New beds for Sioux Falls youth
July 8, 2025Heartland staff volunteer with Sleep in Heavenly Peace for Day of Giving project
All children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads.
That is a core belief behind national non-profit Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP). The organization builds, assembles and delivers beds to children and families in need.
Roughly 380 chapters of SHP exist in the U.S. and Canada, including nine in South Dakota. Heartland Energy volunteered with the Sioux Falls, SD chapter in June as part of Public Power Day of Giving.
Together, Heartland staff members helped deliver new beds and a safe place to sleep for 17 local youth.
Humble beginnings
SHP began with the build of one bed for a family in Idaho.
Founder Luke Mickelson had learned of children in his community sleeping on the floor. He bought wood and supplies with his own money and built a bed using his daughter’s as a template.
He built a second bed with the leftover wood and offered it for free on Facebook. Soon, he learned of the widespread need in his hometown.
The situation shocked him and he made a decision that would change the course of his life and that of many others.
Recruiting family and friends, he built 11 bunk beds in his garage. Soon, more people learned about his initiative and wanted to help.
The local mission expanded quickly and Mickelson ended up quitting his full-time job to keep up with demand. Since 2012, thousands of volunteers have delivered over 286,000 beds to children ages 3-17.
Making a difference
Each child receives a new, hand-built twin-size bed complete with mattress, sheets, comforter and pillow. For many, it is the first bed they’ve ever known.
Recipients are often referred to SHP by a school, Social Services, family member or other local agency. Families must be located near an active chapter and often face real challenges, such as single-parent or low-income households.
Bedding and supplies are donated or paid for by sponsorships. A complete bunk bed costs $600 while a single bed costs $300.
Groups rely on local volunteers to help build and deliver beds. SHP offers training and construction manuals so anyone can help.
“It’s incredible what happens when communities unite with purpose and heart,” said Sioux Falls Chapter Co-President Nicole Hofer. “When we work hand in hand we fulfill our mission: No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!”
Public power gives back
Heartland staff joined Hofer and other Sioux Falls volunteers as part of Public Power Day of Giving. The event occurs nationwide each June to honor public power’s dedication to community and public service.
“We are committed to providing power with purpose,” said Heartland Chief Communications Officer Ann Hyland. “We are proud to partner with an organization such as Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which demonstrates the power of collaboration and service.”
Splitting up into small groups, Heartland and SHP volunteers delivered 17 beds to nine families. The groups assembled and dressed the beds on-site, much to the delight of eager recipients.
Hyland said staff found the experience eye-opening and meaningful.
“A bed is a basic need and contributes to the overall well-being of a child,” Hyland said. “It was an afternoon well-spent making a difference in the lives of local children.”
Building hope plank by plank
An estimated 2-3 percent of children in the U.S. don’t have their own bed to sleep on. Instead, they share a mattress or curl up on the floor or wherever they can find space.
Across the nation, SHP chapters are doing their best to combat this crisis. Collectively, they are on the verge of a historic milestone–delivering 300,000 beds.
The Sioux Falls chapter recently marked their own achievement–500 beds delivered in one year.
“Together, we’ve created a movement of kindness that’s brought comfort, dignity and sweet dreams to children in our community,” said Co-President Jody Nour. “We couldn’t have done it without the incredible volunteers, donors and community members who keep showing up with full hearts and helping hands.”
