The Tiny Homes Project empowers youth and strengthens our community through hands-on learning, mentorship and real-world life skills that go beyond the classroom.
This project is about much more than constructing homes – it’s a movement to rebuild lives and create lasting opportunity. Here, young people learn the value of showing up, working hard, taking initiative and finding pride in what they’ve accomplished.
Guided by skilled instructors and caring mentors, participants master trades like carpentry, roofing, and electrical skills while working on meaningful projects, from building tiny homes for tornado victims to community revitalization. Each accomplishment is a new chance for youth to say, “I built that.” Confidence, discipline, teamwork, and ownership aren’t just goals, they’re life skills our kids attain for the long haul.
Led by Erion “Prop Man” Johnson – a tradesman whose journey from Job Corps to community leader shapes our mission – we help students build not just structures, but lives of purpose, resilience, and responsibility.
Our approach grows the whole person
Skill Building & Mentorship
Young people gain construction skills through hands-on training, job site experience and one-on-one guidance, equipping them with practical skills they will use for life.
Academic Enrichment
Focused support develops problem-solving skills, study habits and confidence for academic and career success, with tutoring, workshops, and individualized guidance offered through our Afterschool Program.
Community & Team-Building
Group builds, public speaking, volunteering, and creative projects develop leadership, strengthen teamwork, and connect young adults with their neighborhoods through new experiences.
Student Requirements:
Pay a monthly $75 transportation fee, for after-school pickup and drop-off.
Participate in one mandatory fundraiser each month. (Fundraising is central to our model – it builds responsibility, encourages teamwork, and makes high-quality, tuition-free programming possible.)
Bring a positive attitude and an open heart
These experiences build confident, community-minded leaders, prepared for meaningful careers and lifelong success.
We offer a powerful pathway for youth who are navigating the Missouri Court System.
The Division of Youth Services (DYS) program helps at-risk adolescents stabilize, develop purpose, and become skilled, confident citizens. Through hands-on training in the building trades and supportive mentorship, every participant takes a solid step towards discovering the best version of themselves, gaining career skills, and engaging positively with their community.
Participants gain practical experience (installing roofing, wiring tiny homes, or rebuilding a community after disaster) to learn discipline, accountability, and the dignity of teamwork in the process. Every project is a chance to show up, work hard, and find pride in what they build together. By setting a high standard for responsibility, commitment, and teamwork, the DYS program restores hope, respect and a true sense of belonging, helping young people grow into valued contributors with a lasting sense of self-worth.
As Erion says, “When you give a young person a chance to show up and build something, you’re not just teaching a skill. You’re changing their story.”
This isn’t charity – it’s a launchpad.
