In 2012, a man named Jake Thompson learned about a family in his neighborhood that was forced to sleep on the floor. He described the heartbreaking sight of a young girl who used a pile of clothes as her makeshift bed. Rather than just feeling sorry for them, Thompson took immediate action. He decided to build beds for families in need. “When we delivered the bed, the little girl wrapped her arms around it and wouldn’t let go,” he recalled in an interview.
That experience profoundly impacted Thompson. As he observed his close-knit community in Idaho, he discovered that many children were in similar situations. For numerous low-income families, having a bed to sleep in was a luxury they simply couldn’t afford. Sadly, this issue isn’t new. I recall a friend from high school who wouldn’t let me into his room for years. It wasn’t until he felt comfortable that he revealed he was sleeping in a tattered sleeping bag on the floor of his grandmother’s cramped apartment. When I asked him why he didn’t have a bed, he shrugged and said, “We just don’t have the money.” I was stunned.
Thompson, who was raised in Idaho, felt a similar shock but chose to act. “I had no idea about the extent of the need,” he said. “There are kids next door whose parents struggle just to put food on the table, let alone afford a bed.” Instead of just thinking about helping, he decided to take action. Using his daughter’s bed as a model, he gathered materials and began crafting beds.
Unlike me, who once made such a mess while attempting to fix something at home that my spouse had to call in a professional, Thompson clearly had a knack for carpentry. By the end of his first year, he had constructed 11 beds in his garage, a remarkable feat compared to my zero. The following year, he built 15. By 2017, that number skyrocketed to 612 bunk beds, which, when you consider that each bunk bed serves two children, means he helped over 1,200 kids find a place to sleep.
Inspired by the impact of his efforts, Thompson made the bold decision to leave his full-time job in order to dedicate himself entirely to this cause. Now, through his non-profit organization, Sleep In Heavenly Peace, he has established 65 chapters across the nation, delivering over 1,500 free beds to families in need.
A Powerful Example of Change in Action
This is a powerful example of change in action. A bed might seem like a basic necessity, yet many children go without it. Sleep In Heavenly Peace receives an average of 25 requests for beds daily, equating to over 9,000 families each year seeking assistance. Just think about how many families in your own city might be struggling.
Thompson recalled a pivotal moment during a Christmas delivery in 2012; that experience opened his eyes to the harsh realities facing many children in his town. “My first delivery ignited my passion,” he explained. “I couldn’t bear the thought of a child sleeping in those conditions, especially when I could do something about it. Our mission is simple: ‘No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town.’ We aim to make our community a better place for everyone.”
When delivering beds, Thompson emphasizes to families that “This is your bed. This is yours.” He believes in instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility in the children, which can boost their confidence and provide them with a good night’s sleep.
How You Can Get Involved
For those looking to get involved, Thompson advises reaching out to local chapters, making donations, or volunteering time to help build or deliver beds. The act of providing a bed, something many take for granted, can transform lives.
If you want to lend a hand, consider visiting the Sleep In Heavenly Peace website to find a chapter near you and learn more about ensuring that no child in your town has to sleep on the floor. This is a cause that truly deserves attention.
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Conclusion
In summary, Jake Thompson’s journey from a concerned citizen to a community hero shows the profound impact one person can have. By building beds for children in need, he is not only providing a basic necessity but also fostering a sense of dignity and hope.