HOUSELESS

Better Than A Tent (BTAT) Project

BTAT’s goal is to build Microshelters, to provide sturdy shelters for ~$1,400.00 that are “better than a tent”, and put roofs over people’s heads.

• Improve living conditions for the houseless, making their existence bearable by providing shelters that are superior to tents in durability, have weather resistant roofing, are rodent resistant, and are secure (have locking doors).

• Replace unsightly, flimsy tents and tarps with tidy structures.

• Be cost effective – replace $400 tents with durable $1,400 structures.

• Be portable: can be disassembled and reassembled.

• Build and assembly require no special materials or tools (basic carpentry only)

The basic Microshelters are 8’x8’ in size and consist of 6 panels, each constructed independently, and then assembled. Last year, we built and delivered nine Microshelters to replace tents at a local encampment. They’ve held up well and the recipients are thrilled! Our goal this year is to build and distribute 50 more, with local faith communities and organizations contributing money, materials, and volunteers.

BTAT would like to invite groups and organizations to help us put roofs over folks’ heads, by raising funds for and/or building units (we can provide detailed building plans, including list of materials needed) to improve the lives of our community, the housed and unhoused.

For more information or to get involved, email Jeff at microshelters@theunitedchurches.org

Design Plans

8’ x 8’ Design Build (2.1MB, PDF)

8’ x 12’ Design Build (2 MB, PDF)

Faith Alliance Initiative for Tiny Houses (FAITH)

​United helped found FAITH with nine other faith communities in November 2018 with the objective of creating tiny house facilities on faith community properties in the Olympia area. While United decided not to put tiny houses on our parking lot, we are committed to help other FAITH members build and operate other tiny house villages. 

We are building tiny houses and volunteering to help support tiny house villages. See more about FAITH here. You can also join our group of volunteers by contacting us at tinyhouses@theunitedchurches.org.

Nickerson/Wheeler Encampment

United is providing support to the Nickerson/Wheeler Encampment of houseless people living in tents near the Woodland trailhead in East Olympia. One major United effort was a camp clean-up work day, where we filled nearly two dumpsters with trash from the site. Church volunteers service the site regularly with propane and laundry support. At holiday times, we provide special meals and gifts.