As you go to sleep tonight or tuck your kids into bed, think about the value a comfortable and safe place to sleep can have. Sleep is not only a necessity, but it can also be a very vulnerable state. Most of us have the privilege of snuggling up into a cozy place where we can expect to sleep for as long as our alarm clocks will allow. However, not every child has that privilege. 

The last thing children should have to think about is where they have to sleep. Many kids in our area must sleep on the floor, air mattresses, couches, or with other members of their family. But an organization called Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) is hoping to remedy that issue. In fact, there's an opportunity to help build and deliver beds this weekend! 

A Place For Every Child

Gary and Nikki are Co-Presidents of the Houston NW Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization that builds, assembles, and delivers bunk or single beds, free of charge, to homes with kids from ages 3 to 17 who have no beds of their own.

The organization has grown steadily since its beginning and numbers 205 chapters throughout the U.S. and Canada. Through the wonderful efforts of sponsors, volunteers, and generous donations of funds and bedding, SHP is fulfilling its mission: No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in our Town!

Ashley Smalls, who works with the Department of Family and Protective Services, says she has seen what a great blessing Sleep in Heavenly Peace has been to the community. She says, “I have seen first-hand the impact it has on the children that need beds. The organization has helped several families that we serve at Children Protective Services.”

How it Works

Sleep in Heavenly Peace partners with organizations such as churches, businesses, and individuals to build beds at events called Build Days. These Build Days are held at the build shop on the campus of The MET Church on Jones Road.

Since its first Build in mid-August of last year, the Houston NW chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace has built 768 beds and delivered 678 cargo style beds and bedding to kids in need. Even with such great work, there is still currently a backlog of 200+ requests for beds!

Get Involved

1. Host A build Day

The Akins are actively seeking sponsor organizations for Team Builds. For only $300 per bed, sponsor organizations can participate in building and providing bedding for as many bunk beds as they choose. Sponsors may choose to involve their volunteers to work alongside Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s dedicated and experienced team members on their Special Build Day. 

2. Sponsor a Build Day

If sponsors aren't able to help, they may also choose to fund a build day with as or few people involved as they'd like. for a Public Build Day.  Children as young as seven are welcome to come with parents, as there are several areas in the build process where they can participate. 

3. Volunteer for A Day

Sleep in Heavenly Peace will have an open Chapter build day on October 12, 2019. If you have anyone interested in seeing first hand just how the process works, they're welcome to join. If you would like to help build and/or deliver beds at this event, you can register here. 

The day will begin with an orientation at 8 AM sharp and build until noon and then they will deliver to a few homes from 1:00pm – 3:00pm .

You can learn more about Sleep in Heavenly Peace here, or contact Gary and Nikki Akin by phone (832-326-3678) or email.