Tipp students build tiny houses, learn about giving back to community

TIPP CITY – Tippecanoe High School’s tiny house project has taken on new dimensions.

In its third year as part of the district’s homebuilding class, students again are working on a tiny house that will be sold at auction to benefit the program.

In addition, work is underway on the design and construction of three micro houses that will go to the nonprofit Veterans Ananda Retreat and Homestead program in New York.

The school program’s first tiny house was built over two school years and sold at public auction in August.

A second house that is smaller than the first at 15 feet is being built outside the high school by the class that attracted 165 students this year, said instructor Jim Kitchen.

Plans are to again sell the house at auction to help pay for future projects. The projects are supported by donations of materials – windows, lumber, doors among others – grants and student class fees. Students also benefit from seeing the work of professionals including those from Hinkle & Van Dine Roofing, which recently helped prepare the roof to be placed on the first micro house.

The micro houses project will include two eight by 10 foot houses and another house that will provide more space to accommodate a handicapped resident.

The micro houses are part of a project goal to give back, Kitchen said. Those who worked with him on buying the trailer for the auction project helped make connections with the Veterans Ananda organization.

Veterans Ananda describes its work as using traditional and nontraditional treatments and therapies in helping support, heal and rehabilitate armed services members and first responders.

The Tipp City tiny house program is featured on the organization website, which says the micro houses will be home to those taking part in the Veteran’s Ananda short- and longer-term programs.

“From a philanthropic standpoint, this is great for the kids to work beyond just the goal of building a house and selling it,” Kitchen said. “It is teaching giving back to the greater community. You are really doing it for someone who needs the help.”

Work on the first micro house is being done inside the school building, which is beneficial particularly on days when the weather is bad, Kitchen said.

For more information on the tiny house program at Tippecanoe High School , visit tipptinyhouse.weebly.comor contact jkitchen@tippcity.k12.oh.us.

For more information on Veterans Ananda visit www.veteransananda.org.

Contact this contributing writer at nancykburr@aol.com

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