Sleep in Heavenly Peace delivers its 400,000th bed

Sleep in Heavenly Peace marked a major milestone with the delivery of its 400,000th bed in Cincinnati on Aug. 25, while more than 100,000 children remain on the nonprofit’s waitlist nationwide. The group says the pace of growth shows both the scale of volunteer support and the persistent need for beds across the U.S.

Why it matters: - Sleep in Heavenly Peace has now delivered 400,000 beds to children in need since 2012. - More than 100,000 children are still waiting for beds through SHP chapters nationwide. - The milestone underscores both the reach of the volunteer network and the continuing demand for beds in local communities.

What happened: - SHP said its OH-Cincinnati chapter delivered the 400,000th bed on Aug. 25. - The delivery included two bunk beds for four children in one family. - A severe storm and power outage delayed the delivery by more than two hours. - Chapter president Todd Forman and volunteers completed the delivery despite the disruption. - The beds were provided at no cost and came with new mattresses, pillows and bedding.

The details: - SHP says volunteers built the beds from raw lumber and installed them in the family’s home. - The nonprofit has grown into a network of more than 400 active chapters. - SHP reached 200,000 beds in 2024 and 300,000 in 2025. - The organization added another 100,000 beds in just over a year. - The OH-Cincinnati chapter launched in January 2024 and delivered its first beds that March. - Since then, the chapter has delivered 1,650 beds in the Cincinnati area. - The chapter currently has 116 families on its waitlist requesting 284 beds. - Families, caregivers and case workers can apply for beds for children ages 3-17 at more information. - Community members can also volunteer, join a bed build or delivery, or donate through the same site.

Between the lines: - Founder Luke Mickelson framed the milestone as a reflection of volunteer and donor participation, while noting that many children still sleep on floors. - Todd Forman said the Cincinnati chapter’s waitlist shows the need remains high in local markets. - Lowe’s, a founding partner, continues to support the nonprofit’s work after backing its first build event in Twin Falls, Idaho.

What's next: - SHP plans to keep expanding its chapter network and volunteer base. - Forman said he hopes the organization can continue growing toward 500,000 beds and beyond. - SHP is encouraging more volunteers and donors to help reduce the national waitlist.

The bottom line: - SHP has hit a symbolic milestone, but the nonprofit’s own waitlist shows the work is far from finished.