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Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a national organization dedicated to building, assembling, and delivering beds to children and families in need. Based in Idaho, the non-profit started out of a garage in 2018 and now has branches nationwide, including 14 in North Carolina. 

“Here in Washington and Beaufort County, we have been working with the chapter in Williamston for about a year now,” said Jim Bilbro. “We currently have approximately twelve to fifteen volunteers, most of whom are from Wares Chapel United Methodist Church. Our first involvement was a bed build in Rocky Mount, and things have quickly blossomed from there. As word got out, requests started coming in from the Washington area, resulting in the need for assistance in making and delivering the beds in our area.”

Bilbro likened the build process to an assembly line. They start by cutting the pieces that are needed for each order, which then make their way down a series of stations. At the last station, they put the headboard and footboard together. All of the pieces for each order are gathered and stored, awaiting delivery and assembly at each residence. All of the twin-sized beds are assembled the same way, so they can easily be used as single beds or converted into bunk beds when space is an issue. On average approximately 100 beds are assembled at each build. 

“We also speak with the recipients in advance so we know if the beds are for girls or boys and if they have any special themes they like,” said Bilbro. “Each bed comes with a mattress, pillow and theme-based sheets, and comforters. In all, the average cost is around two hundred dollars and is free for the families.”

One of the recent recipients in Washington was Aisha Cannon, who is the single mother of four boys aged, 2, 5, 10, and 11. All of whom, were sleeping on air mattresses on the floor. “I’m a single mother, and it takes a lot to raise four kids on your own,” said Cannon. “Personally this has meant a lot to me and my kids. Just getting some help has really kept me from struggling as much. This certainly came at the right time for me and my family and I hope and pray they continue to do them for other families as well.”

Bilbro added the experience has also been very heartwarming for him. “It really touches me in so many different ways,” said Bilbro. “When you have the opportunity to see the children walk into a room and see their faces light up when they see the new beds with Spiderman sheets and comforter, it really breaks your heart. You feel blessed for what you have, as these folks are just trying to do the best they can.”

Per the guidelines of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, branches can only be located so close to each other geographically. As a result, Washington is too close to Williamston for it to have a branch. But, Bilbro pointed out they still have big plans locally. “Our goal is to find a place here in town where we can start building the beds rather than having to travel to Williamston. You can only promise as many as you have, so an additional bed-building site will help to accommodate the growing requests in our area. To date, we have delivered 50 beds in the Washington area.”

To qualify as a bed recipient, those applying must be the legal guardian of the child or children 3-17 years old who will be receiving the bed or beds. Or, they must have a referral from a school, Social Services, family, or from another local agency. The orders for beds are fulfilled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those applying for assistance are requested to share their specific circumstances. The approved orders are then prioritized based on need. To apply, visit shpbed.org/apply/.

Those wishing to volunteer or make a donation can contact Tom Jacobs by calling 814-571-3199 or they can reach Jim Bilbro at 252-702-7703.