Community Supported Shelters

What Community Supported Shelters does

Community Supported Shelters (CSS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2013 and based in Eugene, Oregon. It primarily serves adults experiencing homelessness through low-barrier Safe Spot Communities that combine individual Conestoga Huts with food, water, sanitation, hygiene access, peer support, a mail address, and navigation to housing, employment, and social services. CSS reports 13 communities under management in Eugene and 252 huts throughout Lane County.\n\nIts core product is a 60-square-foot modular micro-shelter with insulated, mold-resistant, waterproof construction, a lockable door and storage, a platform bed, solar lighting, and a covered porch. Volunteers can assemble a hut on site in approximately two hours, and its components can be deconstructed, refurbished, and relocated. CSS also operates solar systems for lighting, cameras, Wi-Fi, charging, and water pumps, plus graywater filtration systems using rushes, horsetails, and sedges that reduce annual water hauling by approximately 53,000 gallons.\n\nFunding is primarily nonprofit: thousands of individual donors each year, foundation and corporate grants, BottleDrop proceeds, and program sponsorships. CSS supplements this with government and nonprofit consulting priced at $5,000, hut manuals and templates priced at $40-$90 before shipping, and Adopt-a-Hut donations of $3,000 or more. It reaches service users through a walk-in Access Center, weekly community check-ins, word-of-mouth, tours, and referrals from local government and nonprofit partners; current annual revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Name

Community Supported Shelters

Legal name

Community Supported Shelters

Website

https://communitysupportedshelters.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Community Supported Shelters is a Eugene nonprofit operating low-barrier Safe Spot Communities and modular Conestoga Huts for unhoused adults, with workforce, hygiene, healthcare, consulting, and hut-building resources that support stability and transitions to housing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Homeless Shelter Services

NAICS

Temporary Shelters (624221), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

Keywords

• Homeless shelter services
• Micro-shelter construction
• Nonprofit consulting services
• Intentional community housing
• Low-barrier shelter programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Eugene, Oregon

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: CSS relies heavily on individual donations from the community. The organization states 'thousands of people each year' contribute, with a suggested donation of $20 providing an Outreach Kit with water, snacks, and hygiene supplies.
2. Corporate and Foundation Grants: CSS receives grants from foundations such as Oregon Food Bank ($4,641 grant for rodent-resistant food storage) and the Chambers Family Foundation (for community garden).
3. Healthcare Partnership Services: Partnership with White Bird Clinic provides mobile medical clinic services at CSS locations, connecting community members to healthcare.
4. Consulting Services: CSS provides consulting services to municipal/state governments and nonprofits/faith groups seeking to implement shelter programs. Pricing is $5,000 for municipal/state governments with discounts available for nonprofits.
5. Hut Manual Sales: CSS sells Conestoga Hut construction manuals ($40 + $15 shipping), cardboard templates ($60 + $40 shipping), or bundles ($90 + $50 shipping) for organizations wanting to build their own huts.
6. Adopt-a-Hut Program: Organizations can adopt a Conestoga Hut for $3,000 or more, receiving a plaque dedication. On average, a hut costs $3,500 to build.
7. BottleDrop Recycling Program: CSS receives donations through the Oregon BottleDrop program, with community members processing bottles and cans that generate funds for the Nightingale Fund.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Community Supported Shelters (CSS) provides low-barrier shelter and supportive services for unhoused adults through a network of Safe Spot Communities built around the proprietary Conestoga Hut micro-shelter design in Eugene, Oregon. The organization supplements direct shelter with workforce development, shower and laundry access, a partnered mobile medical clinic, and a housing-navigation pathway. CSS also monetizes its operational expertise by selling Conestoga Hut construction manuals and offering consulting services to municipal governments and nonprofits seeking to replicate its model.

Product overview

Community Supported Shelters (CSS) offers a portfolio of shelter solutions centered on Conestoga Huts and Safe Spot Communities. The core product is the Conestoga Hut, a low-cost ($3,500 average), durable micro-shelter that provides 60 sq. ft. of lockable living space with solar power and insulation. These huts are deployed within Safe Spot Communities, which are intentional community environments providing comprehensive support services (water, sanitation, meals, peer support, case management). CSS also provides consulting services to help other organizations adopt their model, sells a DIY Hut Manual for $40, and operates complementary programs including Workforce Development, Shower/Laundry access, and a mobile medical clinic partnership. The Nightingale Community represents their flagship enhanced site with full utilities and housing-focused supports.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Safe Spot Communities Cost-effective intentional community environments for unhoused adults, each with up to 18 Conestoga Huts, shared kitchen, common space, porta-potties, and on-site support services. Annual cost averages $7,000 per client; 73% of residents move to positive housing outcomes.
• Conestoga Huts Proprietary 60 sq. ft. micro-shelter with twin platform bed, solar-powered light, lockable door, lockable rear window, lockable storage, insulated walls/floor/roof, and 20 sq. ft. covered porch. Assembled in approximately 2 hours by 12 volunteers; average build cost $3,500.
• Consulting Services Advisory package for municipal and state governments, nonprofits, and faith groups implementing Conestoga Hut shelter programs. Includes Planning Checklist, full documentation, 6 hours of consultation, and Hut Manual with templates. Flat $5,000 fee for governments with discounts available for nonprofits and faith groups.
• Hut Construction Manual Step-by-step 81-page instructional guide with photos, illustrations, tools and materials lists, and assembly instructions for building Conestoga Huts without prior construction experience. Sold for $40 plus $15 shipping, with optional laser-cut cardboard templates ($60) or bundle deal ($90).
• Adopt-a-Hut Sponsorship Program Sponsorship program allowing donors to dedicate a Conestoga Hut in their own name or in honor of another with a $3,000+ contribution, which funds the build (average cost $3,500) and includes a commemorative plaque on the hut.
• Workforce Development Program Employment preparation and job placement program for CSS community members, providing job training, resume building, Workforce Wednesday on-the-job shifts, and connections to employers such as Shift Community Cycles.
• Shower and Laundry Programs Access Center program providing clean, safe space for unhoused clients to shower, do laundry, and obtain clean clothes five days a week.
• Mobile Medical Clinic Partnership On-site healthcare services delivered in partnership with White Bird Clinic every Tuesday at the CSS Street Outreach Office, providing primary care, wound treatment, lab work, and medication management for unhoused patients via a team of nurse practitioners, medical assistants, and reception staff operating from a van.
• Nightingale Community Flagship enhanced Safe Spot Community in South Eugene with full utilities (water, electricity, Wi-Fi via Hunter Communications), kitchen facilities, common room, shower facilities, community garden, and housing-focused support services operating under a sociocracy governance model.

