Western Shelter Systems (Western) is teaming up with local non-profit shelter provider, Community Supported Shelters (CSS), to improve the design of the homegrown Conestoga Hut. The Conestoga Hut Micro-Shelter is a quick shelter option for individuals and couples who are experiencing homelessness. The Hut is designed as a hard-shelled, insulated tent structure that can be built with a group of a few volunteers with a wide range of construction experience.

“I had heard about the Huts, had seen them from a distance but I had never been in one. Once I got it, I was like, ‘Wow, this is like a castle.’ It really is. Just to be able to stand up in the morning, simple things like that, it really is a Godsend. As simple as it it’s built, I thought, ‘Wow, this could really go a long way, to help a lot of people.'” — Patrick, former hut resident

Volunteers will be building a Conestoga Hut shelter at Western Shelter's design and fabrication facility located on Wilson St in West Eugene. Western’s engineers will help the non-profit with aspects of the Hut that need to be improved for overall usefulness and ease of construction by volunteers.

Michael Scala, Chief Executive Officer at Western Shelter shares: “The collaboration between Western Shelter Systems and Community Supported Shelters is a great way to support our local community here in Eugene. Our team at Western Shelter has spent years developing systems for setting up a range of structures, and we are looking forward to helping CSS refine and optimize their process. Together we will be able to make a bigger difference in our community and support CSS’s mission to empower clients to stabilize and rebuild their lives.”

Headquartered in Eugene, OR, Western Shelter Systems (westernshelter.com) manufactures and distributes temporary and semi-permanent shelters and field support systems which include rigid frame, inflatable framed, and container based shelters in a variety of sizes and trim levels complete with accessories that cover climate control, power generation, water handling, and more. Since 1988, Western Shelter has been a primary supplier of emergency response shelters for federal, state, county, and municipal fire and police jurisdictions; as well as forest service, military, hospital, and industrial organizations.

CSS (communitysupportedshelters.org) is a rapidly growing non-profit 501(c)(3) based in Eugene, Oregon. They are leading the way on shelter options for individuals experiencing homelessness. They build sturdy Conestoga Hut shelters that are pleasing to the eye, create caring and collaborative communities, and provide extensive support that empowers clients to stabilize and rebuild their lives.