Bob and Ingrid Hirschi have been named the recipients of the annual Guardian of the Mission Award presented by Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), honoring their exceptional Chattanooga, Tennessee chapter leadership.
A Heart of Service
Since joining SHP in January 2019, Bob Hirschi has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission of ensuring no child sleeps on the floor. His love, fervor, and enthusiasm for helping others is immediately evident to anyone who meets him. Bob approaches every aspect of his work with SHP with excellence, serving as a beacon of light and hope throughout the Chattanooga community.
Known for wearing his signature suspenders during builds and deliveries, Bob brings both personality and professionalism to his role. His selfless dedication has inspired countless community members to volunteer their time, donate resources, and participate in the mission of providing beds for children in need.
Building Community Through Compassion
What distinguishes Bob is his eagerness to meet the needs of those who can never repay him, demonstrating the true spirit of selfless service. His consistent actions match his words, as evidenced by his personal social media presence, which showcases his ongoing dedication to the cause. Bob welcomes volunteers from all walks of life with open arms, creating a welcoming environment where everyone can contribute to making a difference.
Through Bob’s leadership, the Chattanooga chapter has facilitated numerous opportunities for community members to actively participate in addressing childhood bedlessness—one child at a time. His contagious kindness has spread throughout the city, mobilizing volunteers and donors alike.
“There are no words to express my gratitude for the honor and privilege of working with the best team. This award is truly about an amazing group of people that I get to share my heart and life with. Thank you all SHP-Chattanooga, SHP Leaders, and the amazing organization we are blessed to be a part of!”
Inspiring Character
Perhaps the most profound testament to Bob’s character is how he balances his service to the community with devoted care for his wife Ingrid, who is a treasure to the SHP mission and is currently navigating late-stage Alzheimer’s. This difficult personal journey has not diminished his commitment to serving others; rather, it exemplifies the depth of his compassion and his willingness to put others before himself.
The hallmark of Bob’s leadership is his willingness to sacrifice for the well-being of others—a quality that defines not only his work with SHP but also his personal life. This selfless nature embodies everything the Guardian of the Mission Award represents and makes Bob and Ingrid Hirschi truly deserving recipients.
Hirschi Family
Bob, Ingrad and Maggie with the Guardian of the Mission Award
2024 Guardian of the Mission Award – Bob and Ingrid Hirschi
Bob arrives at award presentation
2024 Guardian of the Mission Award – Bob and Ingrid Hirschi
Bob Hirschi and Eddie Arnold
2024 Guardian of the Mission Award – Bob and Ingrid Hirschi
Bob accepts the Guardian of the Mission Award from SHP Board and Executive Team
The Legacy of Heather Allen
Heather Allen
When Heather Allen co-founded the Boise Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace in 2013, she transformed what could have been a simple bed delivery service into a deeply human mission of care and dignity. Drawing from her background in elementary education and experience at the Women and Children’s Center, Heather recognized that providing a bed was just the beginning—it was the human connection that made the real difference.
While SHP’s founders and volunteers focused on building beds, Heather developed the heart of SHP’s mission. She created a compassionate application process that prioritized listening to families’ stories, understanding their struggles, and treating each interaction with empathy and respect. “It was about so much more than the bed,” Heather observed. “It’s the vetting component that makes the whole experience much more intimate, much more human.”
As a founding board member, Heather’s influence shaped every aspect of SHP’s growth, from risk management to volunteer safety, always putting the mission first. Her legacy lives on through the Heather Allen Guardian of the Mission Award, established in 2020 to recognize those who embody her spirit of service.
This prestigious award honors individuals who demonstrate:
- Selfless dedication to serving others
- Leadership that inspires and empowers
- Unwavering focus on families in need
- Community building and collaboration
- Commitment to SHP’s mission that no kid sleeps on the floor
The Guardian of the Mission Award ensures that Heather’s vision—where every bed delivery is an opportunity to show care, respect, and human kindness—continues to guide SHP’s future.