62-year-old Cynthia (on the left) slept on the floor of her new apartment with her grandson for two months until they received new beds of their own through the campaign.
Many of us are in the midst of planning end of summer vacations and looking forward soaking up the last few days of rest and relaxation before fall begins. Whether you’re headed down the shore, to the Outer Banks, or just planning a weekend getaway to the Poconos, there’s one essential thing you’re sure to find: a bed.
The thought of not having a bed to sleep in doesn’t even cross most of our minds, but for thousands of children and adults it’s a reality they live with every day. Spending another night on the street, a bench, or on a cold, hard floor doesn’t faze them.
Last year the Point in Time Homeless Persons Count, a census of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in a city, identified more than 5,700 homeless people in Philadelphia. Although this was a decrease from previous years, the City of Philadelphia and non-profit social service agencies continue to struggle to meet the need for basic household necessities for families and individuals transitioning from homelessness.
These individuals include anyone from single mothers and their children fleeing from abuse and veterans returning from duty with nowhere to go, to victims of fires, natural disasters and domestic violence – homelessness doesn’t discriminate. No matter what their age, sex or situation, one thing they all have in common is hope. Hope for a chance to restart their lives. Hope to ensure better lives for their kids.
Pathways to Housing PA is able, through their resources, to purchase quality, durable mattresses, box springs, and bed frames at wholesale cost to donate to Philadelphia Furniture Bank’s 100 BEDS for 100 people campaign, which aims to provide people in our city who are currently sleeping on the floor with beds. And even better – not only are the mattresses handmade in America, they’re made right here in Philadelphia! However, without your help the organization won’t be able to afford the new beds.
Help make hopes a reality for our city’s homeless population. By making a donation you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you changed someone’s life forever. You will give families who feel helpless and have nothing a fresh start in a new home. At the very least, your help will ensure that they get off the floor and into warm, cozy beds.
You can easily donate by choosing one of the options below or by visiting the campaign website.
Pillow Provider for $10
With this donation you get a special shout out on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to let everyone know that you’re helping Philadelphia families in need.
Sheet Superstar for $25
There’s nothing quite like the crisp, soft bed sheets you’ll provide with this donation. With this donation you get a social media shout out and your name will be proudly displayed on the campaign website as someone who changes lives.
Box Spring Backer for $54
You can provide someone with a twin size box spring and bed frame. You are the foundation someone needs for a fresh start. With this donation you get all the perks listed above plus a heartfelt email from the campaign’s Chief Executive Officer thanking you for your generosity.
Mattress Mogul for $157
This donation can provide a well-made twin size mattress. You’re making it possible for a single mom fleeing from abuse to have enough beds for her children. With this donation you get all the perks listed above and your very own Philly Furniture Bank hat.
Bed Booster for $221
This donation can provide an entire bed including a mattress, box spring, and bed frame. With this donation you get all the perks listed above and you or your organization will be featured in a special blog post.
Good Night’s Sleep Angel for $1,105
This gift can provide beds for an entire family. With this donation you get every perk listed above and the chance to leave a lasting legacy on the wall of the Philadelphia Furniture Bank. When you give this gift, the organization will create a personalized plaque with your name to display at the furniture bank.
The Philadelphia Furniture Bank is a project of Pathways to Housing PA, a Philadelphia nonprofit.
