Founder Luke Mickelson ON: The Bed That Started a Movement

Luke Mickelson never planned to start a nonprofit. In 2012, he found out kids in his own town were sleeping on the floor, so he built one bunk bed in his garage. That bed became Sleep in Heavenly Peace, now the largest bed-building charity in the world, with over 300,000 beds delivered to kids across the US and beyond.

In this episode, Luke talks about walking away from a stable sales career to chase something that felt bigger than a five-year plan, why "no kid sleeps on the floor in our town" became the only mission statement he needed, and the discipline it took to keep the organization from drifting into everything else it could have become. We also get into what a bed actually changes for a kid, and what he's learned about noticing the tiny moments that end up changing a life.

If you've ever wondered what it looks like to turn one small act of service into a movement without losing the plot along the way, this one's for you. And if it moves you the way it moved us, Sleep in Heavenly Peace has chapters across the country that are always looking for volunteers, builders, and donations. Head to https://shpbeds.org or on Instagram @shpbeds to find one near you.

Connect with Liz @elizabeth_carlile or motherhoodunstressed.com