My name is Fred, and I volunteer with Sleep in Heavenly Peace in Phoenix.
Our mission is simple. We build and deliver beds to children who do not have a safe place to sleep. Many of these kids are sleeping on the floor or sharing crowded spaces with siblings. A bed gives them something of their own. It gives them security, rest, and stability.
I have been involved for about seven years, since the early days of the Phoenix chapter. What really locked me in was a moment I will never forget. We helped furnish a home for a family, and when a little girl walked into her bedroom, she froze. She had never had a bed before. That moment hit me hard. It showed me how something that feels basic to most of us can mean everything to a child. A bed is not just furniture. It is a place where a child can rest, feel safe, and show up better at school and in life. When kids have something that belongs to them, they take pride in it. That sense of ownership matters.
Phoenix is a massive city, and the need here is huge. We have delivered over ten thousand beds, but we still have thousands of children waiting. The biggest barrier is resources. We need more volunteers, more funding, and more materials so we can keep up with the demand.
What keeps me going is the people. I enjoy working alongside volunteers who show up week after week, many with no prior building experience. We teach them everything they need to know. Everyone is welcome, and everyone can help.
What I get out of this work is fulfillment. I am retired, and this is where I choose to spend my time. When I look back, I want to know that I helped make life better for kids in my community.
Our mission is simple. We build and deliver beds to children who do not have a safe place to sleep. Many of these kids are sleeping on the floor or sharing crowded spaces with siblings. A bed gives them something of their own. It gives them security, rest, and stability.
I have been involved for about seven years, since the early days of the Phoenix chapter. What really locked me in was a moment I will never forget. We helped furnish a home for a family, and when a little girl walked into her bedroom, she froze. She had never had a bed before. That moment hit me hard. It showed me how something that feels basic to most of us can mean everything to a child. A bed is not just furniture. It is a place where a child can rest, feel safe, and show up better at school and in life. When kids have something that belongs to them, they take pride in it. That sense of ownership matters.
Phoenix is a massive city, and the need here is huge. We have delivered over ten thousand beds, but we still have thousands of children waiting. The biggest barrier is resources. We need more volunteers, more funding, and more materials so we can keep up with the demand.
What keeps me going is the people. I enjoy working alongside volunteers who show up week after week, many with no prior building experience. We teach them everything they need to know. Everyone is welcome, and everyone can help.
What I get out of this work is fulfillment. I am retired, and this is where I choose to spend my time. When I look back, I want to know that I helped make life better for kids in my community.