LYNN — Members of the Commonwealth Care Alliance teamed up with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless’ program, A Bed for Every Child, to build beds for children living in poverty on Thursday.
A Bed for Every Child delivered 1,598 beds across 104 communities in 2023, according to its impact report.
Wilson Sanchez, the warehouse manager for the coalition, said the program had approximately 200 applications for beds. Last month, the program delivered approximately 300 beds.
“It’s very special to have (the volunteers) here,” he said.
He said after the beds are built, they are inspected to ensure they have been built correctly and are safe for children. Then, Sanchez reaches out to the families to ask how many beds are needed, if they are still needed.
He said they are delivered to areas such as Lawrence, Boston, and Springfield.
Eighteen people from Commonwealth Care Alliance helped A Bed for Every Child build the beds, and 10 in total were built.
Travis Ledoyt, a member of the Commonwealth Care Alliance, said it felt rewarding to work on a project that helped children in need.
“It’s a fun project that utilizes my building skills,” he said.
Allyson Richmond, another member of the Commonwealth Care Alliance, said she is glad to work for an organization that sets up community-engagement days for its team.
“I’m happy to be here,” she said.
Alliance member Samila Francois said it meant a lot to her because she has three kids.
“I can’t imagine them not having a bed to sleep in,” she said.
She added that kids being able to sleep in the bed with their mother or father can provide a safe space for them, but having their own bed for independence is important.
