Provide beds for 300 kids sleeping on the floor

At Community Warehouse, one of our most-requested items is a bed for a child.

Take a moment to think back to the time you were a child. Did you pay attention to how your parents/family provided your food, shelter, and everything else that was needed at a moment’s notice? Most of us take this for granted until we’re old enough to gain perspective.

Now think back to when you asked for something and were told no. Your first question was probably “Why?” Imagine if the things you wanted, instead of a toy or a trip or a treat, were the things you needed, like a bed. Every child is deserving of comfort in a safe space. We want to make sure parents never have to tell their children why they can’t have a bed.

Living with a scarcity of resources can make you question your sense of belonging. If you’re struggling to find affordable housing in your city, you might think: “I’m not doing as much as I should.” If you are having to choose between food and furniture for your family, you might feel inadequate. Understanding our value to our community is just as important as our physical need for food and shelter.

At Community Warehouse, we have the unique opportunity to not only provide essential furnishings, but also provide an experience that honors an individual’s value. Coming to our furniture bank gives families the opportunity to make choices about their own home. This provides dignity, relief, and hope for parents and children, so they can better care for one another.

As the only furniture bank in NW Oregon and SW Washington, we plan to assist 7,955 individuals this year, including 3,500 children, to turn their empty housing into homes. Together, we have everything we need to help one another. Your ability to empathize, give, and receive are the characteristics of those who contribute great value to their community. Because of your support, parents who come to Community Warehouse no longer need to explain to their child why they don’t have a bed. Your support brings dignity and hope to so many families.