Big Kids

Formerly homeless boy weeps with happiness as he gets his own bed

When Dionna Neely lost her nursing job in Detroit, Michigan,she and her 8-year-old son Daeyrs became homeless. 

Moving from one homeless shelter to another, all young Daeyrs wants was a bed of his own. 

Eventually Dionna and Daeyrs were given permanent housing- but it was unfurnished. The only furniture they owned were a few camping chairs and sleeping bags. 

Luckily for them, Detroit charity, Humble Design, stepped in to furnish their new home and make a little boys dream come true. 

Taking the mother and son out on a day trip, they returned home to a fully kitted-out house. 

But it was when he saw his own bed, Daeyrs broke down in sobs. 

Speaking to CNN, the founder of Humble Designs, Tregar Strasberg, said: 

“Seeing how much having a bed and his own room meant to Daeyrs, it really made me realise what’s important in life and grateful for everything I have.

He was so excited to have his own room, but also so overwhelmed by what having this really means for him after all he’s been through.”

In 2017, the not-for-profit aided over 150 families to transition from emergency shelter to fully-furnished housing. 

"He was so happy" Dionna said, "he's still happy to this day." 

"I didn't think it would be like this, but it's really amazing." 

Search
Search results for
View all