KICKING BACK — Jeremiah Pierce, 5, showed off the free, new bed he received from the Neighbors in Christ Bed Program. The mattress and frame comprise one of two sets his family received for its John F. Kennedy Apartments residence in Steubenville. -- Christopher Dacanay

STEUBENVILLE — Born in Cleveland but living in Raleigh, N.C., since 1995, Walter Phelps had a lucrative career as a software engineer until health issues caused him to lose his job in February 2022. Two years later, Phelps lost his home and elected to relocate himself, his two sons and his daughter to Steubenville, where a friend said he could find a number of supportive services.

Residing at the Urban Mission’s dormitory shelter, Phelps and his family were “really starting out from nothing” in Steubenville, he recalled. Over time, Phelps was able to enroll in various programs and secure a new residence in Steubenville’s North End through the Jefferson Metropolitan Housing Authority.

As Phelps and his family prepared to move in, they looked for bed frames and mattresses to furnish the new residence. However, the cost proved to be prohibitive, and having no beds for the children meant they weren’t able to make the move, Phelps said.

“Many people, especially people with families — kids — come to shelters with nothing but the clothes on their back. There are programs in place for Medicaid, housing and a slew of other things, but if you have kids, you can’t leave the shelter without beds because of Child Protective Services. It could mean being in violation of their rules. So, having an apartment is great, but, without beds, it isn’t enough.”

It’s a conundrum not often considered: Where do outgoing shelter residents obtain beds for their new living arrangements? The same question can be asked about other appliances and furniture, but a bed deficit carries a special gravity, as individuals and their families may be forced to sleep on floors or piles of clothing.

Patty Bartnick admits that such bed troubles are a generally “unknown need,” one that she didn’t fully grasp until recently.

To fulfill that need, Bartnick and a team of parishioners at Triumph of the Cross Parish have organized a program that provides bed frames and mattresses for departing Urban Mission shelter residents. The Neighbors in Christ Bed Program has already served a handful of former residents since beginning distribution in December, and coordinators are seeking financial assistance to continue the program’s mission.

The program originated with the Rev. Matthew Gossett, pastor of Triumph of the Cross, who said he desired to help parishioners to live out the Gospel — loving the poor and giving of their means as Jesus instructed.

Gossett contacted the Franciscan Sisters TOR of Penance of the Sorrowful Mother. A community of nuns with a mission house in downtown Steubenville, the sisters helped to brainstorm parishioners’ service opportunities.

That resulted in the Works of Mercy Teams, which empower parishioners to carry out targeted service through initiatives around the community. The sisters provided training and modeled service for the teams, whose work ranges from nursing home ministry to small home projects.

One of those teams is the Neighbors in Christ Team, members of which work alongside TOR sisters as they minister to Urban Mission shelter residents. Team members host Bible studies, organize social events and listen to residents’ needs.

Through that ministry, team members learned how residents often lack beds for their new permanent housing.

Sister Katherine Caldwell, TOR, recalled an October meeting among herself, Bartnick and shelter management, during which the bed concept was conceived.

“The first thing we decided we could do — a feasible project (for the team) — was get them new beds because sleep is so important for a person’s wellbeing and rest,” Caldwell said. “What we’ve experienced is they’re so grateful to have a roof over their head that’s their space. So, the gratitude is there, but there’s a lot of stress to make it a home. … It’s a little bit we can do to help relieve that and enable them to feel welcome.”

Team members presented a proposal to Gossett in November, detailing their hopes for the program: “To provide for the basic needs of those transitioning from homelessness to their new homes” and “(let them) know the care and provision of Christ.”

Shelter managers calculated how many residents are likely to make the transition in a year. An estimated 130 beds would be needed for adults and another 40 for children at least 5 years old. The proposal notes that toddler beds are covered by the Gabriel Project

The cost of 185 bed frames and mattresses — queen and twin — came in at $26,500. Bartnick said the specific bed and frame models were chosen for their cost-effectiveness.

Fundraising to purchase the beds began in the run-up to Christmas. A Giving Tree at the parish offered parishioners a chance to donate any amount toward the cause. Other area churches contributed through their own giving opportunities, at Caldwell’s request.

The program collaborates closely with Amanda Moore, manager of the shelter at Martha Manor and Sixth Street dormitory. When a resident is preparing to transition out, Moore informs program officials so beds can be ordered and arrive in time.

Beds are delivered to Martha Manor, and Neighbors in Christ Team members help residents move into their new lodgings, when it’s time.

Moore noted that the Urban Mission provides bedding and other necessities for people in need — but not beds. It’s “really heartbreaking” when individuals don’t have a comfortable place to sleep, she said, which is why the program is so beneficial.

“Having a warm bed to sleep in at night really makes it feel like home,” Moore said, expressing gratitude for the program and its contributors.

Gossett said the program is “fantastic.” It’s heartening to see team members identifying needs and fulfilling them for the benefit of individuals and families, he added.

As of January, the program had raised $6,225, or roughly 23 percent of its fundraising goal for the year. Another fundraising opportunity, a Lenten benefit dinner will take place at 5:45 p.m. March 28 at Triumph of the Cross, preceded by Stations of the Cross at 5:15 p.m. Meals will be $5 per person and $20 per family.

Bartick said those wishing to support the program should visit https://www.osvhub.com/triumphofthecross/forms/neighbors.

Funds have paid for 13 mattresses and frames so far — ordered to accomodate individuals transitioning out of the shelters.

Two of those beds have gone to Bryana Pierce, who entered Urban Mission’s system in July and transitioned into the John F. Kennedy Apartments after getting a number of housing barriers resolved.

Pierce, who obtained the first bed for her 5-year-old son, Jeremiah, said the gift for her new apartment is “amazing.”

Another four beds went to Phelps and his family members.

Phelps recalled being “really moved” when the beds first went up in his North End residence. The gift of clean and sturdy beds is “really and truly a blessing,” he added.

Since then, Phelps and his family have acquired more appliances and furniture to make their house more of a home. Phelps himself is addressing his health issues, his youngest son is excelling in school and his daughter is preparing to enter school.

Creating a comfortable home environment is critical for a person’s mental state, Phelps said, particularly when it comes to beds.

“It gives you a sense of dignity that you would’ve lost without that. It gives you a place to lie down and be comfortable at night so that you can have a better rest for you and the whole family, so the kids can do better in school, and the adults can do better in life — what they need to do to be successful.”