WeShine Micro Villages

WeShine micro villages are neighborhood-based and neighborhood-supported temporary outdoor shelters, on small parcels of leased land, in the heart of Portland residential and business neighborhoods. Each village has 8 to 10 personal sleeping pods for a community of 8 to 15 people.  

The villages are designed for a small community of 8 to 15 people who seek to transition to permanent housing within 6-24 months. Each private sleeping pod has a lockable front door and window, and contains a bed, desk, storage, AC/heat, and a porch. 

All of our village infrastructure is designed for easy disassembly and removal. When a lease or use agreement ends, all village structures can be quickly moved and reassembled at a new site. The closed site will be returned to the same condition as it was before our occupancy and use. 

Location and design

After first carefully assessing and securing a site, WeShine undertakes village design, with licensed architects and engineers. The designs provide privacy and safety – including wooden fencing, a security system, and locked gate. Only villagers, staff and authorized visitors are allowed in a WeShine micro village.

Community buildings offer shared space for basic hygiene and sanitation: laundry, showers, toilets; and community buildings for meetings, service connections, and to support development of guests’ community interactions and social skills.

Volunteers

Villagers collaborate with volunteers to decide on and help the village with optional features such as art, gardens, dog runs, catios, and artwork. Villagers and volunteers walk together in the neighborhood to do outreach and encourage any nearby campers or RVs to find resources elsewhere. Volunteers also help guests with food, pet care, and setting up their pod. 

Join us as a volunteer!

Staff and Services

Village guests receive wraparound services from paid onsite staff, who guide guests through tailored programming designed to meet individual needs, and help villagers regain confidence and skills so they can prepare for success in their next step – work and housing. 

In the WeShine Model, each villager is supported in – and responsible for – their own success.