In 2012, Jake Thompson discovered a family in his neighborhood who had no choice but to sleep on the floor. “The little girl had a makeshift bed made of clothing, resembling a tiny bird’s nest,” he recounted in a recent interview. Rather than merely sympathizing with their plight, Thompson took action.
He constructed beds for the family, and the joy on the girl’s face when she received it was unforgettable. “She hugged the bed and wouldn’t let go.” That moment profoundly impacted Thompson, prompting him to examine the conditions of other children in his close-knit community in Idaho. He realized many kids were in similar situations; for numerous low-income families, having a bed is a luxury they simply cannot afford.
A Personal Connection to the Issue
This issue isn’t new. A friend of mine from high school also faced similar hardships. He once hesitated to let me into his room, eventually revealing he slept in a tattered sleeping bag on the floor of his grandmother’s cramped apartment. When I asked why he lacked a bed, he simply shrugged, saying, “We just don’t have the money.” I was taken aback.
Having grown up in Idaho, Thompson had a similar reaction. “I had no idea about the need,” he shared. “There are children nearby whose parents are struggling to provide the basics—food, clothing, shelter. A bed is just a luxury.” Instead of just thinking about it, he decided to take action, which is truly inspiring. Using his daughter’s bed as a model, he purchased wood and began crafting beds.
Building a Movement
Thompson has a knack for woodworking, something I can only admire; the last time I attempted a household repair, I ended up calling a plumber after a series of mishaps. However, by the end of his first year, Thompson had built 11 beds in his garage—a remarkable feat compared to my personal zero. But the story doesn’t end there. The following year, he produced 15 beds, and by 2017, he had constructed an astounding 612 bunk beds!
That’s right; 612! Since these are bunk beds, that means he helped provide places for even more children to sleep. So, how did he manage to create such a massive number of beds while balancing family life and a full-time job? Thompson chose to quit his job. Fueled by the impact he was making, he founded the non-profit organization “Sleep in Heavenly Peace,” which now has 65 chapters across the United States and has delivered over 1,500 free beds.
The Need for Change
This is what real change looks like. A simple bed is a basic necessity, yet so many families struggle to provide one. Sleep in Heavenly Peace receives an average of 25 requests for beds each day, translating to over 9,000 families annually reaching out for help. Imagine how many families in your own city could be in need.
Thompson recounted a pivotal moment during a bed delivery on Christmas in 2012. It was then he realized the extent of the issue in his town. “My first delivery ignited my passion for this cause,” he explained. “I couldn’t bear the thought of a child sleeping without a bed when I had the ability to help. Our mission is simple: ‘No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town.’ We want to make our community a better place for all.”
Empowering Children
When delivering beds, Thompson emphasizes the importance of ownership to the children. “We want them to know, ‘This is your bed. This belongs to you.’ The excitement is palpable; they want to help with the construction, using tools and carrying wood. Instilling a sense of responsibility and ownership in a child, along with providing a good night’s sleep, can profoundly impact their confidence and well-being.”
How You Can Help
For those interested in contributing, Thompson encourages people to reach out to their local chapter, donate funds, or volunteer to help build and deliver beds. It’s a small gesture—a bed—but one that many take for granted. The thought of children lacking such a fundamental necessity is heartbreaking.
If you’re inspired to get involved, check out the Sleep in Heavenly Peace website to find your nearest chapter and learn how you can help ensure no one in your community has to sleep on the floor. Also, if you are curious about home insemination, visit intracervicalinsemination.com to read more about it, or check out Make a Mom for information on artificial insemination kits. Additionally, for those looking for great resources on pregnancy and home insemination, the NHS provides excellent information.
Conclusion
In summary, Jake Thompson’s journey from discovering a family in need to establishing a non-profit organization that provides beds for children has sparked significant change in his community. By transforming a simple act of kindness into a mission, he has made a tangible difference in the lives of many families.