In 2012, a man named Jason Rivers discovered a family in his neighborhood who was forced to sleep on the floor. “The little girl had a bundle of clothes, resembling a makeshift nest, and that’s where she slept,” he recounted. Instead of merely feeling sympathy for their plight, Jason took action.
He decided to build beds for the family. “When we delivered the bed, she couldn’t stop hugging it,” he recalled. This experience opened Jason’s eyes to a troubling reality: many children in his close-knit community of Idaho were in similar situations, as for countless low-income families, a bed is a luxury they simply cannot afford.
A Personal Reflection
This issue isn’t new. A friend of mine in high school once hesitated to invite me into his room, and it turned out he was sleeping in a frayed sleeping bag on the floor of his grandmother’s cramped apartment. When I asked why he didn’t have a bed, he shrugged and said, “We just don’t have the money.” I was taken aback.
Growing up in Idaho, Jason shared my shock but chose to do something about it. “I had no idea the need was so great,” he told a reporter. “There are kids nearby whose parents are struggling just to provide food and shelter. A bed is just a luxury.” Instead of just thinking about making a difference, he actually did something.
The Journey Begins
Using his daughter’s bed as a model, Jason bought some wood and got to work. Unlike me, who once ended up calling a plumber after a DIY project went awry, Jason clearly had a knack for woodworking. By the end of his first year, he had constructed 11 beds in his garage. Not too shabby, especially compared to my zero.
The following year, he built 15 beds, and by 2017, that number skyrocketed to 612. Yes, you read that right. That staggering figure means he provided beds for even more children, considering many are bunk beds. It made me wonder: how does one manage to create that many beds while juggling family and a full-time job?
Turning Passion into Purpose
For Jason Rivers, the answer was to quit his job. His passion for helping families led him to establish the non-profit organization Sleep In Heavenly Peace, which now has 65 chapters across the United States. Together, they have built and delivered over 1,500 beds free of charge.
This, my friends, is what real change looks like. Few things are as fundamental as a bed, yet many families struggle to provide this basic necessity. Sleep In Heavenly Peace receives an average of 25 requests for beds every day, translating to over 9,000 families annually seeking assistance. Just think about how many of those families are in your own community.
A Transformative Experience
Jason shared a transformative experience during a Christmas bed delivery in 2012 that lit a fire under him. “That first delivery motivated me to take action,” he explained. “I couldn’t bear the thought of a child sleeping in such conditions when I had the ability to help. Our mission is simple: ‘No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town.’ We want to create a community where everyone has a bed.”
When delivering beds, they emphasize to the children, “This is your bed. This is yours.” It’s about giving kids a sense of ownership and responsibility, not just a good night’s sleep. When kids help build their beds, they learn valuable lessons, gain confidence, and cherish their new possessions.
How You Can Help
If you’re inspired to help, Jason encourages reaching out to your local chapter, donating funds, or volunteering to build and deliver beds. A bed may seem like a small comfort to many, but for children going without, it’s a significant change. If you’re interested in making a difference, consider visiting the Sleep In Heavenly Peace website for information on how to ensure that no child in your town sleeps on the floor.
Conclusion
In summary, Jason Rivers’ journey began with a simple act of kindness that blossomed into a nationwide movement. His organization, Sleep In Heavenly Peace, continues to transform lives by providing beds to children in need. Through his efforts, he exemplifies the power of community and the impact one individual can have on the lives of many.
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