On February 20, 141 Syracuse University student volunteers gathered at the Skybarn on South Campus with one goal: build beds for Syracuse children who do not have one.
They built 116 bed frames in two shifts. They raised $25,000. And they surpassed their goal of 100 beds, more than doubling the 44 built during the inaugural event in 2024.
The mission comes from Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a national nonprofit whose motto is simple: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.”
How It Worked
The Syracuse University Volunteer Organization (SUVO) partnered with the Syracuse chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Volunteers worked in two two-hour shifts. Students who had never picked up a power drill were guided by experienced SHP volunteers. Sawdust collected on sneakers as bed frames took shape across the Skybarn floor.
Each bed frame is delivered with a mattress, pillow, and bedding to a child in the Syracuse community. The beds go to families identified through referrals from schools, social workers, and community organizations.
The Bigger Picture
The Syracuse chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace has built and delivered over 7,600 beds for children in need since launching in 2018. The chapter serves Onondaga County and surrounding communities.
Nationally, SHP estimates that 2 to 3 percent of American children do not have a bed of their own. They sleep on couches, floors, blankets, or share beds with siblings or parents. The organization has chapters in all 50 states.
BUILD DAY BY THE NUMBERS
SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE
“No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.”
GROWTH: 2024 vs. 2026
How to Help
The Syracuse chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace accepts volunteers and donations year-round. You can request a bed for a child, volunteer for a build day, or donate at shpbeds.org/chapter/ny-syracuse.
What to Know
- 141 SU students built 116 beds on February 20 at the Skybarn on South Campus
- Goal was 100. They beat it by 16%.
- $25,000 raised during the event
- 2024 inaugural build produced 44 beds. 2026: 116 beds (164% increase)
- Syracuse SHP chapter has delivered 7,600+ beds since 2018
- Each bed comes with mattress, pillow, and bedding
- 2-3% of American children lack a bed of their own (national SHP data)
- Volunteer or donate: shpbeds.org/chapter/ny-syracuse
Photo: Pexels. Sources: Syracuse University News, Daily Orange, Sleep in Heavenly Peace Syracuse.
