Tiny Homes is a student-led organization where students design and construct a tiny home from start to finish for homeless veterans.

Tiny homes began with a dream from assistant principal Mr. Allen Segura. He had seen veterans building homes for other homeless veterans on the news and thought, “Why couldn’t our students do the same?” He then spoke with Mr. James Gaylord, the architecture teacher on campus. After a student presentation to the school board proposing the idea, they said yes.

Now, one house is built per year. Each year, a lead designer is chosen. The lead designer this year is senior Edwin Gil.

“What made me want to start designing homes is ultimately the idea of making an impact on other people’s lives,” said Gil. “I am so grateful for everything I have, so I wanted to make a difference in my community. Making the design of the home took a total of two months. There was a lot of trial and error, but once I turned it in, I was very happy with it. It is truly an honor to be the lead designer and architect.”

Another goal of this project is to give students the necessary tools and skills for college and life, build communication skills, learn how to be a leader and make connections. The final goal of the program is to inspire high schools all over the country to build and create tiny homes.

There are many ways for students to get involved in this project.

“This program is unique in how many opportunities it gives to its students,” said Architecture president senior Lily Nguyen. “All design students, even if it is their first year, get to design their own tiny home. Through the architecture committee, which is open to all design and committee students, there are tons of opportunities to meet other people with similar interests. I have personally made so many friends and had so much fun going to architecture firms and giving presentations. All students in our district have the chance to volunteer after school to work on the homes.”

This is a truly special organization that has made an impact on so many lives.