Photo by Karen Weliky

By Casey Chaffin
HereTogether Communications Associate 

On a corner of Ladd’s Addition, a stone’s throw from a New Seasons and a Nossa Familia Coffee, is a new development: the Avalon Village, a tiny-home community for unhoused women and fem-identified people. 

When approaching the newly-built village, visitors are greeted by a sprawling botanical mural, which wraps around the entire community. 

The leafy mural reflects the organic growth of the village. This project was not a top-down directive from the county or the city. The neighborhood, including the nonprofits who lease the buildings around the site and members of the Hosford-Abernethy Neighborhood District (HAND), advocated for the space to be turned into transitional shelter. Over the course of two years, HAND and others in the neighborhood worked with WeShine, a newer organization that builds and operates transitional “micro-villages” with wraparound services, to create the Avalon Village.

Neighbors helping neighbors

Prior to WeShine’s involvement, the space was a defunct community garden that had become a site for an encampment. After a propane tank on the property exploded and burned a tree, the neighbors became more concerned about the safety risks. The neighbors wanted to support the unhoused community while also ensuring everyone’s safety and security. 

This active collaboration is baked into the mission of WeShine. 

“WeShine was started by neighborhood activists who wanted to give neighbors something to be for, instead of something to be against,” Jan McManus, WeShine’s executive director, said. “And they wanted to respond to the NIMBYism with something more proactive and positive that would engage neighbors and local businesses and faith communities.” 

As part of the development of the Avalon Village, WeShine and HAND have developed a “Good Neighbor Agreement” between the village and representatives of the neighborhood. In this agreement, both parties set expectations for how the site will be managed. The agreement includes a commitment from WeShine to have staff at the village 7 days a week and to keep the property fenced and clean, as well as offering a phone number for neighbors to call in case of any concerns. 

“It’s about transparency and open communication,” said McManus. 

WeShine and HAND are also planning on starting a Neighborhood Council, which will host regular meetings between the neighbors, WeShine staff, and residents of the village. Representatives of HAND say that council meetings will create an outlet for neighbors and residents of the village to address problems before they become entrenched conflicts. 

With these parameters in place, McManus and HAND say that there’s a sense of confidence in the project among the neighbors. 

Photo by Karen Weliky 

‘It’s just about being in a safe, small place’

So, what do future residents have to look forward to? 

Avalon Village will deliver the kind of safe, supported shelter that effectively helps people move toward permanent housing. The village offers privacy, autonomy, personalized support from on-site staff, and is conveniently located near critical services.

In addition to 10 tiny-homes (or “pods”), the village hosts a community room, a shower, two bathrooms, a kitchenette, and a covered outdoor area. Unlike many other tiny-home villages, Avalon Village also hosts two ADA-accessible pods and an ADA bathroom. Each pod has both heating and air-conditioning. 

Avalon Village embraces an evidence-based approach, welcoming residents without preconditions such as sobriety or mandatory treatment programs. These services will be offered and encouraged in ways that support individual success. This proven model recognizes that stable housing is the foundation for recovery and personal growth. Residents can bring their pets and stay with partners, acknowledging that these connections are vital for well-being and successful transitions. To support this inclusive environment, the village plans to construct a dog-run and possibly a catio, creating a truly home-like atmosphere.

Residents can stay for up to 2 years. During their stays, residents will work alongside WeShine staff to set goals and get connected with benefits, services, and employment. The end goal is to prepare people for permanent housing. 

WeShine’s model also includes regular council meetings among the residents, and a few expected volunteer hours per week. At WeShine’s first village in NE Portland, residents of the village have proposed and adjusted rules, like a curfew, to better meet the needs of the people staying there. 

“Villagers have a strong voice in how the villages operate on a day to day basis,” McManus said.  

Avalon Village’s focus is on unhoused women. The demographic of the village is specific, and that’s by design. People who face other systemic barriers will also be prioritized, specifically BIPOC women, queer and trans women, and women with chronic illnesses. 

“We focus on serving some of the most underserved adults that tend to fall through the cracks or not feel welcome or safe in these really large settings,” McManus said. “It’s just about being in a safe, small place where you feel in control of your environment, and you feel you’re treated with respect and you’re listened to.”

Photo by Karen Weliky

The road ahead

Makayla Tanquary, the Avalon Village Manager, has been giving prospective residents tours of the village. 

“They’re super excited. Everyone has really loved the paint. I think the biggest thing is they come in and they’re like, ‘Oh, it’s so cute in here.’ So that’s been really fun to see, everyone’s excitement there,” she said. “They all appreciate having their own sleeping space.” 

The first 10 residents have already been selected for the village. In addition to Avalon Village, WeShine runs an LGBTQ+-specific village in Parkrose, and is currently constructing an ADA-accessible village for people aged 45 and up who live with a physical disability. 

Residents interested in living at one of WeShine’s villages can apply to join the waitlist on their website. WeShine also works with other providers – particularly day shelters like Rahab’s Sisters, Blanchet House, and Rose Haven – for referrals. Organizations interested in becoming a partner can reach out to info@weshinepdx.org.