DSUSD, COD students build tiny home to ‘rethink housing’
It’s a tiny home – that’s making an even bigger impact.
“Some of them have never even held a hammer and then to build something like this, help build something like this.. It’s just amazing," said Bert Bitanga, professor of architecture at College of the Desert
It’s all thanks to a couple of students who have helped turn this home into a reality.
“I can’t think of a better opportunity than this to have your hands on an actual project and see the fruits of your labor,” said Scott Bailey, Desert sands Unified School District superintendent.
Construction for this tiny home started back in October. The tiny home stands at about 20 feet by 8 feet – which will include a mini living room, a kitchen, and much more.
“There’s a sink, a cooktop, there’s a bathroom that has toilet and a shower. And then a sleeping loft above the bathroom and kitchen," said Bitanga.
The students have learned everything from building, wiring, electricity and so much more.
“It was cool seeing all the wiring come together and seeing how it was going to be laid out and learning the plans," said Raul Romero, a student. "This is definitely something i want to do moving forward in my career. It’s taught me something i like to do, working with my hands.”
All of this in collaboration with DSUSD, COD, and the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters. Students are earning high school and even college-level credits. They say the tiny home is not only a great project, but it’s a way to develop life skills for the future.
“Being able to work on their house or to have those fundamental skills of reading a tape measure," said Jeffery Scott, an outreach specialist for the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters. "Just having those skills is valuable," said Charlene Whitlinger, director of outreach for the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters. “To see this come to fruition is really great. To know these kids will always have these skills and move forward.”
The tiny home is expected to be completed before April. The hope is to then showcase it as affordable housing option.
