A recent donation to Ryan’s House for Youth proved to good of an opportunity too pass up, even if it can’t be used yet.

“The micro home was kind of sprung on us,” said program manager Amber Truex. “We’re not going to say ‘no.’”

Oak Harbor High School’s robotics team built a “micro home” last March in an effort to address homelessness in the community. However, time started running short on how long they could store the home until an agency to donate to could be chosen.

With the guidance of district homeless liaison and Spin Cafe founder Vivian Rodgers Decker, the team settled on Ryan’s House, located just south of Coupeville.

On 17.5 acres, Ryan’s House is a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting homeless and at-risk youth.

Truex said the micro home, and others like it, would be ideal for the transitional housing program.

Leadership at Ryan’s House is still working on the logistics for how that vision can be achieved, she said.

The self-contained, mobile micro-home would be considered an RV by Island County code, according to Building Official Andy Griffin. He said the group’s site plan review would need to be amended to develop an RV park to use the structure.

Truex said tiny homes have been in the conversation for a while as a “second stage” in the transitional housing program, which services 18 to 24 year olds.

To read the full article written by Laura Guido, click HERE