What is the Beds for Kids program?

We provide children and youth living in poverty with beds, bedding, and tools that encourage healthy bedtime habits, so they can get the quality sleep they need to thrive.

Who can become a referral partner?

Nonprofit organizations, schools, medical offices, and service providers that work directly with children and caregivers in need and can verify eligibility are welcome to apply to become Basic referral partners. Becoming a Basic referral partner is only open to nonprofit organizations; for-profit organizations can refer families through our Reimbursement Program instead.

What geographic area does the Beds for Kids program serve?

We serve the Greater Philadelphia area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania, as well as Burlington, Camden, and Mercer counties in New Jersey.

Is there a fee to become a referral partner?

Membership is open to nonprofit organizations only. If your organization's annual revenue is above $750,000, a small membership fee is required to help sustain the Basic program; organizations can choose the membership tier that best aligns with their needs. You can view the available options on our referral partner application page.

Can caregivers apply directly?

Families aren’t able to self-refer. To verify eligibility, referrals must come from an organization that is familiar with the family’s circumstances and has completed at least one home visit.

What items are included with a bed delivery?

Each delivery includes a new twin-sized stainless-steel bed frame (tool-free assembly), a new twin-sized memory foam mattress, a sheet set, a blanket, a pillow, several age-appropriate books, a stuffed animal, a toothbrush, period products if needed, and educational materials on healthy sleep habits and bed bug prevention and treatment. 

Do you set up or assemble the beds?

Our delivery team takes care of bringing everything right into the home and places the items wherever the caregiver would like them. Caregivers assemble the bed frame themselves, which uses a simple, tool-free design with easy instructions — most families find set up is quick and easy.

How do I apply to become a referral partner?

Complete the referral partner application on our website. If you have any questions about the process, please don't hesitate to contact the Beds for Kids team.

How long does the application review process take?

Once we receive your completed application and membership fee (if applicable), we get started on the review right away. New partners receive a welcome email with their referral partner code and can begin submitting referrals right away. 

Do referral partners need to renew every year?

Yes — we ask all referral partners to submit a brief annual renewal. It only takes a few minutes and helps us keep contact information current and confirm that program guidelines are still being met.

How do I submit a referral?

Referrals are submitted through the online client referral form and enter your referral partner code. If you're ever unsure of your organization’s referral partner code, just reach out to the Beds for Kids team. Once a referral is approved, you'll receive an email, and we will deliver the bed(s) to the caregiver within thirty calendar days.

What information is needed to submit a referral?

The referral asks for the following information: the caregiver’s name, phone number, and address; the child’s name, age, and gender; confirmation that the child lacks a safe and appropriate sleeping arrangement; gross monthly household income; the number of adults and children in the household; and preferred language spoken in the home. Referrals must also come from an organization that has completed at least one home visit with the family. Having this information ready ahead of time will make the referral process quick and smooth for you. 

When does the referral period open and close?

We accept referrals year-round and never close submissions, so you can refer a child whenever the need arises.

Is there a limit to how many referrals we can submit?

Referral limits are based on program capacity and/or the membership tier chosen.

Who schedules the delivery?

The Beds for Kids team takes care of coordinating delivery directly with the caregiver once the referral is approved, so there's nothing more you need to do. You'll receive an email once we have scheduled the delivery. 

How will we know the status of a referral?

Referral partners will receive updates via email regarding approval, scheduling, any additional information needed, and when the referral has been fulfilled.

What happens if the caregiver is not home at the scheduled delivery time?

An adult must be home at the scheduled delivery time — if no one is home when our team arrives, we're not able to reschedule or redeliver for basic referrals. To help avoid this, we confirm the requirement with the caregiver ahead of time and send a reminder text the day before. We appreciate your help reinforcing this with the families you refer.

Who is eligible for the program? 

Children who:

• Lack a safe and appropriate sleeping arrangement.

• Are between the ages of 2 and 20.

• Live at or below the Federal Poverty Level. You can check the current guidelines on the Federal Poverty Guidelines page.

• Live in the Greater Philadelphia area.

What documentation is required to verify income eligibility?

Referral partners are required to verify that households meet the income eligibility guidelines before submitting a referral. 

Can we refer children who are currently in shelters or temporary housing?

We recommend waiting until the child is settled in permanent housing, since our funding requires us to provide a bed once it's in the child's primary residence. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to talk through timing.

Can a child receive a bed more than once?

Our funding allows us to provide a bed to each child one time. We understand circumstances can change, so referrals are always reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 

Can we refer foster children or kinship children?

Foster children and children in kinship care are eligible as long as they meet the program’s age, housing, and income criteria. Please submit the referral under the caregiver who is legally responsible for the child’s primary residence.

What should we do if a caregiver’s living situation or contact information changes after the referral is submitted?

Please contact the Beds for Kids team as soon as you're able. We can update the referral if the caregiver’s address, contact information, or housing situation changes before delivery.

Are translation services available for caregivers who do not speak English?

We're glad to communicate with the caregiver in their preferred language, so please don't hesitate to include that information.

What should we do if a caregiver reports a problem after delivery?

Please contact the Beds for Kids team as soon as possible. We will work with the caregiver to address any issues with the bed, mattress, or other delivered items.