At San Marcos High School, the sound of saws and hammers echoes through the wood shop as students embark on a meaningful journey to create tiny homes for homeless veterans.
Mark Pilcher, founder of the Warrior Village Project, recently delivered lumber and essential materials to support these students in their quest to build resilient dwellings.
“It was my idea to start building tiny houses in high school construction classes to provide houses for homeless veterans,” Pilcher expressed, highlighting his broader vision of constructing entire villages of tiny homes.
Established in September 2019, the Warrior Village Project has blossomed into a collaborative initiative spanning several schools in San Diego County.
San Marcos High School proudly serves as the first partner in this venture, alongside Rancho Buena Vista High School and San Pasqual High School, working together to turn plans into reality.
Currently, students from these institutions are diligently constructing four tiny homes. Two of these homes are being built at SMHS, each measuring a compact 168 square feet and constructed on trailers that are 8 feet wide by 20 feet long.
Each tiny home features a functional design, including a studio-style living space that integrates a bedroom and kitchen area, as well as a bathroom located conveniently over the hitch of the trailer.
While the goal is to complete both houses by the end of the fall 2025 semester, teachers like Chris Geldart note that the timeline can vary based on the students’ skill levels and experience in construction.
With classes averaging 25 to 30 students, the dynamic nature of the program means that some participants are returning students while others are new to wood shop.
Geldart is keenly aware of the learning curve that accompanies each project, particularly in specialized areas like plumbing and electricity, which require professional inspection.
To ensure the safety and correctness of the work, electricians visit SMHS to guide the students in proper techniques.
“The idea is [that students] get an appreciation for what electricians do,” said Pilcher.
He hopes that students emerge from their classes not only with vital construction skills but also with the confidence to tackle minor repairs in their own homes in the future.
As the construction progresses, Pilcher believes that collaboration among students will foster a smoother workflow, as less experienced members can learn from their more adept peers.
Max Hackett, one of the advanced students nicknamed the ‘A Team,’ expressed enthusiasm about the learning experience.
“[The entire class is] learning a lot from building this,” Hackett said, gesturing towards one of the houses.
Hackett, along with his classmate Grey Boysen, has been involved in Geldart’s class since their freshman year and is keen on pursuing a minor in construction project management once heading to college.
Geldart recognizes the value of returning students who bring knowledge to the project, easing the teaching process as more advanced students contribute to building the second house.
This collaborative effort serves as motivation for those newer to the program, with students inspiring each other by showcasing tangible progress.
The Warrior Village Project not only aims to construct homes but also a community. The four houses created by students will be united in a village featuring eight additional tiny homes and a community center designed to offer shelter and support for veterans in need.
To further this mission, Pilcher has offered the completed homes to Solutions For Change, a Vista-based nonprofit that has recently acquired a property in Green Oak Ranch to establish this supportive community.
Reflecting on his earlier attempts to build homes, Pilcher noted the challenges faced with traditional construction methods.
His initial project—a stick-built home fashioned by students and completed with the help of volunteers and industry professionals—encountered complications with zoning and inspection regulations.
This led him to transition towards constructing movable tiny houses, which can adhere to national codes without the hindrance of strict local regulations.
“We couldn’t make it work under that model,” he explained.
The new focus has not only streamlined the process but also improved the overall experience for the students involved in the construction.
As the classroom buzzes with activity, students clean up their workspace, eagerly anticipating their next steps in the construction journey.
“It’s not perfect, but it’s trial-and-error,” Boysen remarked.
He sees the ongoing project as a continuous cycle of learning—not just for their class, but for future students as well.
Each graduating class builds on their predecessors’ experiences, creating a legacy of knowledge and service in the community.
In the spirit of teamwork and education, the students at San Marcos High School are not just constructing tiny homes; they are crafting hope for those who have served their country.
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