Sleep in Heavenly Peace, MO-Columbia Chapter

At Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), our mission is simple: “NO KID SLEEPS ON THE FLOOR IN OUR TOWN!”  We are an organization that builds and delivers beds to children needing a safe place to sleep.

Based on SHP research, an estimated 2-3% of children nationwide do not have a bed of their own. That means in Columbia, there are roughly 700 children who are sleeping on a couch, air mattress, or on the floor.

To give these children a safe and warm place to rest, the Columbia chapter began hosting semi-monthly Community Bed Builds in March 2024. Volunteers help at stations along the build process to move beds down an assembly line. All training and tools are provided, and no prior experience is necessary.

Since our launch, we've had close to 250 volunteers share the gifts of their time and service to build nearly 160 beds for Columbia children in need. Their dedication and hard work have been truly inspiring and a testament to the power of community action. 

Once the beds are built, we partner with local social service agencies – including the Columbia Housing Authority, Salvation Army, Love Columbia, and the Central Missouri Foster Care and Adoption Association – to identify local bed recipients. Of course, anyone can apply directly at www.shpbeds.org/apply.

After we've vetted the applications, we deliver beds to local children. Each comes with a sturdy wooden frame, mattress, mattress protector, pillow, sheets, and comforter. By the end of 2024, we will deliver over 115 beds.

At SHP, we believe that we are doing so much more than building beds. We are bringing together families, neighborhoods, community groups, churches, service organizations, and businesses to lend hope and support to the most vulnerable of our community.