When most people say they have to “go make the bed,” it is associated with a daily chore. Kyle Schultz has a completely different idea in mind when he makes a bed.
Schultz leads the Portage Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a national non-profit organization whose main focus is building beds for underprivileged children.
During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, Schultz and his family moved to the Las Vegas area to pursue a job opportunity. It was during his time in Nevada when he first became involved with SHP. Schultz first followed them on Facebook, then started to volunteer with them and learn what SHP is all about.
Schultz moved back to the area in June 2023 after his father passed away the year prior and settled in South Haven. Just before he moved back, Schultz found out about an SHP Chapter forming in Portage. He told them he not only wanted to volunteer, but become a part of their core team. Schultz still had a lot of connections in the area and wanted to become more involved. He became the chapter’s finance manager after moving back to Porter County.
Schultz was able to help establish the Portage Chapter’s first community build day last December. The chapter used the Willowcreek Middle School’s gymnasium for the event. SHP built 10 beds to approximately 90% completion at the event.
Schultz didn’t want to let the chapter die before helping at least one child once the former president stepped down. “I decided that I was going to take over the chapter,” Schultz said. “I got a hold of the regional manager and she’s been walking me through the steps. I’ve been running everything since February.”
SHP builds and stains the bed frames. The organization typically purchases enough materials to make 10 to 15 bed frames. They typically complete one frame in about an hour. The chapter then provides the mattresses, pillows, and bedding. He explained everything is as new and fresh as they don’t know what kind of situation they are stepping into in each home. Schultz ultimately wants to ensure all children have a clean, comfortable and safe bed to sleep on.
“We just want to help get your child off the floor,” Schultz said.
The Portage Chapter has about 40 volunteers, six of whom are members of their core team. People ages 12 and up are eligible to volunteer, although Schultz noted they have some younger kids helping with simpler, safer tasks. Schultz’s volunteers have to sign a consent form and wear personal protective equipment. The group also appreciates whole families coming out to volunteer.
Schultz is a member of Portage High School Class of 2000. He is also a graduate of Purdue University North Central (now Purdue University northwest). Kyle along with his wife of 19 years in November, Amanda Schultz (Portage Chapter Social media Manager), have three children (Caiden, Hope & Angelika) and their dog, Phil. As a family, the Schultz’s are excited to help the children in our town. The Schultz Crew belongs to Come Alive Family Church located in Portage Christian School. He likes the church’s focus on the family, and the pastors keep everyone engaged.
“In some churches, it’s hard to have a direct conversation with the pastor sometimes,” Schultz said. “They make themselves very available and they just know how to love people the right way.”
Family and children are Schultz’s number one priority!