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Pennies For Quarters tiny house community: A “hand up” for homeless

veterans Abstract/executive summary Pennies For Quarters will create a community of 40 tiny houses to help homeless veterans in our

community get their lives back on track by providing transitional shelter, common resources, and access

to community and social services. Tiny houses will be constructed in clusters of 4, and each house will

have its own bathroom and small kitchen. These houses will provide privacy and restore dignity, which is

one of the first steps in improving the lives of the homeless. The spacing of the homes in clusters, with

10 clusters of 4 in the community, will enable the veterans to gradually re-establish social connections

as they recover. Shared resources will include a common building and a community garden. The

common building will provide space for meetings such as AA or individual, group, or family counseling; a

computer room for access to training and job opportunities and reconnecting with family; and other

facilities such as laundry room and stock room. The community garden will be therapeutic and beautiful,

and will also allow residents to save on food costs. Staff will assist veterans in accessing the existing

community and social services and will ensure that members of the community adhere to the code of

conduct, including remaining alcohol- and drug-free. On-site counseling will help them recover from

drug addiction, alcohol abuse, PTSD, and other mental or behavioral issues. Other services such as

financial counseling, guidance regarding local education and training opportunities, medical and dental

assistance, and veterinary services for those with pets, will help them regain health and confidence. The

combination of shelter, a sense of community, and access to resources will provide these brave men and

women with a hand up as they accept the challenging mission to rebuild their lives.

Project Goals 1. Help homeless veterans become productive and able to live independently in their own housing

2. Provide a space where participants can work to resolve the issues that led to their homelessness


Homelessness among veterans in the United States The Veterans Administration (2016) estimates that 40,000 military veterans are homeless in the United

States1. Almost half are Vietnam-era veterans and about 15% served prior to the Vietnam war2. Others

are younger people who returned from Middle Eastern conflicts to a depressed job market, which

combined with the psychological effects of combat made civilian employment difficult to find and retain.

Some have spouses and children who are homeless along with them, and women make up an increasing

percentage. Difficulty accessing basic human needs such as food and shelter creates a situation in which

the veteran cannot begin to seek employment, leading to chronic homelessness.

Factors leading to homelessness among veterans

The National Alliance to End Homelessness lists several factors that lead to homelessness among

veterans3. They are more likely to experience homelessness than non-veterans because of the added

experience of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Veterans returning to civilian life will experience

difficulty without strong support socially, and may not have the skills they need to cope with non-

military life. The military lifestyle is highly structured, which is not the case in normal civilian life. Coping

with details in the absence of structure can be daunting. The widespread lack of affordable housing

contributes to homelessness in general, as well as among veterans. Mental health and substance abuse

issues also play a major role in leading to and perpetuating the situation.

Washington State and Clallam County

Washington State Department of Commerce (2016) estimates more than 1,400 homeless veterans in

Washington State4. There are no government estimates for Clallam County, however, Stand Down5

events are held annually, and homeless veterans who attend are counted. This gives a minimum

estimate, and measures primarily those who are seeking help, many of whom are not yet homeless but

are at risk of becoming so. The 2016 Clallam County Stand Down event counted 524 veterans, 60 of

whom declared themselves currently homeless. This includes the 3 events held in Forks, Port Angeles

and Port Townsend.

1 Veterans Administration: https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/pit_count.asp 2 National Coalition for Homeless Veterans 3 National Alliance to End Homelessness: www.endhomelessness.org 4 www.commerce.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/hau-pit-final-v2-summary-2016.pdf 5 http://www.voicesforveterans.org/stand-down.html


Locally implemented programs have proven successful in reducing veteran homelessness

Veterans suffering from PTSD and homelessness do not thrive in traditional shelter situations. Lack of

privacy and high noise levels are factors; however, these shelters also fail to address veterans’ unique

psychological needs.

According to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, the country has reduced veteran

homelessness by 47% between 2010 and 20166, due mostly to local communities and entire states

committing to the cause.

