Creating Our Own Neighborhood - Bellingham Cohousing

Peak Moment 124: Kathleen Nolan helped shaped the beginnings of Bellingham Cohousing, based on a neighborhood design of private homes and shared buildings, managed by residents in participatory decision making. Their 5.74 acre plot originally had one farmhouse, which they modified to become the shared community building with dining, kitchen, laundry, craft, office, guest, and other rooms. The individual townhouses make a small footprint, leaving open space for gardens and a natural wetland. She stresses the importance of agreeing on shared values, and how the social connections enhance and challenge personal growth. http://www.bellcoho.com

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• intentional
• community
• cohousing

[InspiredMuse74]

co-housing is great idea for low income families making under $35k per year. To me this is more about making sure everyone has a home and does not pay anymore than 30% of the income to a housing payment. We have a few co-ops here that work like this for low income people.

[perkatwork]

As humans, we've progressed to the point where we need to look back at the wisdom of our ancestors. What's great is that we can do this without wondering to ourselves "What would life be like in a rugged individualistic society?" since we've already been there. I'm very interested in this concept and I admire the people who have given their time and efforts to make it a reality not just for themselves but for others. Thanks for posting this video! :)

[gareebee]

@5lkk Yes, affordable is relative to the 10% or more of the population mentioned in my post. That makes it pretty specific, no? And, no, I don't expect anything to "form out of thin air". In fact, I don't disagree with any of your post. It merely reinforces mine. It's just a feel-good exercise of what will be no more than a tiny fraction of the privileged few. Hey, I think cohousing is a great idea. Good luck with it..

[5lkk]

@gareebee Affordable is relative. Affordable housing of any type isn't going to form out of thin air. Any1 who desires affordable co-housing is going have to find & work with other like minded persons to make it happen. IMO if 1 can't afford conventional housing, they not be able to afford a co housing unit & associated costs, though shared commons space might cut some cost. Co housing hasn't been present as an Utopian model as affordable to all with the same amenities for all.

[gareebee]

Preach all you want about the need for alternative living, such as co-housing. Until it becomes affordable to more than 10% of the population, it's just a feel-good exercise for a small population of middle-class to well-to-do progressives.

[adnauseam23]

Thanks PeakMoment :)

[wasearcher]

What is the name of your cohousing group?

[peacetoes]

I almost lived here... and i live/have grown up/am growing up/was born into a cohousing in seattle.

:D

[700eyesonly007]

This is very interesting, thank you peakmoment.

[ImakeMyREALITY]

This was another GREAT video! I just love the Peakmoment channel and Janaia Donaldson. My favorite episodes regard co-housing, ecovillages, intentional communities, and cob house buiding. Keep up the great work.