Quantifiable outcome

• 73% of participants moved into positive housing situations (permanent housing, transitional housing, recovery programs, or institutions)
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• White Bird CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 May 2026White Bird Clinic launched a mobile medical clinic at CSS's Street Outreach Office every Tuesday 1-4 p.m., offering primary care, wound treatment, lab work, and medication management. This partnership addresses healthcare access barriers for unhoused individuals who often haven't seen doctors in 10-15 years. A team of 3-4 White Bird staff (nurse practitioner, medical assistants, receptionist) operates from a van with medical equipment.
• Hunter CommunicationscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026Contracted to install internet infrastructure at Nightingale Community in 2026, providing stable Wi-Fi access across the site. Enables residents to stay connected with family, services, and search for housing/employment.
• Shift Community CyclessupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024CSS partnered with Shift Community Cycles and the Eugene Chamber of Commerce on the Pedal Forward Program. Community members graduate from the program and become bike mechanics. Sabrina and Jared graduated in May and now work as bike mechanics at Shift.
• University of Oregon (Kory Russel)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Kory Russel, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Studies, developed graywater filtration systems using native aquatic plants (rushes, horsetails, sedges). Systems were initially funded by two Oregon Country Fair Jill Heiman Vision Fund grants. Students engaged in design, installation, and assessment. Work continues with Williams Instructional Grant funding for Environmental Design 289 course.
• Eugene Chamber of CommercesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in workforce development initiatives including the Pedal Forward Program with Shift Community Cycles. Chamber supports CSS workforce programs and employment opportunities for community members.
• RexiusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonated large amounts of compost for the Nightingale Community Garden, enabling soil preparation for food forest project and raised garden beds.
• Essex ConstructionsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConstruction firm that helped build CSS's new headquarters building at 2870 W 10th Pl, Eugene.
• GMA ArchitectssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitecture firm involved in designing CSS's new headquarters building.
• Square One VillagessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization involved in design team for new CSS headquarters, bringing expertise in village/community development models.
• Laurel Hill CentersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevin Jenkins, President of CSS Board, also serves as Director of Facilities and Housing Services at Laurel Hill Center, which provides mental health and housing services in Lane County.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Family Promise: National nonprofit network operating shelter, prevention, and stabilization programs for families experiencing homelessness across 200+ affiliates. Broad incumbent in the same social services space, with overlapping consulting and replication model.
• PATH (People Assisting the Homeless): Los Angeles-based nonprofit providing housing, supportive services, and advocacy for people experiencing homelessness. Comparable low-barrier and supportive housing model, but operating at much larger scale with dedicated real estate development arm.
• Hope the Mission: Large Los Angeles-area nonprofit providing shelter, transitional housing, and homeless services across multiple sites. A broader incumbent operating in the same low-barrier shelter space, but at much larger scale and with a more diversified program mix.

Emerging players

• DignityMoves: California-based nonprofit building interim tiny home communities for unhoused individuals using modular construction. Comparable village-style approach and low-barrier model, with similar municipal consulting and partnership strategy as CSS.

Direct peers

• Square One Villages: Eugene, Oregon-based nonprofit that designs and operates tiny home villages for people exiting homelessness, including Opportunity Village Eugene. Most direct comparable given same geography, similar intentional community model, and prior collaboration with CSS on the new headquarters design.
• Dignity Village: Portland, Oregon-based self-governing intentional community of tiny homes for unhoused individuals, in operation since 2000. Highly comparable operating model—peer-governed village of small shelters—with a regional Oregon focus.
• JOIN (Job Opportunities & Independence Network): Portland-based nonprofit providing street outreach, shelter, housing placement, and employment services for people experiencing homelessness. Comparable regional scope, low-barrier approach, and integration of workforce development similar to CSS's Pedal Forward Program.

Regional players

• White Bird Clinic: Eugene, Oregon-based nonprofit health and human services provider and CSS's mobile medical clinic partner. Comparable Eugene focus and homeless services scope, with deeper healthcare specialization rather than shelter provision.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/community-supported-shelters-oregon

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Community Supported Shelters