In this issue:

• Katie comes to Calgary
• Skagit Commons moved in (partially)!
• We love community support
• Two generations react to cohousing

October 21, 6:30-8:30pm

Learn more about Mosaic Village's urban development from Katie McCamant — the woman who brought cohousing to North America with her seminal book, Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves! Don't miss this FREE opportunity to learn from a trusted expert on October 21.

October 22, 9am-5pm

If you've ever wanted to know the in-depth details of cohousing, this is a workshop you don't want to miss. Topics covered with Katie will include:

• Cohousing's appeal
• How Mosaic Village differs from traditional housing options
• How it gets built and finances
• Mosaic Village's projected timeline
• ...and more!



Fee will include lunch and an after workshop pizza party.

Skagit Commons moved in (partially)!

Congratulations to our client, Skagit Commons in Anacortes, WA, on starting to move Members into their homes! In alignment with their value of sustainability, the Skagit Commons landscape circle will use the moving boxes being broken down above in their wetland buffer zone.

There are some mixed feelings as some must wait to move-in, while others want to scream from the mountaintops about how pleased they are with their new space, but we recognize how normal this can be for cohousers. Community takes effort, especially when households are feeling left out on the new house fun. However, we're very excited for Skagit Commons. Everyone should be moved in by year end, so look out for a big New Years Celebration at Skagit Commons! Until their common house is finished, volunteers will simply have to pick up mail at the local post office, pictured here.

David runs for Nevada City Cohousing

A resident named David from Nevada City Cohousing participated in a century run to raise money and awareness for the Tahoe Rim Trail Association. According to their website, "the mission of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association is to maintain and enhance the Tahoe Rim Trail system, practice and inspire stewardship, and preserve access to the natural beauty of the Lake Tahoe region." When David told his neighbors about his ambitious endeavor, fellow Nevada City cohousers contributed to his cause, decorated a 'welcome home' sign to put on his door after the race and watched over baby Eliott — a boy who had only ever spent 24 hrs away from his father prior to the race.

From: Coho-topic

Reply-to: David Leeke

Date: Monday, July 18, 2022 at 8:28am

To: Coho-topic

Subject: [nccoho-off-topic] RaceBanner

Friends and Neighbors,

Coming home to the sweet and thoughtful banner of congratulations really felt good, like a sweet hug from each of you. Having caring neighbors is an irreplaceable and rare experience I am very grateful for.

I am a bit sore today, a little tired and very hungry but all are quickly mendable.

I’m always happy to talk about running so if you have questions feel free to inquire.

Hope you all are doing great!

Lots of love to you

Happy trails

Your pal

David

Here’s a picture of sunset from snow valley peak 9100ft. and also at sunrise from the Nevada side

And some flowers that were all over the mountains! (do you recognize them Theo)

Two generations react to cohousing

Over the weekend, I visited a former college advisor at her home. My beloved professor, social as a butterfly, invited one of her freshman students over to chat with us. As we were catching up, they asked about work and I received the typical reactions: "What is cohousing?" "I could never live like that," and "How much time do these people spend together exactly?" My former advisor warmly likened cohousing to the kibbutz she lived in decades ago, whereas her 18-year-old student met the concept with a lot of resistance.

The generational divide fascinated me! As we chatted, I informed my mentor that cohousing is not as financially involved as the kibbutz she once knew. On the other side of the spectrum, I told her student about the unexpected isolation she may face after graduation. College is perhaps the easiest time to make friends, though dorms certainly have pitfalls. One woman grew up when people valued and nurtured community. The other got her first smartphone when she was 8 years old, and attended a virtual high school graduation due to COVID-19. It's no surprise young people have grown accustomed to being alone; we don't know any different.

The lack of understanding about cohousing always escapes me, as someone who thinks about it nearly every day. I did my best to assuage concerns and explain the environmental and health benefits associated with cohousing, but the interaction reminded me of the work left to be done. So, I'd like to welcome questions from our readers, and offer resources if you're new here.

-Erin Harris, Marketing & Outreach

We provide development consulting services

to help you create your sustainable neighborhood. Our team pioneered the development of cohousing in North America, and we have helped create dozens of successful communities.

Our newest venture involves training passionate cohousing entrepreneurs through the year-long 500 Communities Program. The next cycle will begin in 2024!