Jeff Hoemann, president of the Des Moines chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, joins the Catholic Morning Show to share how volunteers build and deliver beds for children who have been sleeping on floors, couches, and piles of clothes. He explains how one bed built in 2012 grew into more than 420 chapters nationwide, and how the Des Moines chapter has built 4,500 beds since 2018. Jeff also shares how you can volunteer at a build, donate, or apply for a bed for a child in need.
Jeff Hoemann, president of the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Des Moines chapter, joins Bo Bonner to talk about a need many people never think about: children without a bed. Sleep in Heavenly Peace began in 2012 when one man built a bed with leftover wood, offered it on Facebook, and found as many people wanting to help build as families needing beds. Today the nonprofit has more than 420 chapters across the country, and since 2018 the Des Moines chapter has built 4,500 beds for kids in the metro.
Jeff first heard about the ministry at a Knights of Columbus meeting, began building beds about two years ago, and stepped up as chapter president last year as he neared retirement. He describes the joy of delivery day, when a child who has been sleeping on the floor gets their very first bed, and explains why better sleep means kids who are more rested, more active, and better prepared for school. Growing up as one of five boys sharing three beds, Jeff says the need hits close to home, and he encourages listeners to find something they're passionate about and get involved.
How to help: sign up for a community build (they're designed to be fun, and groups are welcome), donate, or apply for a bed for a child in need through the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Des Moines chapter page. You can also drop off new twin sheets, pillows, and bedding at Integrity Printing, 1923 NW 92nd Ct, Clive. Learn more about the national organization at SHPbeds.org.
Heard on the Catholic Morning Show, weekdays at 7 a.m. Central on Iowa Catholic Radio. More at IowaCatholicRadio.com.
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