St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in North Portland has transformed part of its property into a Tiny Home Village, offering shelter and resources to unhoused neighbors. This initiative, created in partnership with WeShine PDX, embodies the church’s commitment to hospitality, dignity, and service while mobilizing an impressive network of community partners.
The journey began as St. Andrew’s sought to reimagine its role in their neighborhood. Following the challenges of the pandemic and the loss of its former vicar, the congregation felt called to expand its ministry to do more meaningful work in the immediate community. Under the leadership of the Rev. Jennifer Creswell, the church considered how to better utilize its limited resources. An introduction by the Rev. Sara Fischer to WeShine PDX—a nonprofit that creates micro-villages for underserved, unhoused populations—opened the door to new possibilities.
After months of prayer, study, community forums, and a field trip to another tiny village, the congregation decided with almost unanimous enthusiasm to host the village. The project quickly gained momentum thanks to collaborations with a range of partners. Portland Youth Builders constructed and donated the sleeping pods, which include electricity, AC, and heating. The Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), while developing affordable housing across the street, donated an office pod for village staff and continues to rent church space to support its own efforts. Gather:Make:Shelter contributed to beautifying the village with murals and landscaping, helping to foster a welcoming environment. The Board of Trustees of the Episcopal Church in Western Oregon provided a grant which helped install an elevator for easier access to restrooms in the undercroft. Trinity Episcopal Cathedral has committed to providing volunteer support into the future, and even local high school students have joined in, building raised garden beds intended to provide fresh produce for residents.
The village consists of ten sleeping pods, including four wheelchair-accessible units, and 24/7 access to the church’s undercroft. This space includes a remodeled kitchen, showers, and laundry facilities, all upgraded to meet ADA standards. Residents, primarily older adults and individuals with disabilities, will be supported by WeShine staff who help them set and pursue goals such as accessing healthcare, seeking addiction treatment, or transitioning to permanent housing.
The project has been a transformative experience for the church. “Our perspective has shifted from fear of the other to concern for the other,” said Rev. Creswell. Congregants not only supported the creation of the village but also became actively involved in its success. They’ve hosted workshops, prepared weekly meals, and shared in the vision of creating a community of mutual care.
The Tiny Home Village has also strengthened relationships within the broader community. Initially, neighbors expressed concerns about the project. However, St. Andrew’s responded with transparency, hosting monthly information meetings and addressing fears openly. Over time, skepticism gave way to support, and some neighbors now actively contribute to the village’s success.
“The good and faithful people of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church are demonstrating the heart of the gospel call: serving Christ by serving those in greatest need in our communities,” said Bishop Diana Akiyama. “Rev. Creswell has built robust and enduring partnerships with community organizations and neighbors. This is the ‘glue’ that all our neighborhoods need, especially in these times.”
By leveraging partnerships and building bridges, St. Andrew’s has turned its vision into a model of what faith in action can achieve. From the congregation and their neighbors to the partner organizations and volunteers, this project has become a living testament to the transformative power of community. It is a powerful example of how churches can use their resources to meet urgent needs while fostering hope and renewal in their neighborhoods.
Photos courtesy WeShine PDX