The Council credits several strategies for this success, including:

• Getting state and local leaders to commit to the effort

• Assessing the individuals’ short and long-term goals & implementing a coordinated entry system

• Locating and identifying veterans in need of assistance

• Provide permanent housing, or a bridge to permanent housing, as soon as possible

• Coordinating outreach and partnering with other organizations to share information and bring

resources to those in need

• Facilitating employment connections & landlord support

The Pennies For Quarters approach: A hand up Clearly an approach that integrates these successful strategies is needed to help our local veterans

recover from the factors that led to their homelessness and to facilitate their re-entry into the work

force. Pennies For Quarters was founded on the principle that local action is the most effective strategy,

and the aim of the organization is to assist the homeless veterans living in Clallam County. The goal of

the project is to create a community of tiny homes that will provide transitional shelter and facilitate

access to social services for up to 1 year. Only veterans with Honorable or General discharge will be

eligible, upon proof of service. All members must agree to a code of conduct, must remain drug- and

alcohol-free, and are expected to contribute to the community. Key elements that will lead to success

include location, community planning, collaboration with local service providers, and strong social and

financial support from local businesses and citizens.

6 https://www.usich.gov/goals/veterans


Location

Pennies For Quarters is looking for property that has the appropriate zoning to allow up to 40 homes

and associated community structures to be built. The ideal location will be close to downtown Port

Angeles where social services, health care, and educational opportunities for veterans are available.

Public transportation should be accessible, with bus connections to the rest of the county as well as

Seattle and the VA Hospital. The size of the property should allow for the veterans and their families to

be surrounded by natural areas providing a sense of quiet and peace (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

Community planning

The layout of the Pennies For Quarters “village” will include 10 clusters of 4 tiny homes each. Within

each cluster of 4, the entrances are oriented in different directions, such that people can choose

whether to interact with one another (Figure 2). Neighbors can become friends over time, as their

individual progress allows; meanwhile the privacy and space will allow them to work on overcoming the

issues that led to their homelessness. A percentage of the homes will be ADA accessible.


Figure 2. Detail of site plan showing 3 clusters of 4 homes.

The homes themselves are simply designed to be economical to build and maintain. Each home is 240

square feet, has its own bathroom, shower, refrigerator, and small kitchen, and can sleep up to 4 people

(Figure 3). The approximate cost to build each home is $10,000, including electrical and plumbing.

Figure 3. Tiny home design. Panel A shows the front elevation. Each home has a private entrance with covered porch. Panel B shows the floor plan from above. Panels C and D show front and back cutaway views, respectively.


The 10 clusters of 4 homes will be arranged around a large garden area, with a common building at one

end (Figure 4). The garden area will serve several purposes. First and most obviously, the garden will add

fresh fruits and vegetables to every plate. Second, the process of gardening is known to help improve

mental health in people suffering from conditions such as depression and anxiety7. Third, the garden

provides an opportunity for low-key social interactions. Finally, the inclusion of green space with

benches and grassy areas provides a place for relaxing, enjoying the beauty of the garden and

surroundings, and for sports and family recreation. The common building will also serve multiple

functions. It will have a meeting space so that social service providers can work on-site and chapel

services can be held. Meetings such as AA, group cognitive therapy, and family counseling will be

conducted in this space. When not in use for meetings, this space will double as a recreation room. A

computer room is another critical component, so that information about training and job opportunities

can be easily accessed. A community kitchen and dining area will provide the veterans with a venue for

cooking and eating together, which is important socially and may open opportunities in the restaurant

industry. Other facilities include a laundry room and stock room.

Figure 4. Layout of the Pennies For Quarters tiny house community. Vehicular traffic is limited to the perimeter, with a 1-way road and parking areas. Sidewalks will connect the housing clusters to the garden area and common building. A drop-off area and parking near the entrance gives easy access to the common building for visitor and social service providers.

