or high school students. For more information on how to get involved visit their website, follow them on social media or sign up for their newsletter.
OHAAT Executive Director Kate Fay credits their strong network of community partners and devoted volunteers for the ability to service 2,923 children in the Philadelphia area in 2024. An even greater number is expected in 2025.
Fay sees the relief from parents reestablishing their lives after crisis and gratitude from caregivers going through financial hardship. She says the joy in each child’s face when they see their new bed motivates their staff, donors and volunteers each day.
“We want every child to know that there is a community out there that cares and thinks they are important,” Fay said. “Thanks to our generous supporters, we are able to have a very tangible impact on these children’s lives.”
Photos: Jennifer Kennedy