More Than a Place to Sleep: The Importance of a Bed

Recently, Unbound has had the privilege of donating and delivering many beds to foster homes in Central Ohio. We’ve been able to provide bunk beds, twin beds, and queen size beds that will all be used for welcoming foster children into homes offering stability and love.

At end of a long, difficult day, I often look forward to pulling back the covers and sinking into my safe and comfortable bed. For most of us, a bed is a given—a simple piece of furniture used for rest. But for a child who has experienced the uncertainty of foster care, a bed is much more than that. It is a profound symbol of stability and dignity.

In my eight years as a foster parent, I have known more than one child who came from a home where they were sleeping on the floor or a couch. The lack of having a designated personal space, like a bed, can slowly and subtly erode a child’s sense of self. They may feel that they don’t deserve to have a space of their own, or the privacy and security that a bed provides.

When they have their own bed, it reinforces to them that they deserve to take up space in this world, to have their needs met, to have a safe place to stay every night – and to dream. Being able to retreat to a bed that belongs to them gives these children a place to exhale, to whisper secrets to a stuffed animal, to begin healing from trauma.

Perhaps most importantly, a bed is a statement of dignity. To have something that belongs only to you sends an undeniable message to a child: You matter. You are an individual who is worthy of comfort, privacy, and care. Providing them with their own bed is a tangible act of dignity in their life that can mean the difference between healing and struggle.

This is why our work goes beyond supporting foster parents to maintain active foster homes. It’s about ensuring those homes are equipped to provide the foundational elements of a healthy childhood. Through the generosity of our donors, we help provide essentials like beds and bedding to foster families, ensuring that when a child walks into their new room, they see a safe space that is truly theirs.

Every child deserves a safe place to dream. Through your donations and acts of volunteerism, you can help us continue to make that a reality for foster children across Ohio!