Mike Perkins of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) spoke to Daybreak Rotary on Tuesday, October 19, about their program of building beds for underprivileged kids who have no bed in which to sleep. Since its inception, Sleep in Heavenly Peace has built and delivered beds for over 3,000 underprivileged kids in more than 30 states. “No Kid sleeps on the floor in my town“ is their Motto
Mike Perkins of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) spoke to Daybreak Rotary on Tuesday, October 19 about their program of building beds for underprivileged kids who have no bed in which to sleep. Since its inception, Sleep in Heavenly Peace has built and delivered beds for over 3,000 underprivileged kids in more than 30 states.
They fully believe that a bed is a basic need for the proper physical, emotional, and mental support of each child. That's exactly where Sleep in Heavenly Peace comes in! They are a group of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling and delivering top-notch bunk beds and bedding (mattress, sheet set, pillow, and pillowcase) to children and families in need. Their organization has grown steadily over time, and they're planning on opening more chapters in additional states to serve more people.
Their motto is “No kid sleeps on the floor in my town.“
Sleep in Heavenly Peace has built 89,539 beds since 2012! Their program works with individuals, businesses, and organizations to acquire materials and build the beds. Each bed costs around $250.00, but due to increasing shortages and costs, this amount is increasing. The following process is used to accomplish each Build Project:
- Donations are accepted and materials acquired
- Volunteers are organized and a Build Day selected
- The beds are usually built in shopping center parking lots or other large vacant spaces that must be scheduled
- The volunteers come together on Build Day and build the beds together.
- Families apply to receive free beds for children that are sleeping on the floor,
- Sometimes families partner with SHP and help to build their own beds!
- Volunteers deliver and set up the beds for the families in need
- The result – kids sleep peacefully in hand built beds of their very own!!!
Mike discovered Sleep in Heavenly Peace in December 2018. After attending training, he established a chapter in the Austin area in June of 2019. He built his first bed at Christmas to show kids how others have needs. A Facebook post attracted several volunteers who helped to build the beds. They now have a warehouse in Austin and are 100% self-sufficient!
Mike would like to establish a Chapter of SHP in Marble Falls to support the city and the surrounding area. To help Mike with this effort, Marble Falls Daybreak Rotary will organize a Build Day here, hopefully sometime in January! We will be looking for interested Volunteers. A Build Day usually takes about 4 hours and 8 - 12 beds are built using 24 different construction stations. Training is provided by 5 - 6 SHP personnel. Lowe’s is a huge supporter of SHP having provided them over $1 Million in Grants!
Mike Perkins has owned and operated MRP Services as a general contractor serving the Austin and surrounding area for 35 plus years.
A born and raised Texan, Mike currently resides in Sunrise Beach Village. He enjoys spending time with his family and 3 grandkids. When time allows, Mike enjoys woodworking, fishing, and kayaking.
A born and raised Texan, Mike currently resides in Sunrise Beach Village. He enjoys spending time with his family and 3 grandkids. When time allows, Mike enjoys woodworking, fishing, and kayaking.