The charity Sleep in Heavenly Peace is gearing up to build 50 beds for kids in need
By Patricia Nugent
With the mission statement, “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town,” the charity Sleep in Heavenly Peace runs on the noble and lofty ambition to provide beds for local children who sleep on couches or even floors as they don’t have a proper beds.
“I think people would be surprised if they knew how many of the kids in our community don’t sleep on a bed,” says local chapter leader Brian Lach. He found out about the national non-profit organization while watching CNN. There was a profile on Luke Mickelson, who in 2012 dedicated his program to build, assemble and deliver bunk beds to families in need.
“I believed so much in the purpose, I ended up flying to Idaho to undergo training to be a chapter president for Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga counties,” he says.
For the past several years, Bill Streb, owner of Streb Electric, and his wife have been volunteers at events, helping to build the beds from scratch.
“Helping the less fortunate in our community has always been important to us,” says Bill. “Whenever we find ways to give back, we do so wholeheartedly. I’m thankful to our employees and their families, as well as the Lake County Off Road Club, the members of which are pitching in to help. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is just one of the charities we are involved with each year, and it’s really close to our hearts.”
The beds built during the event will be delivered to homes starting now and running through the winter months. Included in the delivery are the bed frame, mattress, pillows and sheets.
“We are so thankful to Bill for his generosity in hosting this event,” says Brian.
Pinpointing Families in Need
One of several chapters in Ohio, Brian’s volunteer-driven group has partnered with local social service organizations to pinpoint needy families.
“Sleep is critical to a child’s emotional and physical development,” says Brian. “Every child deserves to have a place to lay their head at night that is comfortable and promotes a good night’s sleep.”
Brian says that so far, his crew has built and delivered more than 400 beds since its inception in 2019. This year alone they’ll construct 150.
“What makes our organization so special is that the community comes together to lend a hand,” says Brian. “For us, the roadblock is most people don’t realize how much need there is, how many kids have spent their whole lives sleeping on a couch or the floor. Working with social services agencies, as well as the local police and fire departments, we know the need is real.”
He adds that volunteers get to deliver the beds as well and see the amazing reactions on the kids’ faces.
“If you or someone you know is in need of a bed, we hope you sign up at our website,” says Brian.
Bunks Across America
A legion of local volunteers will roll up their sleeves on Saturday, September 10, at the Streb Electric warehouse to build 50 bunks this day for needy families in the area. There are many ways you can join the effort, helping deliver the beds throughout the year. To sign up, go to SHPbeds.org and follow the drop-down menu under “get involved” to find Lake County, then click “register now.”
Sleep in Heavenly Peace builds bunks for kids in Lake and Geauga counties, as well as parts of Eastern Cuyahoga County. There are no paid employees and 100% of any donation goes toward the building and delivering of beds. For more information, or to donate your time, money or new bedding, visit SHPbeds.org, call Brian directly at 440-749-4098, or email him at brian.lach@shpbeds.org.