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The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) is pleased to announce the opening of a new tiny house village in partnership with Church By the Side of the Road (CBSR). The village is on church-owned land and consists of 40 tiny houses and community facilities. The program will serve homeless families with children, individuals, couples and people with pets.
Confirmed speakers at the grand opening include King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, Tukwila Mayor Thomas McLeod, King County Director of Policy and Innovation Marissa Chavez, Church By the Side of the Road Sr. Pastor Terrence Proctor, and LIHI Executive Director Sharon Lee.
“The opening of the Church By the Side of the Road Village will create more pathways for unsheltered neighbors and families in South King County to find stability and support,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “Expanding available shelter is a core priority for my administration to break the cycle of homelessness, and we are acting with urgency to bring more people indoors with the services they need. Making progress on this regionwide challenge requires strong partnerships, and I’m grateful to the service providers, faith leaders, and government agencies who came together to make this village possible.”
“Church By the Side of the Road Village is a wonderful reflection of our church’s 94-year legacy of ministering to the needs of our Tukwila community and beyond. Our church family is excited to see the vision of providing shelter for our unhoused neighbors come true,” said CBSR Sr. Pastor Terrence Proctor. “The support our congregation has already provided to the village development over the past few years is a testament of their dedication to living out faith, service, and compassion. What we can’t do alone, we can do together!”
"Church By the Side of the Road Village is an important addition to our regional network of housing and supportive services, providing a safe and supportive place for families and individuals as they transition out of homelessness. In South King County, we know that strong partnerships between faith communities, service providers, and local partners are essential to support our neighbors on the path to stable housing,” said King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain.
“The opening of the CBSR Tiny House Village is a powerful example of what can happen when non-profits, faith communities, and government partners come together with a shared purpose. This village represents another meaningful step in addressing the ongoing homelessness crisis in King County. I want to sincerely thank the Washington State Department of Commerce, King County, the City of SeaTac, LIHI, and CBSR for their partnership and commitment to making this housing a reality,” said Tukwila Mayor Thomas McLeod.
“This village could not have become a reality without the leadership and commitment demonstrated by Sr. Pastor Proctor and Tukwila Mayor McLeod. We admire the dedication of the CBSR congregation to serving the most vulnerable members of our community. Vulnerable families can receive shelter and services and make a quick transition to permanent housing. Tiny houses save lives!” said LIHI Executive Director Sharon Lee.
According to the January 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) count, there were 16,868 homeless individuals in King County, of which 58% or 9,810 people were living unsheltered. Tiny houses are an innovative and cost-effective solution to addressing the homelessness crisis. Families are able to stay with their loved ones in a space of their own and receive supportive services on their path to permanent housing.
In 2025, LIHI sheltered over 1,600 people in tiny houses. On-site case managers were successful in assisting 55% of the households who exited move into housing.
CBSR Village features a community kitchen, a hygiene trailer with bathroom and shower facilities, a laundry room, recreation space, three staff offices, and a security pavilion. The tiny house village is staffed 24/7 to manage operations and ensure safety. Clients agree to a code of conduct and participate in comprehensive case management to secure supportive services, employment, and housing.
CBSR Village received funding and support from the City of Tukwila and King County. LIHI operates two other villages in Tukwila: Miracle Temple Village and Riverton Park Village.
A Community Advisory Committee (CAC) consisting of local residents, business owners, faith leaders, and community representatives is being established. This committee will meet monthly to offer input and oversight of the village. Meetings will be open to the public. There will also be opportunities for community members to volunteer, donate, and support the village.
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