“FIRST FRUITS” DEDICATION AND CELEBRATION APRIL 14, 2018
Everett Gospel Mission invites the community to tour, celebrate and dedicate their new Transformational Bed System installed at the Men’s Genesis dorm. This unique and innovative design is the “first fruits” of EGM’s ongoing efforts to develop better strategies that help our guest heal from the trauma of homelessness. It is the first of its kind in the United States.
The Transformational Bed System provides safety, privacy and functionality beyond traditional bunk beds or other systems. EGM’s system provides unique and safe access to the beds. One significant problem with the old, traditional bunk bed is the difficulty of climbing into upper bunks. EGM’s Transformational Bed System provides access to an upper bunk safely for guests and makes it possible for every bed to be used every night regardless of physical ability. In addition to safety, the bed system provides each guest personal storage, increased privacy, and a power source to securely charge critical communication devices.
“Requiring someone who has suffered from homelessness to sleep in a traditional bunk bed is less than ideal,” said Sylvia Anderson, EGM’s CEO. “The trauma of homelessness severely impacts a person’s physical and emotional health. That damage makes a bunk bed a difficult proposition at best. The typical ladder, rails and openness of a bunk bed make the recovery process more difficult. We want to celebrate and dedicate this strategic change with our donors and the community.”
John Hull, EGM’s Director of Strategic Initiatives led the project to design and produce the Transformational Bed System.
Hull noted, “In designing our new bed system, we began with the radical question: ‘What does a bed look like that will help our guests the most?’ We literally began to ask, ‘why can’t we do shelter differently.’ That bold start began a 2-year journey of fact-finding, design and production. The beds installed in the EGM Men’s Genesis dorm represent the “First Fruits” of that process. We are confident that this bed system is just the beginning of new innovative initiatives to aid our community.”
Donors, supporters and members of the community are encouraged join the celebration this Saturday, April 14th at the EGM Men’s Mission. The Men’s Mission is located at 3711 Smith Ave in Everett.
The entire community is invited to join the EGM staff and Board of Directors to tour the bed system during our open house from 1 to 3 PM. A short Dedication Ceremony will take place at 2PM. Refreshments will be served.
Please, RSVP 425.740.2550 or let us know on Facebook
Everett Gospel Mission (EGM) first opened its doors in 1961 to care for the rising number of persons living on the streets in Everett. Today, they are national leaders in the ministry of rescue offered to men, women and families living without roofs throughout Snohomish County.
