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Developers say that in Eugene would not be some cookie-cutter subdivision with rows of houses that all look the same.

It would offer a variety of models, including the Conestoga, Icosa, Conic and the Budget Bungalow. This proposed homeless camp would be different, vowed Dan Bryant, the senior pastor of and a member of the project’s board of directors.

Opportunity Village follows the basic model of Portland’s Dignity Village, Bryant said, but with a twist. Dignity Village features mostly shed-like structures more often used for storing lawn mowers than housing people.

鈥淭he idea is to bring a collaboration of architects and builders together around a common cause to create a vibrant built environment,鈥� said Andy Heben, an urban planner and designer working on the project. 鈥淲e are developing a village structure catalog, which documents simple, compact and inexpensive structures that have been proposed by local and regional architects and builders.鈥�

A building guide would ensure that all construction demonstrates safety, affordability and energy efficiency, Heben said.

鈥淪ustainable design features are encouraged, such as water catchment and passive solar design,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e also intend to make use of recycled materials as much as possible by developing relationships with local industries.鈥�

Architects have designed a number of different structures for Opportunity Village. Chuck Henderson, a Gualala, Calif.-based architect known for his cone-shaped designs, has devised a conical shell that can be used as a low-cost shelter. Other architects have designed shelters that look like island huts or miniature houses.

Henderson said his design is particularly useful for a homeless village.

鈥淭he construction procedure is very simple and straightforward, which will encourage villagers to participate directly in the construction process,鈥� he said.

Bryant envisions the uniquely designed shelters occupying a park-like setting with tree-lined paths, raised flower beds, vegetables gardens and a covered village square.

鈥淲e want something that’s not an eyesore and, more importantly, provides safety and security for residents,鈥� Bryant said.

It is also important that the shelters be portable, he said.

鈥淥ur vision is for transitional housing that individuals and families can take with them, something than can break down and (move) from place to place,鈥� he added. 鈥淚n other words, these structures would be trailable.鈥�

That does not mean tents, Bryant said. His church formerly offered a tent for homeless people, but one vandal with a pocketknife tore it down.

鈥淭hese are going to be substantial structures,鈥� he promised.

Besides, he said, there is little dignity living in a tent.

Scott Layman, the outreach coordinator for Dignity Village in Portland, said he agrees.

鈥淲e haven’t had tents here in years,鈥� he said.

Opportunity Village has been in the works for more than a year.

鈥淚t really evolved from the Occupy Eugene movement,鈥� Bryant said, noting that when protesters camped out, hundreds of homeless people asked if they could share their tents. 鈥淭he people in the Occupy movement had their eyes opened to the plight of unsheltered folks.鈥�

In Dignity Village, Layman said, all structures are smaller than 200 square feet so they can be scooped up with a forklift and hauled away. Opportunity Village would follow a similar model. 鈥淲e’re happy to help any community who wants to follow our model,鈥� Layman said.

Medford and Ashland also are considering similar homeless camps. Bryant, however, hates the word 鈥渃amp.鈥�

鈥淚t’s a village, not a camp,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f the vision is realized, it will be an attractive addition to the community.鈥�

Right now, however, it is just a vision because Opportunity Village has no place to go. Eugene City Council has voiced approval of the project, but not to the point of offering or suggesting any land.

At a meeting last week, City Council directed staffers to identify potential sites for a homeless village. Councilors did not single out Opportunity Village, but rather that they wanted details about potential sites before making their next move.

They did specify, however, that potential sites should be able to house 30 homeless adults and their children. Opportunity Village could accommodate that number, Bryant said.

鈥淭he more information we get will help guide our ultimate decision, whether we accept the idea or reject the idea,鈥� Councilor George Brown said.

Earlier this year, Opportunity Village supporters suggested a location at West 13th Avenue and Chambers Street. That generated intense opposition from neighbors.

A committee appointed by Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy recommended that an area for homeless people be set aside by Oct. 1. That deadline passed, although city staffers put together a list of more than 300 potential sites. Now their task is to narrow them down.

Bryant said he is not discouraged.

鈥淲e’re just going through the political process,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t will take time, but we will get where we want to go.鈥