Kate Fay (Submitted photo)
Children living in poverty often don’t have their own bed, which affects their sleep habits
One House at a Time in Ambler has made it its mission to improve the sleep health of children living in poverty in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Kate Fay, executive director of OHAAT, recently shared with us how they strive to ensure no child has to sleep on the floor.
While social service agencies help low-income families find housing, these families usually have to furnish it on their own, she explained. As a result, many children living in poverty often sleep on the floor, on a sofa, or share a bed with several family members.
These types of sleeping arrangements can disrupt a child’s sleep cycle and affect their health. Studies continue to show that healthy sleep is critical for every part of a child and teenager’s development. Lack of sleeps affects their overall health, academic performance, mood and behavior. It also increases their risk of being overweight or obese.
Teenagers who have poor sleep habits also are more likely to get into a car accident or sustain a sports injury.
Fay explained that each child in the OHAAT program receives a bed and a bedtime bag that includes bedding, a stuffed animal and tools to encourage healthy bedtime habits like books and toothbrushes.
OHAAT has also added a sleep education component to its program based on sleep studies the nonprofit organization conducted with CHOP and St. Joseph’s University.
Fay said that the most satisfying part of the work she does is that each year OHAAT is able to provide more kids their own bed to sleep in.
“Unfortunately, this huge growth in demand is a double-edge sword because it means more kids need our program.”
She added, “A bed may seem like a basic need, but for those without it, it can be transformative. Every system in the body is affected by a lack of sleep. We want to give them the opportunity to thrive.”
The Beds for Kids program depends on many partners including social service providers, health care providers, schools, manufacturers and retailers, community groups and individuals. Fay said they have a network of 300 referral partners.
The program is funded through fundraising and the generosity of local foundations, companies and individual donors.
Fay said that there are many different ways the community can help. One is through a donation. For $210, you can sponsor one child ensuring they have everything they need for a good night sleep, including a bed frame, mattress, set of sheets, blanket, pillow, several books, toothbrush, and a stuffed animal.
“The bedtime bags are individualized to make sure they are age appropriate. Often these items are the only things the kids own themselves,” she said. “It instills in them a sense of pride and reassures them that the community cares for them.”
Volunteers are also always needed. Individuals, families, community groups and corporate groups are all welcome to join their volunteer team. OHAAT needs volunteers to sort and pack the bedtime items at its warehouse in Huntingdon Valley, delivering the bed packages and in collecting donations and making bedtime items.
Bedtime items needed include standard pillows, twin-size sheets, blankets and comforters, children’s books, stuffed animals, new dental hygiene supplies and period products. Find out how to make a donation here.
Kay added that they love to work with school children who need to complete service hours.
“It is really impactful for kids to think about what other kids their age are going through.”
