The Alabama Coalition for Healthy Mothers & Children and Perry County School System Launch NO CHILD WITHOUT A BED.

Community partners seek donations, sponsors, and volunteers to help provide safe sleeping spaces for children and strengthen family well-being across Perry County

The Alabama Coalition for Healthy Mothers & Children (ACHMC), in partnership with the Perry County School System, is proud to announce the launch of the Perry County No Child Without a Bed project , a countywide program to by provide beds for children who do not have one. The initiative was strengthened by a generous grant of $20,000 by the Mark Cuban Foundation. 

Mr. Cuban provided a similar donation last year for a similar drive in Sumter County. “We are so grateful for Mr. Cuban’s generosity over the past two years. This gift gives up the inspiration to carry the work through,” said Dr. Brandon Renfroe, a teacher, adjunct professor and board member of ACHMC.

This collaborative initiative will provide beds and essential sleep resources for children and families experiencing need throughout Perry County. While final event dates, build logistics, and distribution details are still being finalized, organizers anticipate the project will include complete sleep packages consisting of bed frames, mattresses, bedding, pillows, and other essentials for qualifying families.

The initiative was created in response to ongoing concerns surrounding limited access to essential household resources, community health disparities, and the direct impact sleep insecurity can have on a child’s physical and emotional health and academic performance. Children who do not have adequate sleeping arrangements often struggle with reduced concentration, behavioral challenges, and barriers to success inside and outside the classroom.

Perry County was selected as the focus of this effort because of the opportunity to provide targeted, community-based support where need is significant and collaboration is strong. Organizers believe that ensuring children have a safe place to sleep is an investment in health, dignity, stability, and long-term opportunity.

“This initiative is about far more than building beds,” said Dr. Gary Furr, President of ACHMC. “It is about strengthening families, protecting dignity, improving educationaloutcomes, and showing children their community is invested in them.”

The Perry County School System, under the leadership of Superintendent Marcia Smiley, has played a key role early planning efforts and identifying ways schools and community partners can support implementation while helping preserve privacy and dignity for families.

Dr. Smiley expressed gratitude for Mr. Cuban’s generosity and for ACHMC and others who are donating funds and help.”At Perry County Schools, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that supports their well-being. A safe and comfortable bed directly impacts a child’s health, academic success, and overall quality of life. The Perry County: No Child Without a Bed Projectrepresents the very best of our community coming together to meet a critical need.”

Emefa Butler, a school Board member and Executive director of CHOICE in Uniontown, agreed. “We have seen firsthand how stable housing creates a foundation for hope, opportunity, and success. On behalf of the community, we extend our sincere gratitude to every mind and every hand that has contributed—and will continue to contribute—to supporting the ‘whole child’ in Perry County.Together, we are building a stronger future for our children and our community.”

The School-system is offering facility support, vocational and agriscience student involvement, and coordination to deeply root the effort in local ownership and service“By providing beds to children in need, we are not only furnishing homes—we are investing in brighter futures, stronger families, and a healthier community for all,” added Dr. Smiley. 

This countywide effort is built on the belief that lasting impact happens when communities work together. Organizers are encouraging grassroots participation through small local donations, major sponsorships, volunteerism, and partnerships that help create a sustainable and community-driven initiatives. Several organizations and leaders have already joined planning efforts, including:

· Perry County School System leadership 

· CHOICE Project Uniontown

• Sowing Seeds of Hope, Marion

• Together for Hope and Alabama Cooperative BaptistFellowship

· Project Grace 

· No Kid Hungry 

• Horseshoe Farms 

As planning continues, ACHMC and the Perry County School System are actively seeking support through monetary donations. They are also working county wide to address food insecurity through joint efforts.

The Perry County Bed Build Initiative also draws from lessons learned through similar collaborative efforts in other Alabama communities, helping organizers develop a thoughtful and sustainable model designed specifically for Perry County families.

The Perry County Bed Build Initiative represents more than a construction project—it is a countywide investment in healthier children, stronger families, improved educational outcomes, and a more connected Perry County. Frances Ford of Sowing Seeds of Hope put it more simply. “This is exciting!”

Individuals, businesses, organizations, or sponsors interested in supporting financially can donate directly here https://givebutter.com/ACHMC

Those interested in participating or helping in other ways or partnering in project development are encouraged to contact the Perry County Schools at https://www.perrycountyal.org/page/contact

Families interested in receiving information regarding bed eligibility, future announcements, or distribution updates are encouraged to contact the School System or follow for additional details as the project continues to develop.

 

Kela Spicer
kela.spicer@achmc.com

Dr. Gary Furr
gary.furr@achmc.com

Media Contact

Alabama Coalition for Healthy Mothers & Children (ACHMC)
Kela Spicer – kela.spicer@achmc.com
Dr. Gary Furr – gary.furr@achmc.com