7 Soga et al (2017). Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis. Preventive Medicine Reports 5: 92-99.


Collaboration with local service providers

To be accepted into the Pennies For Quarters community, each veteran must be prepared to accept help

and work to rebuild his or her life. They must commit to remaining alcohol and drug free; testing will be

conducted on a monthly basis to ensure compliance. They are also expected to use the social services

available to them; however, it is well-recognized that scheduling and travel to appointments can be a

challenge for this population. Pennies For Quarters will collaborate with existing local service providers

to regularly bring the services to the veterans and their families on-site. By coordinating existing

resources, Pennies For Quarters will avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and will focus on the unmet

need for housing and community. Voices for Veterans8 maintains an extensive list of local veterans’

resources and service providers, which encompass needs such as medical/dental care, counseling,

education and employment resources, financial and food assistance, legal aid, service animals, and

transportation.

Comprehensive counseling and social services will be needed to address the spectrum of issues faced by

the veterans. Cognitive therapy on an individual, group, or family basis will be instrumental in recovery

from depression, PTSD, and other psychological issues. Financial counseling will help veterans regain

their ability to manage budgets and bills, essential skills as they complete the program and re-enter the

workforce and private life. A veteran-to-veteran mentorship program will provide added

encouragement and help address issues unique to those who have served. Veterans feel much more

comfortable opening up to other veterans.

Local support

Pennies For Quarters is actively cultivating partnerships with local companies and organizations, and has

received enthusiastic offers of support. This is an ongoing process and additional community

connections are being established. Pledged support to date includes help with the site and construction

of homes (see below) as well as direct help with services for the veterans:

• Tom LaMure, Sequim PC Users Group

o Partnership to provide re-purposed computers for our computer lab

• Cheryl Bower, New Leash on Life

o Trains service dogs for veterans

8 http://www.voicesforveterans.org/


• Peninsula College, Port Angeles

o Veterans Services Office acts as a liaison with the VA to coordinate educational benefits;

also offers priority registration for veterans

• Rene Nadon, Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America Troop 90

o Partnership in grounds maintenance and gardening, possibly more

• Jeff Reyes, Northwest Veterans Resource Center & Veterans Victory Garden

o Help establish community garden

• Wendy Sisk, CEO Peninsula Behavioral Health

o Provided direction regarding issues to be faced with incoming residents, handling

medications, legalities

• Josh McIlhargey, Modern Living Designs

o Build tiny homes onsite and train residents interested in learning the construction trade

• Mike McEvoy, WorkSource Clallam County

o The county’s veterans employment representative & member of Voices for Veterans &

other local homeless organizations

Sources of funding Pennies For Quarters is currently an all-volunteer organization. Funding is required to enable the

community to be established. Multiple sources of funding are being pursued, including:

• Individual contributions, through direct donation or participation in fundraising events

o As of 10 June 2017, $20,000 has been raised through individual donations

• Local and regional corporate donations and sponsorships

• Grants from private foundations and government

• Donations of volunteer or discounted labor, materials, supplies, and project consulting

o Allyson Brekke, Planning Manager and Nathan West, Planning Director, City of Port

Angeles are assisting with zoning and utility connection logistics

o Debra West, Shawn West, Zach Slota, NTI are supporting engineering and land

development (preliminary work pro bono)

o MaryEllen Winborn and Steve Gray, Clallam County are assisting with county zoning and

other logistics


o Christopher Anderson, CA Homes Inc. has offered wholesale building materials through

Thomas Building Supply

o Hartnagel Supply will provide materials at wholesale +15%

o Todd Rosbach, Peninsula Heat Company has offered donation of heat pumps for up to

