This pilot project responds to a continued community need and represents an important opportunity to improve pathways to permanent housing.
Waters Meet Foundation (formerly Empire Health Foundation) is developing a pilot tiny home village in the West Hills on property owned by the foundation. This project will include 30 temporary tiny homes as well as communal spaces including indoor shower and toilet facilities.
This project follows years of engagement with service providers and the unhoused community who have consistently requested tiny homes as an interim housing option. This tiny home village can be a vital resource for people to gain stability and move forward into more permanent housing options. We recognize and respect the value of independent and secure living spaces for people during this transition period.
We are in the initial stages of site planning and community outreach at this time. Specific details like the operators of the site and the population served have not yet been determined. This site is intended to operate within the City of Spokane’s specialized shelter system.
”This new project fills a real need in our community and the City of Spokane is grateful to have a partner in Waters Meet Foundation that aligns with our all-of-the-above approach” said City of Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown. “The funds behind this project were set to be returned to the state, but through innovative partnership, we are keeping them here in Spokane so they can make a direct impact for people who need support most.”
“Waters Meet is excited to work with the community as we develop this tiny pilot home village project,” said Waters Meet President Zeke Smith. “We believe this village can play an important role in our housing system and is another example of our community’s collaborative efforts to address the housing crisis.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
What exactly is a tiny home village?
A tiny home village is a planned community of small, individual shelter units — typically around 100–200 square feet each — offering residents a private space with shared access to amenities such as bathrooms, laundry, and a communal kitchen.
What does the project entail?
This pilot project will include 30 individual tiny home units, along with shared facilities and case management services. The homes are temporary structures and can be moved. We are using models from both Pallet Shelter and the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI). As part of the pilot, we’ll also evaluate the comfort and performance of each unit type to inform future projects.
Why is this project being sited here?
Waters Meet Foundation owns this property, making it an affordable and accessible location to develop this pilot project. The location also meets shelter siting criteria as it is on a transit line and not within 1000 feet of a school. The temporary structures are a permitted use on this property under current zoning laws.
Why tiny homes?
This project reflects years of engagement with Spokane’s unhoused community and service providers. Tiny homes provide privacy, stability, and dignity—key factors in helping people move toward long-term housing. Communities like Missoula and Walla Walla have successfully launched similar models, helping residents safely transition out of homelessness.
How will this affect neighborhood safety and cleanliness?
Well-managed tiny home villages have been shown to reduce crime and improve public health. Waters Meet is committed to keeping the property clean, ensuring respectful behavior, and responding promptly to community concerns.
What is the process for public feedback?
The City’s updated shelter siting ordinance requires a public feedback meeting, which we will host in the coming weeks. The date is not yet set, but we will announce it broadly.
Please note that while we look forward to collaborating with neighbors to reduce any potential community impacts from this project, there is no appeal process for siting this tiny home village. The temporary structures we plan to construct are a permitted use on this property.
Will there be a Good Neighbor Agreement?
Yes! As required by City law, a Good Neighbor Agreement will be established, including regular points of contactfor community members.
How was this project funded?
This project was funded with federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars, administered by the Washington State Commerce Department through the Encampment Resolution Project. That funding was utilized to purchase the shelters.
Who will operate the shelter?
The operator has not yet been selected. This project is intended to be part of the existing network of shelters that the City has already funded. We expect the City of Spokane will lead the contractor selection process.
What population will this tiny home community serve?
Waters Meet is not responsible for selecting residents. This will be determined once the City of Spokane has selected an operator.
When will this site begin operating?
Our target opening is late September, with the goal of offering shelter before cold winter weather increases risks for people living outside.
Additional resources:
Article on Missoula Tiny Homes.
Article on Walla Walla Tiny Homes.
Pallet Shelter Website
Low Income Housing Institute Website
Additional questions?
Please contact: communications@empirehealthfoundation.org