Ashley Home Store Bed Donation A Major Help For Struggling Families
In July 2022, The Salvation Army became a beneficiary of the Ashley Home Stores Hope to Dream program. 600 beds were donated across the four Salvation Army USA territories. The Hope to Dream program takes a portion of each mattress sale and donates beds to children in need. 150 of the beds were donated to the Warren Corps Community Center which was used to distribute them to other Michigan corps, such as Battle Creek, Dearborn Heights and Ludington.
* Major David Minks and employee Ebony Smettler at the Warren warehouse
In the Dearborn Heights Citadel Corps, 16 beds were distributed. Based on need and family size, clients came to the corps parking lot where volunteers loaded their vehicles with the frames, mattresses, and bed linens.
* James, a volunteer, unloads beds at the Dearborn Heights Citadel Corps
Some of the beds are distributed as part of The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope program, which is designed to help struggling families get back on their feet. The program’s purpose is to break the cycle of crisis and vulnerability that leads to poverty by assisting with unemployment, unstable housing, and lack of education.
Two individuals in Ludington shared their story:
A family filed for Bankruptcy due to COVID circumstances. Shortly after, they found out they were going to have a second baby. The father was also unemployed at the time.
Their five-year-old had been sleeping in a crib that transitions into a toddler bed, however the crib was needed for the new baby. Thankfully they received an Ashley Furniture bed, and she was able to have her own bed.
A single father had been living in a minivan with his six kids. He was able to find a place to live, however everyone had to sleep on the floor. Thankfully they received seven beds from The Salvation Army, thanks to Ashley Furniture’s generosity. The father is “beyond thrilled” they will all get a better sleep, and his kids can be more successful in school being well-rested.
“This has been an awesome gift for the people in our community,” said Major Jonathan Miller, administrator at The Salvation Army Ludington Corps Community Center.
* Five-year old receives a new bed from Ashley Furniture
Four individuals in Battle Creek shared their story:
Ms. Taylor, a single mother of five children, purchased a new home for her family last year. However, on July 11, 2022, her home caught fire. With the help of her case manager, Latarshia Scott, she received clothing and furniture to replace those lost in the fire. The Ashley Home Store provided her with new linen, blankets, mattress and pillows. Ms. Taylor is very thankful to have received this help and continues to have faith and move forward beyond tragedy.
Ms. Mosley, a single mother of four children, was unable to work due to a special-needs child who requires 24-hour care. Relying on a fixed income was proving increasingly difficult. Thankfully she received help from the The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope program and now has plans to buy her own home and accomplish other previously unattainable goals. The generous donation of new beds from the Ashley Home Store has helped her move closer to these goals.
Ms. Tillman, a single mother of three children, experienced a house fire earlier in 2022. She had to find a new home while continuing to work and take care of her children. Though raising children and working full-time is still difficult, assistance from The Salvation Army and the donation of three Ashley Home Store beds has made things easier.
Ms. Jacobs, a single mother of one child, contracted COVID-19 in 2021. During her sickness she was unable to work, and expenses began to pile up. Due to the donation of a bed for her son she has one less expense to worry about. She is now giving back to the community by helping serve food to those in need.
* Captain Mika Roinila of Battle Creek delivers beds to a client.
This is just a snapshot of the good being done through The Salvation Army’s partnership with the Ashley Home Store’s Hope to Dream program. A new bed may seem a small thing compared to the many difficulties families face, but for those in need it is great help.
The Ashley Home Store Mission Summary states:
“Through various community efforts, we work to meet the needs of our local, national, and global communities. And our initiatives focus on providing resources and support that benefit those in need both now, and in the future.”
* Two Ashley beds set up in a client's home
To learn more about the Ashley Home Stores Hope to Dream program check out their website at https://www.ahopetodream.com/.
To learn more about how The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division helps those in need, go to https://sagreatlakes.org. You can also donate or volunteer.