Safe Spot Communities

Intentional community that transforms lives

Safe Spot Communities are cost-effective intentional communities that provide unhoused individuals with essential needs: shelter, safety, food, water, restrooms, and human connection. They are designed to be a transitory step on the way to better circumstances, for stays from 3 months to 2 years.

Safe Spot Community Features


Safe Spot Communities have up to 18 beds; micro-communities have fewer than 6. Some communities have parking spaces, garden plots, wheelchair support, and openings for pets, but availability is limited. Note: most Safe Spot Communities are off the grid, lacking hook-ups to traditional sewer, water, and electricity.

Intentional Community

At the heart of each Safe Spot Community is intentional community. Our program has one of the highest success rates in Lane County for moving individuals from homelessness to positive housing; this is because we foster environments that emphasize teamwork and shared responsibility. People who live in Safe Spot Communities together become peer support for one another, learning and growing side by side.

Support

The CSS Service Team is a critical part of the success of Safe Spot Communities. The team consists of:

  • Meeting Facilitator: Meets with communities on a routine basis to support a healthy group dynamic and facilitate conflict resolution
  • Support Worker: Serves as a mentor, guide, and friend to new community members, teaching them about the program
  • Service Navigator: Helps community members navigate social services, employment opportunities, and housing lists

Conestoga Huts

Each Safe Spot Community has up to 18 Conestoga Huts, which are inexpensive, durable, easy-to-build micro-shelters that are designed to provide shelter and security for unhoused individuals. Created by Community Supported Shelters in 2013, they are now used by organizations across the country.

Make a Move

Take a Tour

Visit a Safe Spot Community in Eugene, Oregon, and step inside a Conestoga Hut.

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Apply For Our Program

Need help? Learn about our application process and get on our waitlist.

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Get Consulting Services

We share our practices and expertise with governments and other nonprofits.

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Purchase a Hut Manual

Even without construction experience, you can build a Hut using our manual.

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"The City of Eugene has partnered with CSS for more than ten years and finds their innovative approach to supporting people to be cost-effective, trauma-informed, person-centered, and impactful."

—Peter Chavannes, City of Eugene Homeless Systems Policy Manager

"If you’re alone, if you live in the woods and you don’t know anybody and nobody knows you, then all they see is a stranger. And breaking through that is a major hurdle. And so, being hooked up with a group, then you have some accountability to the people around you, and you can establish a reputation. People get to know you."

—Paul, community member & staff member

"It's really clean and organized, and a pleasant place to be. The residents really were getting along with each other. I know we always need more, but this is an example of some really good work, and we should all be happy about that."

—Emily Semple, Eugene City Councilor

"Being on the street is no fun. You constantly have to take every day as it comes, and you can't trust nobody. I can see a lot of hope now. I see more clearly what my objective is. I can't emphasize enough how caring the staff here is."

— Bobby, community member

"There’s such a beautiful operational culture here. Everybody is respected for their unique contributions. There’s a lot of collaboration with all of us, a lot of ability and willingness to pivot and innovate and try things out. It’s a very heart-centered organization."

—Plaedo, former staff

"We all get along pretty well. We’ve all been hurt; we're aware of that. Everybody here is in the same boat. We watch out for each other so nobody triggers an explosion. You might get one bad apple in the barrel, but this program is so well organized and run. It’s so simple and it keeps on going smoothly."

—Herman , community member

"The City of Eugene has partnered with CSS for more than ten years and finds their innovative approach to supporting people to be cost-effective, trauma-informed, person-centered, and impactful."

—Peter Chavannes, City of Eugene Homeless Systems Policy Manager

Support Us

Your support provides shelter and hope for a better tomorrow. No amount is too small to give. $20 can make a real difference in the lives of unhoused individuals—it can fund an Outreach Kit, which provides someone in need with water, snacks, and hygiene supplies.

Donate Today
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