For some children, a bed isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a lifeline, a sense of safety, and a foundation for better days ahead. Yet an estimated two to three percent of children in the U.S. don’t have that one thing that so many of us take for granted—a bed. These children sleep on the floor, on a chair, or on a couch every night. And as I tucked myself into my warm bed the other night, I couldn’t help but think of those children not as fortunate.
That’s why I was so happy to learn that a non-profit called Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) had been chartered to fight just that battle—bringing beds hand-crafted with love to children who need them most.
This international nonprofit is dedicated to making sure that no child sleeps on the floor. With chapters across the United States, Canada, Bermuda, and the Bahamas, the organization has delivered over 250,000 beds since its inception. In 2024 alone, SHP delivered nearly 74,000 beds, including over 700 in Minnesota’s South Metro area.
Volunteer Susan Ryan first discovered SHP through a local meetup group. “I started sanding wood and using power tools for the first time. It was exciting, but it was even more meaningful knowing I was helping kids.”
The impact became even clearer when she joined a delivery. “You see the before situation and then the after. The kids are laughing with joy, hugging their beds. For the moms, they’re expressing tears to show their enormous feeling of relief.”
How Sleep in Heavenly Peace All Began
SHP’s story began when founder Luke Mickelson learned about a local child who didn’t have a bed. His first act of kindness—building and delivering a bed—snowballed into a movement. And it was a movement that would change lives by providing one of the most basic needs. Volunteers rallied, and chapters sprang up across the country. Support from initiatives like Mike Rowe’s Returning the Favor and BYU-TV’s Making Good propelled the organization forward.
Nate Miller, chapter president for the South Metro area, started after looking for bed-building plans online. Inspired by Mickelson’s mission, Nate jumped in and has been leading builds and deliveries ever since.
The Faces Behind the Work
While SHP has grown immensely, it thrives on the dedication of local volunteers like Susan and her teammate Cyndy. “Cyndy handles bedding applications and inventory while I focus on fundraising and volunteer recruitment,” Susan explains. Their teamwork frees up Nate to focus on building and delivering beds. “But we can always use more volunteers to help us satisfy the demand.”
Volunteers come from all walks of life, many without prior woodworking experience. “Our builds are well-organized, and everyone is trained and supervised,” Susan shares. SHP provides all tools and safety gear; volunteers simply need closed-toe shoes and a willingness to help. “We’re really just looking for people who want to show up and help. No one needs to know how to build a bed when they arrive. We’ll teach them everything they need to know.”
How You Can Help
SHP chapters host Build Days throughout the summer, inviting up to 300 volunteers for two-hour sessions to construct about 160 beds each month. For those unable to attend, sponsoring a Build Day or donating funds can make a significant impact. Each bed costs approximately $200 to build, including the frame, mattress, and bedding. Donations of new sheets, comforters, and pillows are also always welcome.
“Our most pressing need is volunteers,” Susan emphasizes. “It’s an amazing way to give back, meet people, and do something tangible for your community.”
The Heart of the Mission
“The situations we see before we get started can be absolutely heartbreaking,” Susan reflects. “But when you witness the joy and relief a new bed brings to a family, it’s life-changing—for them and you.”
For more information or to get involved, visit Sleep in Heavenly Peace or the South Metro chapter’s linktree at https://linktr.ee/MNTwinCitiesS.