In Marin County, California, a group of high school students spent the entire academic year building tiny homes for low-income families. Guided by a local nonprofit, the students learned hands-on construction skills while helping tackle the area’s growing housing shortage. Their work resulted in two fully functional tiny homes that will soon provide permanent shelter for families in need, showing how education and community impact can go hand in hand.
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Students Lead Hands-On Construction
Twenty-four students from San Rafael High School teamed up with six adult apprentices to build two fully functional accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The Big Skills Program, part of Rebuilding Together East Bay Network, guided the project. From framing to final touches, students worked throughout the school year to bring the compact homes to life.
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Small Homes, Big Purpose
Each ADU measures 160 square feet, designed efficiently to include kitchen space, pull-out cabinets, heating, cooling, and a dining area with fold-out chairs. These small but complete homes will be placed in Novato to serve as permanent housing for two low-income families through a partnership with the Marin Housing Authority…