Build the Machine that Builds Careers.
500 Acres × Supporting Local Students to Build Lasting Change
Help Us Reach Our $100,000 Dollar Goal During Our 12 Day Challenge
The Problem
Gateway communities near national parks are facing a workforce housing crisis. The workers who keep these towns running—hospitality staff, park rangers, teachers—can't afford to live there. Traditional construction is too expensive. Skilled labor is scarce. And the next generation? They're leaving for cities because there's no clear path to a career.
Be Part of the Solution: One Machine, Two Outcomes
A ShopBot is a CNC router that cuts precision timber frames from digital files. We're using ShopBots to do two things at once: certify students in advanced manufacturing and produce the components for Nesting workforce housing.
Students learn a trade. Communities get housing. Everyone wins.
How Nesting Works
CUT
ShopBot cuts precision timber frames from digital designs. No piece over 40 lbs.
SHIP
Flat-pack components ship to remote sites where heavy equipment can't reach.
BUILD
A crew of 3 can raise a structure in a week. 40% cost reduction vs. traditional.
$100,000
Funds one ShopBot, installation, training, and first-year operations at CWI
12+
Housing units produced annually for gateway communities
20+
Students certified per year in advanced CNC manufacturing
Why This Matters
This isn't charity. It's infrastructure. Every ShopBot we install creates a permanent pipeline: students become certified, certification becomes employment, employment becomes housing, housing becomes community stability.
Train the workforce. Build the housing. Strengthen the community.
Small Gifts.
Structural Change.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! All contributions are tax-deductible.
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Your donations goes to 500 Acres Foundation. The foundation will use the funds to purchase a shop bot and train students.
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YES! We are always looking for volunteers and mentors. Please reach out to nick@500acres.org if you want to get involved!
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Absolutely. Please let us know these details when you make your donation.