97 beds for Paul

BROOKINGS — The tribute to the late Paul Moriarty of Brookings on Saturday, May 2, was not a plaque or ceremony. It was sawdust on the floors, the sound of drills and sanders, pine boards and 97 beds built for children who need a place to sleep.

The Brookings chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace built the beds this year in memory of Moriarty, a longtime supporter of the organization. He would have been 97 on April 30, 2026. Moriarty died July 28, 2025.

According to Dave Miller, president of the Brookings SHP chapter, Moriarty provided two workshop facilities for the organization, the first on south Main Avenue and the current shop on Western Avenue.

“It was a game-changer,” Miller said.

“When we were too big for the shop on South Main, he said, ‘You know, I think I have a better spot,’ and he provided us this space. Most chapters don’t have a shop — they have to store everything and set it all up. Paul was a great supporter of us and an amazing human being.”
Miller said the birthday tribute to Moriarty will happen each year, and he looks forward to the group building 100 beds in a few years.

“He did so much for this community, and we couldn’t be where we are today without his support,” Miller added.

Moriarty was a lifelong Brookings resident and 1953 graduate of South Dakota State University with a degree in civil engineering. With his brothers, he established Moriarty Construction and later, Moriarty Rentals. He often helped the community anonymously.

“He was always humble and stayed behind the scenes,” Miller said. “He didn’t want acknowledgement. He just wanted us to keep building beds.”

The 97 beds constructed Saturday by 86 volunteers are headed to the Pine Ridge Reservation in southwestern South Dakota, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Miller said 600 beds have been delivered there from the Brookings community in the past.

The Brookings chapter of SHP started in 2018 and was the 34th chapter in the United States, Miller said, building 3200 beds in eight years.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace now has 460 chapters across the country.

Reflecting on what it means to be part of the organization, Miller said it has changed his life. “And I don’t say that lightly,” he added. “I look at life differently since I’ve been involved with this organization. We go and do the deliveries of the beds and see that there is such a need. Those deliveries are remarkable — it’s amazing to see the kids’ smiles and hear the stories. And we’re not upgrading these kids to a new bed—these are kids that have been sleeping on the floor.”

Miller remembered a little girl in unicorn pajamas who went from being reserved and hesitant to smiling and excited as she saw her bed set up, complete with a unicorn quilt, a stuffed animal, and a book.

“She says, ‘Can I go to bed now?’ and she crawls into her bed. It touches a place in your soul to see these children feeling safe in their own beds,” Miller said. “I wish I could find the words to express what it means to these families that are receiving the beds, and the magic we experience when we deliver them.”

Sleep in Heavenly Peace delivers beds twice per month and as needed in case of emergency, according to Miller.

Those interested in volunteering or sponsoring a bed build can check out the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Facebook page or contact Miller at 605-690-0143.