SHP Builds Fifty Beds for Kids in Delaware County

Several dozen volunteers showed up Wednesday morning to help build beds for kids in Delaware County.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s Delaware County chapter hosted a Bed Build at the Delaware County Fairgrounds’ Beef Barn in Manchester, with about fifty helpers on hand throughout the morning. The program builds and delivers beds to kids who are currently sleeping on a mattress, a couch or on the floor. Over five hundred beds have been delivered since the chapter started in the county in 2020. 

The Bed Builds, held once or twice a year, are an easy way for community members to get involved – all ages and skill levels can help, the tools are all provided, and volunteers get right to work cutting, sanding and assembling the wooden beds, which will be delivered with a new mattress, sheets and pillows.

Ben Engelken of Manchester has been volunteering at the Bed Builds for about five years. He estimates he’s built around 250 beds. 

Dan Wheeler of Earlville was helping at his first Bed Build on Wednesday. He says his fellow County Supervisor Jeff Madlom encouraged him to volunteer.

Chapter President Keith Kramer says the 50 beds built on Wednesday will go into a warehouse – and then as requests come in through the fall and winter, they’ll have the beds ready to go.

Kramer says the beds are available for kids 3 to 17 years old throughout the Delaware County area – there are no income requirements. Again, you can find more information and apply for a bed for a child at SHPbeds.org.

audio courtesy of Eric Walker/KMCH