Perry County schools selected for national No Child Without a Bed Project

The Alabama Coalition for Healthy Mothers & Children has partnered with the Perry County School System to launch the Perry County: No Child Without a Bed Project.

The project is a countywide initiative to provide beds for children in need. It includes a $20,000 grant from the Mark Cuban Foundation, which supported a similar project in Sumter County last year.

“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.

The initiative will provide beds and essential sleep resources for children and families in need throughout Perry County, including bed frames, mattresses, bedding, pillows and other essentials for qualifying families.

Perry County was selected because of the opportunity to provide targeted 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 educational outcomes, and showing children their community is invested in them.”

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

"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 Project represents the very best of our community coming together to meet a critical need.”

The school system is providing facility support, vocational and agriscience student involvement, and coordination to help ensure local ownership of the effort.

“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.

Emefa Butler, a Perry County Board of Education member and Executive Director of CHOICE in Uniontown, agreed.

“We have seen firsthand how stable housing creates a foundation for hope, opportunity and success,” she said. “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.”

Organizers are encouraging donations, sponsorships, volunteerism and partnerships to support a sustainable, community-driven initiative. 

Planning partners include the Perry County School System, CHOICE Project Uniontown, Sowing Seeds of Hope, Together for Hope, Alabama Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Project Grace, No Kid Hungry, and Horseshoe Farms.