In Pahrump, one organization has been quietly making a big difference for children in need—ensuring that no child sleeps on the floor. Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit with over 300 chapters across the United States, has been operating locally for six years under the leadership of Carmen Murzyn, the Nye County Chapter President. Since its establishment in Pahrump, the chapter has delivered close to 500 beds to children in the community, a milestone Carmen hopes to surpass by the end of the year. “Our motto is simple: no kid sleeps on the floor in our town,” Carmen explains. Her husband, Jim, serves as the chapter’s build manager, while dedicated volunteer Steve oversees bed deliveries. Together, they form a tight-knit team devoted to bringing comfort and dignity to children who might otherwise go without.
The Pahrump chapter’s origins trace back to Gary Bennett, who started the local effort but eventually passed the reins to Carmen. She became involved with SHP while competing in the Miss Senior Golden Years pageant, choosing it as her platform. At the time, she was seeking a way to make a tangible impact on her community and felt drawn to SHP’s mission. “I wanted to make a difference,” Carmen recalls. “When I was homeless once, I saw firsthand what it’s like not to have stability. This work allows me to give back in a way that’s deeply personal.” After a year of training, Carmen officially took over the chapter and has been its driving force ever since.
The need for beds in Nye County is significant, particularly in this rural community where economic challenges are prevalent. Carmen shares that many of their recipients include grandparents raising grandchildren, foster parents, or families dealing with unexpected hardships like divorce or financial instability. The chapter provides a complete bed setup, including the frame, mattress, sheets, and a blanket or quilt. The organization’s focus on quality and completeness ensures that children receive not just a bed, but a sense of security and belonging. “When we leave, the kids can crawl in and go to sleep,” Carmen says, emphasizing the impact of giving children a space of their own.
Each bed is handmade by volunteers following a simple yet sturdy design. The chapter holds community bed-building events to ensure they have beds ready for delivery. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome, and the events often serve as an introduction to the organization’s mission. “We don’t require any experience—just a willingness to help,” Carmen explains. In addition to bed-building, volunteers assist with organizing supplies, maintaining the workshop, and planning events. Carmen believes these efforts not only generate beds but also foster community spirit, showing people how they can make a difference in their neighbors’ lives.
The chapter relies entirely on donations and fundraising to sustain its efforts. Their annual fundraiser, a pasta buffet at Saddlewest, is a highlight of the year. Complete with live and silent auctions, entertainment, and even a skit, the event provides critical financial support for purchasing materials like wood and mattresses. Carmen and her team also hold smaller fundraisers throughout the year and work hard to spread the word about SHP’s mission. “I try to get out to as many events as possible, set up a booth, and let people know we’re here,” Carmen says. “Not everyone reads the newspaper or has access to the internet, so word of mouth is incredibly important.”
Operating in a rural area brings its own challenges. Pahrump’s chapter serves not only the town but also remote areas like Amargosa and potentially Tonopah. Carmen is exploring the possibility of establishing “hubs” in outlying communities to streamline bed deliveries. She’s in talks with local organizations, including fire departments, to create storage and distribution centers that would reduce travel time and logistical hurdles. “Traveling long distances is tough, but with local partners, we could serve more kids without the logistical challenges,” she explains.
Weather also plays a role in their work. The chapter’s workshop, located in a barn, lacks climate control, making summer heat and winter cold difficult for volunteers. Despite these conditions, Carmen and her team persist, driven by their commitment to ensuring every child has a bed. To prepare for these challenges, they often pre-build beds to maintain a stockpile, ensuring that deliveries can continue even when weather conditions are less than ideal.
Collaboration with local organizations has been key to SHP’s success in Nye County. The chapter works closely with schools, social workers, and foster care networks to identify families in need. School principals often refer students, and SHP has also partnered with the Coalition and the probation department to secure funding for materials. These partnerships not only expand the organization’s reach but also strengthen its ties to the community.
For Carmen, the work of Sleep in Heavenly Peace is more than just a community service—it’s a calling. Her personal experiences have shaped her understanding of the importance of stability and comfort for children. “When I see the joy on their faces, it makes all the effort worthwhile,” she shares. Carmen’s long-term goal is simple: to ensure that every child in Nye County who needs a bed has one. Through her dedication and the support of volunteers and donors, she is making that goal a reality—one bed at a time.
