Build the Machine that Builds Careers.

3% Cover the Fee

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.


3% Cover the Fee
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Yes! All contributions are tax-deductible.

  • Your donations goes to 500 Acres Foundation. The foundation will use the funds to purchase a shop bot and train students.

  • YES! We are always looking for volunteers and mentors. Please reach out to nick@500acres.org if you want to get involved!

  • Absolutely. Please let us know these details when you make your donation.