Tiny House Project 2021

Why build a Tiny House? Imagine yourself in your warm, safe home - a dry place inside away from the changeable weather where it is either too hot, wet or cold. There is food in your fridge, warm blankets on your bed, a shower, washer and dryer to keep your clothes clean and a vehicle to get yourself here and there. Out of the blue – for some reason – fired, let go, disaster, death of the bread winner in your home, unexpected medical expenses – you lose your home and all of the above things which you have taken for granted. You might live with your extended family if you are lucky. Or you have to live in your car, a tent or a doorway for your shelter. How would you feel walking miles from place to place trying to get food, water, and help while your feet are sore and your energy is drained from lack of food? You want to get yourself out of this situation - but how? The little money you did have was stolen from you in the night as you slept. You need somewhere safe. You need access to community resources. You need food and water. You are stuck and it seems more hopeless each day. 

For people who find themselves in these circumstances and worse, Tiny Houses is one avenue out. The Tiny House we built over these last couple weeks will bridge that gap for individuals, reconnecting them to their basic needs and a community. The 8 foot by 12 foot house we built will be moved to a LIHI (Low Income Housing Institute) central location and then become part of a Tiny House Village in the Seattle area or in Western Washington. Not just one person but a number of people will use this Tiny House. The villages have food and water, a central kitchen, showers and a hygiene center. They have employment counselors, drug and alcohol programs, finance personnel and other paid and volunteer staff to help them build a pathway back into the greater community at large and be self-sustaining again. It is not true that people want to stay here on a “Free-Ride”. They are eager to get back up and out on their own again. When we build this Tiny House - where we pound nails, cut boards, paint and sweep, get dirty and tired – we are making a difference in a number of people’s lives – a person like us who hit hard times. We are responding to Jesus’ call to be healing hands in this world.  I personally thank you all who participated in making the world a better place.

Thank you to all who participated this Summer!