I am seeking materials and or funding to help build straw bale studios for the homeless at Nickelsville homeless encampment in Seatle.
$5 will buy one bale (we need 75). We hope to install a solar hot water shower unit next and then a 20x40' greenhouse.
We have hopes to create sustainable solutions for the homeless not only to help them but also to teach sustainable techniques. Please
Help if you can and we hope to post workshops so that people in the community can learn more about green building.


This is the time of year when Seattle nights are getting colder and longer. It is dangerous for people to be out on the streets overnight during the winter months. Already this fall, shelters for families and single individuals are reporting that large numbers of people are being turned away due to lack of space. More people are spending the fall/winter nights on Seattle streets or in their cars. This is a problem throughout our city and no neighborhood is immune from the problem nor exempt from being part of the solution.

Nickelsville has become a space for those in need and because the city council has set aside this property for temporary / permanent structures to help fill the need of low income housing, the need for these structure to be sustainable is even more important if these structures are to be deconstructed some time in the future. 2x4's can be denailed and reused or even cut down for fire wood if need be. But to what end is that solution when materials like strawbales ( a waste byproduct) can be found locally and at a far less cost.
 Because green building meets current building needs and reduces impacts on future generations by integrating building materials and methods that promote environmental quality, economic vitality, and social benefit through the design, construction and operation of our built environment green structures can also help the homeless in the same way if not more so.
 Nickelsville is a refuge for those in Seattle with no place to call home. Tents can provide some shelter from the elements but as we all know the NW can be relentless during the fall and winter.
 Currently there is limited funding for built structures to help those out in Nickelsville, 5 shelters exist to be exact and they are standard 2x4 constructed with the help of some local talented and skilled professionals.
 Building a straw bale shelter at Nickelsville will not only add another much needed space to help keep more folks in need out the elements, but also will provide a new skill that many can use to generate income or even a career building with natural and sustainable materials. 
 The city has advocated ADU ( Aditional Dewelling Unit ) as a means for citizens to increase population density and as a way to possibly generate revenue ( both of which are good for the community). Teaching people skills to 
Build these units with sustainable methods and materials helps to achieve 
Many goals this community has.


Straw bale materials list
10 sheets Ply
11 2x8' 
8 pallets
168 linear ft 2" x 4"
Clay
Sand
Poly roof membrane 16' x16'I

Thanks for your time and help