If you've been wondering what those tiny blue and white houses are underneath the grandstands at Sedro-Woolley High School, you're not alone.
The tiny homes are the product of hard work done by students in Sedro-Woolley High School’s Core Plus Construction class. Under the guidance of Skilled and Technical Sciences Instructor Daniel Caldwell, students have been building these homes from the ground up as part of an ongoing partnership with the Low Income Housing Institute (LEHI) out of Seattle.
“We have four tiny homes this year,” Caldwell explained. “These are continuing from last year and the previous year. LEHI works with Lowe’s, and they drop off the supplies to build all of the tiny houses. We order four at a time. They drop off all the materials, and the students build them. Once we’re finished, LEHI comes to pick them up and drop off more houses for us to build.”
This hands-on experience is invaluable for students, who not only learn practical construction skills but also develop problem-solving abilities and a strong sense of safety awareness.
“Overall, I would say the best skills they’re learning are problem solving and safety,” Caldwell said. “If some of them want to go into construction, this is a great first step, but even if they don’t, most people want to be able to work on their house, make improvements, handle tools safely, and feel more confident.”
The tiny homes built by the students are placed in communities operated by LEHI, many of which are in King County. These homes provide a safe place for individuals experiencing homelessness to live and sleep, while central facilities within the communities offer shared kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry services. Locally, the Sedro-Woolley Food Bank has expressed interest in working with the school to address homelessness in Skagit County.
Students like Porter Self, a senior at Sedro-Woolley High School, are gaining first-hand experience in construction skills.
“I’ve learned how to paint properly,” Self said. “We’ve done the painting, trim, and we’re going to learn how to do flooring and install doors.”
For Self, knowing that the work he and his classmates are doing will help those in need is especially rewarding. He said they feel good to know that these are going to help people who need a little extra helping hand.
Another senior, Kylin Chance, has found the hands-on experience to be both educational and engaging.
“There’s always something to do, and it keeps me busy,” Chance said. “I’ve learned about different tools, like a hand plane and a handheld saw. They’re making me do a lot of the finishing work because I have a steadier hand.”
Chance, who has also taken two years of welding, appreciates the opportunity to learn new skills while spending time with her classmates.
“It’s fun to hang out with friends and learn how to build houses,” she said. “There are only two girls in this class.”
The tiny homes, painted in royal blue and white, carry a piece of Sedro-Woolley pride into communities across the Seattle area. As these students continue their work, they’re not just building houses; they’re building futures—for themselves and for those in need.