The "Sweet Dreams Bed Program" was launched in 1995 in response to requests from Conference Vincentian volunteers trying to provide new beds, including baby beds, for clients who do not have beds or the financial resources to buy them.

We all know that it is difficult to work or study without a good nights sleep. Babies need a safe bed of their own, rather than sharing a bed with parents or siblings who might roll over them or hit them accidentally with a hand or elbow. Yet many families are spending winter nights on the floor, and babies share beds with whoever has a bed.

The reasons that clients have no beds varies, but the most common reasons are poverty; flight from domestic violence; a fire at the home and no insurance to replace furniture; relocation to take a new job without funds to move household items; and relatives who take custody of children when parents are sick' incarcerated, or otherwise unable to care for their children.

Each need is verified by a home visit by two Vincentian volunteers. Many times the family is visited because they need assistance with their mortgage or utilities and the Vincentian volunteers notice that there is no furniture or food in the house.

They can then request beds through the "Sweet Dreams Bed Program."