10 tiny homes

o John Alden, Security Services Northwest, Inc. offers special pricing on security cameras

o Dr. Luke Robins, Peninsula College will connect the project to the College’s green

construction program so that students can receive credit for labor. A previously

homeless veteran who is now part of this program has also volunteered to help with

construction

o Mennonite Disaster Relief has committed to build for a specific period of time (1-2

months) at no cost

o Andy Callis, Callis & Associates has committed to helping with appropriate insurance

coverage including Board insurance

o Sue Forde of Dynamic Graphics is providing web site support

o Graphic materials support is provided by OlySign and Pen Print

o Becky McGinty of Committed Accounting Services LLC offers bookkeeping support

o Doc Robinson and Kevin Harkins of Serenity House of Clallam County, and Kirsten Jewell

of Kitsap County Department of Human Services, have provided advice and consultation

on daily site operations and have offered to continue advising the project

The organization Pennies For Quarters was founded in 2016 with a single mission: To create a community of up to 40 tiny

houses for homeless veterans who want to get their lives back on track and to facilitate access to local

veterans' resources. Pennies For Quarters has filed its bylaws and application for 501(c)(3) status with

the IRS. Pending approval, it is operating under the fiscal sponsorship of Green Alliance for Veterans

Education (GAVE), through which it can accept tax-deductible donations.

The Pennies For Quarters’ leadership team share a passionate commitment to this mission, and bring a

wide variety of skills to the effort.

http://vetsgave.org/

http://vetsgave.org/


Matthew Rainwater: Founder and President

Matthew spent 8 years serving in the US Army from 1988 to 1996 and his family has a history of military

service in the US Air Force and the Marines. He has had the privilege of working with some of the finest

men and women that he has ever known. For the past 20 years he has worked as a US Border Patrol

agent, continuing his desire to serve and defend his country. His sense of purpose and clear direction

has been the driving force in this project.

Debbie Swanson: Vice President

Debbie Swanson is a real estate agent with a history in restaurant and retail management, spanning

owning a small kiosk to managing multimillion dollar restaurant operations. From her first taste of

entrepreneurship in 1989 she found enjoyment, success and satisfaction in the hospitality industry. Her

experience building her own business from the ground up aids in the groundwork necessary to have a

solid foundation on which to build.

Jerry Stewart: Treasurer

Jerry Stewart has been and done many things in his life: Actor, producer, writer, designer, comptroller,

risk management specialist, financial aid administrator, operations manager, and business owner. His

interest and involvement with Pennies for Quarters comes from a deep sense of social justice. The

expertise he has in operations and financial responsibility will keep the organization in compliance and

ensure accountability.

Stephanie Hyatt: Secretary

Stephanie Hyatt is a local attorney who specializes in criminal law but is also dedicated to, and currently

works with, nonprofit organizations. She was born and raised in Port Angeles, Washington, and

graduated from Port Angeles High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the

University of Washington, her Juris Doctorate from the University of Oregon, and is the president of the

Clallam County Bar Association.


Timeline and funding requirements Establishment of the Pennies For Quarters community is anticipated to take approximately 2 years. The

project timeline is outlined in Figure 5. The immediate funding requirement is approximately $200,000

to purchase property. Site engineering ($20,000, including grading/paving) and connection to utilities

including possible septic design ($250,000) are required in the first 3 months.

Figure 5. Overview of the project timeline and key milestones

Construction of the homes and common buildings/garden will be primarily through volunteer effort, and

a portion of the materials will be donated. However, it is anticipated that some materials will have to be

purchased, and there will be times when expertise is required that is not available from a volunteer. The

projected cost to build each home is $10,000, and the common building is estimated to cost $100,000.

The grounds and garden will be built using volunteer effort and donated plants. The overall project is

estimated to cost $1.22M. The budget is detailed in Table 1. Once the community is established, funding

will be sought through donations, the Veterans Administration and other government funding agencies

to support ongoing operating costs.


Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Property purchase $200,000

Site engineering $20,000

Utility connections $250,000

Tiny house construction $100,000 $40,000 $80,000

Common building construction $100,000

Total $470,000 $200,000 $40,000 $80,000

Table 1. Estimated project building costs by quarter for year one

www.PenniesForQuarters.org https://www.facebook.com/penniesforquarters/

https://twitter.com/tinyhouses4vets

PO Box 1705 Port Angeles, WA 98362 (360) 775-4222

http://www.penniesforquarters.org/

https://www.facebook.com/penniesforquarters/

https://twitter.com/tinyhouses4vets

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