TOMS RIVER – Teens who weren’t even living at home volunteered their time and energy to make sure strangers had a place to rest their head.
One recent Saturday morning, Ocean’s Harbor House, which provides a safe haven for local teens, was the site of a construction project where roughly 20 people were building beds in the parking lot.
There were stations set up for cutting, sanding, assembling, and more. Harbor House staff were there, even if they weren’t on the clock, as well as several residents of the program. One woman stopped by to help just because she heard about it on the radio.
They were partnered with Sleep In Heavenly Peace. This organization has branches all over, but this is the only one in New Jersey. It’s based in Morris County, said Sarah Fulton, chapter president.
Their goal is to distribute beds to those who don’t have them. Lowe’s is a main sponsor of the organization, and gives them great deals on the raw materials, she said.
The kids wore protective gear and did only what was age-appropriate for them. An 18-year-old was taught how to use a saw, for example, while younger high school students sanded down the wood and brought it to the next stage.
Paul Zaun saws wood to size for the beds. (Photo by Chris Lundy)
Fulton said that 10 beds were being built that day and they will be distributed locally. They had also talked with Harbor House about making their location a distribution point in the future.
Jay Trifiro, youth navigator for Harbor House, said this is the first of many collaborations with Sleep In Heavenly Peace.
Representatives from the two organizations met at a Kiwanis Club conference and decided they could help each other out. Sleep In Heavenly Peace has a motto that “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.” Ocean’s Harbor House offers a caring environment for at-risk youth.
There were currently 11 kids in the 12-bed facility, Trifiro said. They go to school, have training, and learn life skills so they can transition into a more independent situation one day.
Harbor House residents and staff worked with volunteers to build beds for Sleep In Heavenly Peace. (Photo by Chris Lundy)
“That’s the basic message we’re trying to teach them,” he said. “You belong, and do your share and make it your home.”
How To Help
Sleep In Heavenly Peace is always looking for volunteers and donations. For more information, visit shpbeds.org
Harbor House also seeks donations and has a wish list at oceansharborhouse.org.
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