Build-a-Bed

Overview

The Build-a-Bed program enables local Knights of Columbus councils to collaborate directly with Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapters to construct and assemble beds for children in need.  Through organized build events at chapter locations, parish parking lots or other council venues, volunteers work side by side to construct bed frames, often as part of a larger effort that includes delivering and assembling the completed beds, mattresses and bedding for families. The average donation required per bed is approximately $250, which typically covers lumber, hardware, mattress, and bedding—making it a relatively low-cost, high-impact service project for councils.

Councils can find local chapters through the official Sleep in Heavenly Peace websites:

United States: https://shpbeds.org/knights-of-columbus/
Canada: https://shpbeds.ca/knights-of-columbus/

Action Steps

Identify a program chairman to oversee all action steps and delegate tasks as needed. If coordinating with the parish, confirm pastor approval with Grand Knight, and then set up subsequent parish ministry collaboration meetings.
Decide whether your council would like to volunteer at an existing Sleep in Heavenly Peace build or organize its own separate build.
Contact the local Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapter president for information on upcoming bed builds or to identify and set up a date for your council’s own separate build.
- You can find your local chapter by going to www.shpbeds.org/chapters in the United States and www.shpbeds.ca/chapters in Canada.
- If there isn’t a local chapter in your area, contact the national headquarters using the contact information on shpbeds.org or shpbeds.ca.
Discuss the details with the Sleep in Heavenly Peace chapter president.
- Coverage is provided by Lockton Affinity in the USA.
- Councils in Canada can request coverage from Jones Deslaurier (davidg@jdimi.com), be added as an additional insured by Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and obtain a certificate of insurance for the event.
  
  Councils should procure liability insurance before participating in a Build a Bed event with Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
If your council is hosting its own build, raise funds to pay for the materials. A typical build costs about $5,000 for 20 beds, mattresses and bedding, but may vary depending on the chapter. Make sure to check with your chapter president before beginning fundraising. Your council may also raise funds to contribute to an existing build.
Provide information to council members and parishioners well before an upcoming project so they can prepare and participate.
Contact your Grand Knight or financial secretary to order Build a Bed resources through Supplies Online via Officers Online.
Gather public interest for each event! Promote your council’s Build a Bed in your parish and larger community through a variety of efforts:
- Prominently display promotional posters
- Bulletin and pulpit announcements
- Hand out flyers after Mass and council events
- Post on your council and parish website / social media pages
Show up on the build day and build beds!
On the event day, wear Knights of Columbus-branded apparel and have the council membership director bring brochures and membership documents (including Prospect Cards #921A). Do not forget that this event is a recruiting opportunity!
Enlist a fellow Knight or community member to photograph the event.
Ask your local Sleep in heavenly Peace chapter if they need help delivering the beds to the families who need them.
If the chapter would like assistance, help them deliver and assemble the beds.
Complete the associated reporting forms to gain credit for your program.
- At the end of the fraternal year, complete the Columbian Award Application (#SP-7)

Resources

Program resources can be ordered by your grand knight, financial secretary and/or program director on Supplies Online via Officers Online.

Overview

Action Steps

Resources

Related Links