Building Beds and Sweet Dreams for Local Children

Children in Louisville started a new school year last week. They’re getting back into their routines of waking up early, going to classes for a full day of learning, maybe some after-school activities, and then tackling that dreaded homework.

The sad reality for about 3,000 kids in our city is they go to sleep every night without a bed of their own.

That’s according to Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s Louisville chapter. The nonprofit receives hundreds of requests every year from parents and caregivers for beds.

Earlier this summer, Local 1683 Vice President Adam Purvis connected with Metro United Way about an opportunity to join them for a build-a-bed event. He took the idea back to Louisville Water’s Executive Union Management Alliance Council (EUMAC).

“The EUMAC had been helping clean up local parks for the last few years. I suggested finding a different project. With Local 1683’s president and me being new to the Council and in new roles of union leadership, a new approach seemed to fit,” Purvis explained.

On July 26, a warehouse and parking lot in the Portland neighborhood transformed into a busy workshop. Louisville Water Metering Specialist Eric Jameson picked up a sander and prepped the plywood for the bed frames.

“I used to do a lot of this work on the side, volunteering. I haven’t had the opportunity the last few years because of my kids’ schedules. It’s starting to free up a little bit, so I want to set the tone for them,” Jameson shared.

His two children were eager to know more about the project.

“They had a lot of questions about what I was going to do. I just told them we were going to come out here and build beds for kids who need them, and it might be something they can jump into next year with me.”

Despite the scorching heat, everyone knew what they were doing was worth all the sweat and hard work.

“It’s something that the community needs, that our young folks need. It makes them better students, better kids, better citizens. It’s a nice thing to do,” shared Louisville Water Executive Vice President Dave Vogel.

Jameson said, “It puts it into perspective. You put your own kids in that place, and you think you’d like to have them on a bed instead of a floor.”

A day of helping build beds was also a great day of teambuilding.

“I am thankful for this opportunity and the wonderful support by both Local 1683 and Louisville water’s executive leadership team. We showed up and showed out together making a difference in our community, and that’s what it’s all about,” Purvis said.

Learn more about how you can support Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s mission.