I manage a small housing community in Texas for women escaping harmful relationships.

I manage a small housing community in Texas for women escaping harmful relationships.

The Bird’s Nest: Empowering Women Through Tiny Homes

Robyn Yerian, a vibrant and adventurous woman, embarked on a remarkable journey in 2017 when she bought her first tiny home. Little did she know that this decision would lead her to create a unique community in Cumby, Texas called The Bird’s Nest. In this as-told-to essay, Robyn shares her story of resilience, empowerment, and the joy of building a women-only village.

The Journey to Tiny Home Living

After her divorce in 1993, Robyn found herself with no job, two young children to support, and only two suitcases to her name. Determined to make ends meet, she worked multiple jobs for years, striving to create a stable life for her family. Eventually, in 2010, she sold her home and decided to embrace a simpler lifestyle by renting instead.

In 2016, everything changed when Robyn stumbled upon an episode of the television show “Tiny House Nation.” Intrigued by the concept, she attended her first tiny-home jamboree in Colorado Springs that same year. There, she met a talented female builder who agreed to help her construct her dream tiny home, a cozy two-bedroom unit that cost $57,000.

With her new tiny home completed, Robyn faced the challenge of finding a legal space to park it. After a few disappointments, she discovered a tiny-home village being developed in Decatur, Texas, where she became the very first resident in 2017. Falling in love with the close-knit community, Robyn’s entrepreneurial spirit started to ignite.

The Birth of The Bird’s Nest

As time went on, Robyn began contemplating her future and financial security. Realizing that her 401(k) and social security alone would not suffice for retirement, she delved into exploring passive income opportunities. Encouraged by a friend in finance, she decided to invest in land that she could potentially rent out in the future. After an extensive search, Robyn purchased five scenic acres in Cumby, Texas for $35,000, funded by withdrawing from her 401(k).

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The purchased land came with its own challenges—it lacked water and electricity and required excavation and a new septic system. Unfazed by the obstacles, Robyn invested $100,000 to develop the property before finally moving her tiny home to Cumby in 2022. And thus, The Bird’s Nest was born—an affordable, women-only, tiny-home village that provides a sense of security, community, and empowerment.

A Safe Haven for Women in Need

Operating similar to an RV park, The Bird’s Nest offers 14 lots where tenants can park their own tiny homes. Currently, four of the lots are occupied, while others feature buildings used as a party pad, workspaces, and a community center. Originally envisioning the community as exclusively for senior women without children, Robyn quickly adapted when women of all ages reached out expressing their interest. Some were survivors of abusive situations, while others were recently divorced and in need of an affordable place to call home.

Driven by her desire to support these women, Robyn expanded her vision. Rent at The Bird’s Nest is a mere $450 a month, a price she pledges never to raise. She even offers reduced rates to those facing financial hardships. The village fosters a strong sense of solidarity and mutual support. When one of the tenants undergoes knee surgery, all the women band together to ensure her recovery is smooth.

Empowering Women and Building Financial Security

The Bird’s Nest goes beyond being a tiny-home village; it is a testament to the power of women supporting and empowering one another. In June, Robyn organized the first-ever builder workshop at the village. The event aimed to create a nurturing space where women could try new things without fear of judgment. To her delight, the workshop was a resounding success, with countless women attending for various reasons. Participants learned to use power tools, build structures, and tackle vital aspects of tiny-home construction, such as water lines, septic tanks, and electrical installations.

Robyn’s vision for The Bird’s Nest is to transform it into a sanctuary where women feel safe, valued, and empowered. It serves as a place where they can explore new avenues, build financial security, and count on each other for support. The sense of community and shared experiences enriches the lives of all involved.

In conclusion, Robyn Yerian’s decision to embrace tiny home living led to the creation of The Bird’s Nest, an empowering village for women in Cumby, Texas. Through her resilience and determination, she built a tight-knit community that supports each other in times of need and encourages personal growth. The Bird’s Nest stands not just as a collection of tiny homes but as a testament to the power of shared experiences, the courage to try new things, and the transformative effect of empowering women.

• tiny home
• Tiny Home Village
• tiny homes