New Horizon Communities-Shelton Veterans Village Joins Mason County EDC Membership
Mason County, WA – April 4, 2025 – We are excited to welcome New Horizon Communities, also known as the Shelton Veterans Village, as the newest member of MasonEDC. New Horizon Communities is leading the charge in stabilizing and reducing the barriers to housing while addressing the underlying causes of homelessness.
The Shelton Veterans Village is a tiny home village that provides housing and supportive services for homeless veterans. . New Horizon Communities’ mission is to provide permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. They create and manage tiny home villages that foster community, encourage personal growth, and promote access to the care and services residents need. To qualify for residency, individuals must be on the coordinated entry list, a ranked system prioritizing those in the greatest need—placing disabled individuals higher while others are farther down.
The Shelton Veterans Village provides on-site Case Managers who assist with overall care coordination and access to services including providing and/or arranging transportation, scheduling appointments, enrolling in veteran benefits, food stamps and health care benefits, job training, life skills-building, etc. They connect with local resources to provide mental and physical health support, food security support, transportation support, employment, and educational opportunities as well as social engagement. Residents also have access to a variety of therapeutic services, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), art therapy, and music therapy in partnership with organizations such as the Great Bend Center for Music. Every six months, residents complete a survey to assess the effectiveness of the services provided, ensuring continuous improvement.
Contrary to common misconceptions, Shelton Veterans Village recognizes that homelessness is not primarily driven by substance use. Data shows that low wages and housing stock and affordability are the leading causes, with depression often leading to substance use, further exacerbating the situation.
Both New Horizon Communities and MasonEDC share a strong commitment to attracting livable-wage jobs and fostering the development of workforce housing. New Horizon Communities actively works to educate the public by dispelling misconceptions about homelessness. Understanding the fears and concerns of the community is a priority, and Executive Director Colleen Carmichael frequently invites individuals to volunteer at the village, take a tour, or engage in open conversations about these issues.
As part of this mission, New Horizon Communities has joined the MasonEDC office to collaborate on economic growth strategies that extend beyond traditional for-profit business models. Colleen Carmichael commends Kevin Shutty (MasonEDC Executive Director) for his efforts in building relationships with developers and construction companies to accelerate housing development.
Additionally, New Horizon Communities is dedicated to supporting career pathways and strategic alliances that ensure critical projects move forward. Their mission to advocate for housing solutions and attract livable-wage jobs aligns directly with MasonEDC’s commitment to fostering economic growth.
By partnering with MasonEDC, New Horizon Communities is investing in the future of Mason County—working towards expanded housing development, attracting industries that offer sustainable employment, and addressing homelessness with proactive solutions.
We are thrilled to have them as a partner in driving meaningful change in our community.
