Everett, Washington, pallet shelter community is 1st in US exclusively for homeless families with kids

Faith Family Village, a new pallet shelter community in Everett, Washington, is the first in the United States to exclusively house homeless families with children. Located next to Faith Lutheran Church, the community offers temporary housing solutions for families in need. The project is led by Roxana Boroujerdi, who has worked on the initiative for three years.

Pallet homes are temporary structures built on pallet trucks. At Faith Family Village, eight pallet homes and two bathroom/shower buildings were assembled in about a day. Each home costs approximately $10,000, while the bathroom/shower buildings cost around $30,000 each.

Kayla Olson, a 28-year-old mother, moved into the community with her 8-year-old daughter, Aleesha, in early February. Olson was homeless after being evicted for an inability to pay rent. She described her experience on the streets of Everett, where she spent weeks roaming the city in search of shelter.

Olson expressed relief at finding a secure place to stay. The community is located in a gated area, and all residents, employees, and volunteers are required to undergo background checks. Drugs, alcohol, and weapons are not allowed, and visitors are restricted.

Families at Faith Family Village stay for 90 days. During this time, they are paired with case workers who assist them in transitioning to more permanent housing. The community is operated by Interfaith, a local organization dedicated to addressing homelessness through collaborative efforts.

The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the unique challenges faced by homeless families, particularly children. By providing a secure, temporary environment, Faith Family Village aims to offer stability and support during a critical time.

Source: Read the original report