Forest Grove Foundation Tiny Village

Our Role in the Project
As part of the Center for Public Interest Design at Portland State University, our student team collaborated with the Forest Grove Foundation during the Spring and Summer of 2024 to support the planning and design of a transitional tiny home village in Forest Grove, Oregon. Our group worked closely with FGF, contractors, consultants, and community members to develop site layouts, architectural plans, and community-informed design proposals that balance dignity, functionality, and affordability. We conducted site visits, engaged with residents from similar villages, and synthesized community feedback into actionable design decisions, all with the goal of co-creating a healing and empowering space for unhoused individuals transitioning into permanent housing.

Project Summary
The Forest Grove Foundation Tiny Home Village is a planned transitional housing community that aims to address local homelessness by offering 12–16 insulated, electricity-equipped sleeping pods along with a shared common house that includes expanded kitchen, laundry, and bathroom facilities. Located on a discreet yet accessible site, the village incorporates trauma-informed and placemaking principles to foster safety, autonomy, and connection among residents. The project evolved through robust community engagement, including workshops and consultations with village residents and local stakeholders. Features such as personalized pod designs, flexible gathering spaces, and accessible site pathways were prioritized. With phased site development plans and design iterations responsive to stakeholder feedback, the project is set to begin construction in 2025 and serves as a model for community-centered, public interest design.