To a bystander, homelessness is tangible. The lack of resources is noticeable. For the 13,907 kids that are homeless in Arkansas, 90% are doubled-up. This means students are living with others rather than in a home with their family. This makes it difficult to identify students in need of extra support so they can be lifted out of their situation. Kids experiencing homelessness have an increased risk of serious health problems, being separated from their families and low performance in school. This crisis though, can be solved with a singular item, a mattress.
For a child experiencing homelessness, a mattress is much more than a place to sleep. It provides a child with a bed of their own so they are safe and comfortable. An article by the American Psychological Association discussed the impact of poverty on kids mental, emotional and physical health. It says, “Low-income children are at greater risk than higher-income children for a range of cognitive, emotional and health-related problems, including detrimental effects on executive functioning, below average academic achievement, poor social emotional functioning, developmental delays, behavioral problems, asthma, inadequate nutrition, low birth weight and higher rates of pneumonia.” With adequate sleep, many of these health issues can diminish. When kids have rest they can focus in school, maintain physical health and support brain function which leads to an overall healthy life.
To help children get out of homelessness, Every Arkansan partners with churches in the CityServe Arkansas network, the Arkansas Department of Human Services and local school districts to provide mattresses to families in crisis. Every mattress is distributed through a local church. This relationship is important to families because they are not only receiving a life changing item, but also experiencing and seeing the love of Jesus. When families have a connection with the local church, they are able to continue to be supported.
To help children and families in need of a mattress, visit https://www.everyarkansan.org/gift/p/mattress to donate a mattress and ensure a child has a safe and comfortable place to sleep so they can live a healthy life.
