A new Tiny House Village aimed at helping people experiencing homelessness in south King County will officially open Wednesday, Mar. 11, in Tukwila.
The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI), in partnership with Church By the Side of the Road, will hold a grand opening at 1:30 p.m. Mar. 11 at 14820 Military Road South (map below). The village is located on church owned land and includes 40 tiny houses along with shared community facilities.
The program will serve homeless families with children, individuals, couples and people with pets.
“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.”
Church leaders said the project reflects a long tradition of community service.
“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,” said the Rev. Terrence Proctor, senior pastor at Church By the Side of the Road. “Our church family is excited to see the vision of providing shelter for our unhoused neighbors come true.”
King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain said the project strengthens the region’s network of housing and services for people transitioning out of homelessness.
“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,” Fain said.
Tukwila Mayor Thomas McLeod said the project demonstrates the impact of collaboration among nonprofit organizations, faith communities and government agencies.
“The opening of the CBSR Tiny House Village is a powerful example of what can happen when nonprofits, faith communities and government partners come together with a shared purpose,” McLeod said.
The village includes a community kitchen, a hygiene trailer with bathroom and shower facilities, a laundry room, recreation space, three staff offices and a security pavilion. The site will be staffed 24 hours a day to manage operations and ensure safety.
Residents must agree to a code of conduct and participate in case management services designed to help them secure employment, supportive services and permanent housing.
“This village could not have become a reality without the leadership and commitment demonstrated by Sr. Pastor Proctor and Tukwila Mayor McLeod,” said LIHI Executive Director Sharon Lee. “Vulnerable families can receive shelter and services and make a quick transition to permanent housing. Tiny houses save lives.”
According to the January 2024 Point in Time count, there were 16,868 homeless individuals in King County, with 9,810 people living unsheltered.
LIHI reports that in 2025 more than 1,600 people were sheltered in its tiny house villages, and 55 percent of households that exited those programs moved into housing.
Funding and support for the new village came from King County and the City of Tukwila. LIHI already operates two other tiny house villages in Tukwila, Miracle Temple Village and Riverton Park Village.
Organizers said a Community Advisory Committee made up of residents, business owners, faith leaders and community representatives will meet monthly to provide input and oversight. Meetings will be open to the public.
LIHI is a nonprofit housing organization that operates more than 3,750 affordable apartments and sponsors 17 tiny house villages in King and Pierce counties.
