Start a New Chapter: Make a Difference in Children’s Lives

May 6, 2025

Every great movement begins with a simple decision—the choice to step forward and make a difference in your community. At Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), we believe that when you take the focus off yourself and put it on doing good things around you, you receive true joy. Starting an SHP chapter is more than just organizing volunteers; it’s about answering a call to action that exists in every corner of America.

The Hidden Crisis in Your Community

Right now, approximately 2-3 percent of children in communities across America are experiencing childhood bedlessness. What does this look like? Children sleeping on floors, sharing beds with multiple siblings, or trying to rest on worn-out couches and torn air mattresses. While we’ve provided a quarter-million beds, we’ve received over one million bed requests—with millions more children potentially in need across North America.

Think about it: in your community right now, there are children who have never experienced the comfort and security of their own bed. This isn’t just a big city problem—over 7% of our applications come from rural communities with populations of 5,000 or less. Child bedlessness affects families everywhere, often those already facing significant life challenges.

Why Starting a Chapter Matters

When you take the focus off yourself and put it on doing good things around you, we believe you receive true joy. This simple truth has guided SHP’s growth from a single act of kindness in Idaho to an international movement with over 350 chapters across North America.

As a Chapter Leader, you’ll guide a team of volunteers who share your commitment to our mission –– ensuring NO KID SLEEPS ON THE FLOOR IN OUR TOWN!. You’ll be building more than just beds—you’ll be creating hope, restoring dignity, and giving children the foundation they need for a bright future.

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There’s something transformative about serving your neighbors. When you start an SHP chapter, you’re not just addressing a statistic—you’re changing real lives in your community. Every bed you build represents a child who can now wake up refreshed and ready to learn, a family that feels the support of their community, and a volunteer who experiences the profound joy of making a difference.

Our chapters have proven that local volunteers can create extraordinary impact. Since 2012, SHP volunteers have built and delivered over 275,000 beds, changing countless lives across America. But the need is far greater: Our chapters currently serve communities with a combined population of 77 million Americans. However, over 265 million Americans live in areas where SHP has yet to establish a presence.

How SHP Supports Your Journey

We understand that starting a chapter is a significant commitment, which is why we provide comprehensive support every step of the way:

    • Training and Guidance: After completing our initial application process, you’ll receive hands-on training at an in-person weekend session where you’ll learn everything needed to run a successful chapter.
    • Chapter President Handbook: Our detailed handbook guides you through all aspects of chapter leadership, updated regularly with the latest best practices.
    • Core Team Development: We help you build and maintain a dedicated team of volunteers through recruiting resources and team-building strategies.
    • Material Support: Access special equipment ordering processes, tool recommendations, and rental vehicle deals to help your chapter operate efficiently.
    • Financial Assistance: Through our SHP Giving Program, chapters can receive grants and financial support to help with operational needs.
    • Community Network: Join a nationwide network of chapter leaders who share insights, successes, and support through regular communication and collaboration.

The Time Commitment: Worth Every Moment

Yes, running an SHP chapter requires dedication. You’ll be responsible for organizing build days, coordinating deliveries, managing volunteers, and engaging with your community. But here’s what makes it all worthwhile: You’ll know it’s all worth it when you see the smile on the face of a child who may be receiving the first bed of their life from you.

Consider this reality: We’ve delivered 275,000 beds, but our mission is far from over. Millions of kids across America still lack this basic necessity. Your chapter could be the difference between a child sleeping on a cold floor and experiencing the dignity and comfort of their own bed.

Take the First Step

Starting an SHP chapter isn’t just about solving a problem—it’s about becoming part of a movement that believes every child deserves a good night’s sleep. It’s about leadership that demonstrates heart and genuine commitment to our mission and the families we serve.

If you’re ready to make a difference in your community, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you would like information on starting a chapter in your area, please complete the form below. You will receive an email detailing what it takes to build a team and start a chapter in your town.

Remember, Every child deserves a good night’s sleep—a chance to dream big and wake up ready to achieve those dreams. Will you be the one to make that dream a reality in your community?

Ready to start your chapter? Visit our website to complete the interest form and begin your journey to ensuring no kid sleeps on the floor in your town.

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