Community Supported Shelters June 2014 Update

June 1, 2014

CSS is a newly formed organization, but we have been involved for four years in developing and cooperating with others to build micro-housing for individuals seeking a downsized lifestyle. (Click Here to See the Icosa Hut). We were very focused on using as much reused materials for our shelters. Over time, we saw the need to also build for efficiency, simplicity, and movability if we were going to build a structure that would serve as a form of relief housing.

We began developing the Conestoga Hut during the Occupy movement in Eugene. Some people from the encampment between 6th and 7th avenues were concerned about a single mom and her child there who were struggling to get warm and dry. They asked us if we could build anything to help them. It took about a day to construct and set up a Hut for her, using materials we had stored at our shop. It was a very basic structure that doesn’t resemble what the Conestoga Hut is today, but the concept is basically the same.


Taking what we learned from the first Hut we built the second prototype behind our shop. This one resembled much more what the Conestoga Hut has become. We implemented a built-in floor platform, an overhang as a small porch area, a small door, and some other new features. Our family of three tested it out by sleeping in it for nearly six months during winter and spring of 2012.

The third prototype was a collaboration between Opportunity Village Eugene and CSS, which we put on wheels to reveal to the Eugene City Council in late 2012. That really helped move things forward for the Huts. Working with OVE, we have placed eight Huts at three Eugene churches, and one Hut at a non-profit site. We are also placing another two Huts at a Church off Coburg Road in early June.

So far so good. It seems like the Huts are giving a few people a bit more stability in their lives, which has been our hope. The most difficult part has been finding sites to place them in the community. It is our experience that churches are the best kind of site to host the Huts because of the community that is inherently on-site. People do better with a shelter plus community, rather than just a shelter and no community influence. We think as church congregations see other churches having success with the project it could inspire them to give it a try. CSS is preparing to make presentations at interested churches about what we’ve learned from recent projects to help us successfully serve those in need. If you know of any potential church sites, please encourage church leaders to contact us.


Lastly, the Conestoga Huts are community-supported shelters! This is true from how they developed to how they are still developing. After CSS got great coverage from the local media, several commercial contractors and individuals have contacted us and offered to help bring the quality up another notch, so we are more prepared for next winter. In the next issue of our email newsletter we hope to show you the upgrades that are in the works.

Sincerely,


Erik de Buhr
Program Director

News & Events

To stay connected to CSS, subscribe to our quarterly newsletter. If you are a member of the media who is seeking info, contact community@cssoregon.org.

Subscribe to Newsletter

A New Room To Help Build Community

April 19, 2026
“This is our home,” says Whitney, looking around the new 560-square foot Community Room at the CSS Roosevelt Safe Spot Community, where she lives in a Hut, “I think it really pepped up all of our moods.”

Partner Spotlight: Finding a Light at the End of the Tunnel with NAMI

April 18, 2026
“I’ve been in some bad moods, down and depressed or just sad or angry even. Out of curiosity, one day I decided to stop by NAMI, and I never had felt so much happiness and relief. Every time I go, I just feel lifted up. I feel like everything’s going to be OK. Yeah, I love NAMI a lot,” says Jennifer W., a CSS community

A New Chapter for Community Supported Shelters

April 17, 2026
As our organization continues to grow and evolve, we’re preparing for an important transition in the year ahead. In 2026, Community Supported Shelters will close our two Communities near the Eugene Mission. This change comes as the Mission expands its Life Skills Program, an investment in services that aligns with ou

Shoutouts & Gratitude: Spring 2026

April 16, 2026
In March, we had our big fundraising concert, featuring a music project by CSS clients, staff, and volunteers! We couldn't have done it without Jason Krueger (Shanty Town band manager and bass player), Truffle Jam, Wildish Theater, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Plank Town Brewing, Springfield Public Schools, and our many in-kin

Eugene shelter residents trained as bike mechanics in new workforce program

April 5, 2026
A new workforce development program in Eugene is teaching people living in shelters how to become bicycle mechanics. People like Delanya Clarkson, who came into the program with no mechanical experience. She rides bikes, but has never had the chance to learn more about how they function.

Musicians in Shantytown have experience with homelessness. Their songs speak of compassion.

March 16, 2026
Jason Krueger has been in plenty of bands over the years: college bands in Eugene when he attended the University of Oregon, here-and-there jam sessions and Craigslist advertisement tryouts in Portland. His latest band, Shantytown, might be his most important yet.

Getting Back on Their Feet — Together

January 24, 2026
On a sunny January day, Dan, 58, and Robert, 60, worked together on the CSS Maintenance Crew doing restoration work at the Empire Pond Safe Spot Community. Another typical workday for both of them in some ways, but one that neither could have imagined just a year and a half ago. Dan and Robert are brothers who had not

Partner Spotlight: MECCA

January 23, 2026
The "starving artist" stereotype is well-known. Housed folks often struggle to make an income through art. That difficulty is magnified for unhoused artists, for whom many basic resources are out of reach: good-quality supplies, studio space, and art classes. For that reason, when CSS launched our new Arts Entrepreneur

Strength In Community

January 22, 2026
Right now is a scary time for many of the people we serve. Freezing weather brings real and immediate danger. Increased enforcement and the presence of ICE create fear and instability, particularly for immigrant community members. And harmful language and policies at the federal level continue to further criminalize ho

Shoutouts & Gratitude: Winter 2026

January 21, 2026
Major gratitude to the following local businesses: Slice Pizzeria & Bar, Claim 52 Brewing, High Street Tonics, Venue 252, Chambers Grill & Taphouse, and The Embers. Collectively, they've filled about 100 BottleDrop Blue Bags since Thanksgiving, giving us a financial boost while recycling bottles and cans.
Show More