HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – The Huntsville Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace held its second annual Juneteenth Community Bed Build Wednesday.
Volunteers put their hands and hearts to work at the SHP Warehouse before a special celebration.
For nearly two years, the local chapter has thrived off the unwavering strength of volunteerism. Their mission to ensure “no kid sleeps on the floor in our town” has allowed the organization to reach an incredible mark of building and delivering more than 1,000 beds to children in the greater Huntsville area.
A program was held in partnership with the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce to recognize the milestone, and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle congratulated the organization on their work.
Huntsville Chapter President Mary Ena Heath says it wouldn’t be possibly without the help of the community.
“SHP says this is a community problem for kids to be sleeping on the floor and being without beds; so we offer a community solution where people come and work shoulder to shoulder to make a difference in the community’s life. And you actually see the results of this. You know, its not distant, it’s immediate,” Heath said.
Volunteers have made dreams come true for hundreds of kids. As of June 12, the organization had built and delivered 1,176 beds. The work continued during the Juneteenth Community Bed Build- where another 50 beds were added to the count.
While this is a great relief for those finally able to sleep with comfort, members of the organization say the number speaks to the need in the community.
“It’s amazing to see little ones get this,” said Ann Kepner. “But when there’s a teenager that’s never had their own bed…this is a sense of dignity, this is a place of rest and respite. They do better in school. The schools love us because we’re helping those kids a good night’s rest so they can perform better.”
The beds built during the day’s Juneteenth community build have already been assigned and will be delivered to kids in Huntsville starting on Friday.
