Keyway’s three housing facilities see lots of clients year after year, and over time, the beds get worn down and in need of replacement.
With the assistance of ARPA grant funding, in October, Keyway purchased all new beds and bed frames for each participant of the residential program, with 65 beds replaced in total, including both frames and mattresses.
To “top” it off — the new beds also came with all new bedding.
But the task of moving, hauling away, and setting up every single bed was no easy feat, and we had to call in volunteers and community supporters to make it a success.
On Oct. 13 and 14, Keyway participants joined 12 volunteers and several staff members in banding together for the “Great Bed Switch-Out of 2023.”
“I really wanted our participants to feel ownership over this process and the new beds,” said Sarah Quinn, community engagement coordinator, who organized the effort. “This is their community. This is the start of their new lives. So the day before the two-day volunteer event, I gathered up all the participants and gave everyone assignments.
"It was incredible to see the teamwork and collaboration amongst the participants to clean and prep the apartments for their new beds,” she continued. “They were also working right alongside our volunteers all weekend to help!”
McCarthy Construction bolstered the initiative with four first-time volunteers, and Last Mile Liquidators not only generously donated 44 sets of flannel sheets for the winter but also aided in the bed moves.
For some volunteers, it was a family affair.
“My mom, uncle and I were so happy to participate, and it was really great to see everyone come together to get this huge job done!” said volunteer Olivia Goldkamp. “Having small comforts like a new pillow and fresh set of sheets can be such a blessing, and we are so glad to have been a part of providing these.”
And volunteering for others included sharing their unique area of expertise.
Kari Carey and Rob Girardier, owners of The Bed Guy in south St. Louis, helped Keyway by checking with vendors about different options and suggesting a haul-away service. They also held the new mattresses in their warehouse for several weeks while the switch-out logistics were being planned, before delivering the mattresses bright and early on “go” day.
After only two months on staff at Keyway, Quinn welcomed the challenge of planning this substantial volunteer project, earning her the affectionate nickname "Home Depot" from her coworkers.
“The logistical hurdles and countless hours and weeks of coordinating are all worth it when you get to witness our supporters coming together with our participants to make something like this huge project a success,” she said. “Our participants are always so grateful for these opportunities, and our volunteers always walk away energized and ready to jump in to the next project.
“Seeing everyone work together, laugh together, and exist in community together is what it’s all about.”
