Cohousing addresses a major public health crisis | |
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Loneliness was big in the news this month, as US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory that addressed social isolation and loneliness as an epidemic. The advisory sheds light on what cohousers already know to be true – that over half of those living in the US experience loneliness, and that it affects our physical and mental health in dramatic ways. Prolonged loneliness is linked to increased risks of heart disease, dementia, chronic stress and much more.
Dr. Murthy also put forth a 6-pillar framework for addressing loneliness, many of which align with the stated goals of CohoUS. The framework calls for a deepening of knowledge through research and data collection. The Cohousing Research Network (CohoUS’ research arm) seeks to understand the motivations, realities and impacts of cohousing on individuals who seek and live in community. They are currently unveiling the findings of their most recent longitudinal study of cohousing communities. This data informs how we build communities and how we advocate for “pro-connection” public policies, another pillar of Dr. Murthy’s plan. Learn more about the impact of the pandemic on communities at their presentation on June 1.
The final pillar issues a charge to us all to foster a culture of connection, where we “cultivate values of kindness, respect, service, and commitment to one another.” What better way to build a more connected future than to nurture pockets of cooperation and neighborly love, and share this model with others? Cohousers across the country are celebrating a successful National Cohousing Open House Weekend, in which cohousing communities opened their doors to community builders, seekers, public officials and cohousing-curious neighbors. CohoUS is proud to have supported the successful launch of 72 events nationwide.
“We are called to build a movement to mend the social fabric of our nation. It will take all of us – individuals and families, schools and workplaces, health care and public health systems, technology companies, governments, faith organizations, and communities – working together to destigmatize loneliness and change our cultural and policy response to it.” – Dr. Vivek Murthy
To have loneliness addressed at this level is an encouraging step for the cohousing movement, and we’re inspired to hear Dr. Murthy reflect the importance of this task. Remember that CohoUS is supported by you, and you only. It’s cohousers who make it possible for CohoUS to work in alignment with the pillars outlined above. Please support us, and we will continue to support you in the mending of the social fabric of our nation.
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Analysis of health, safety and social cohesion strategies in cohousing communities during the pandemic with LaDona Knigge, PhD
June 1st, 4:00-5:00 pm ET / 1:00-2:00pm PT
This presentation shares results of questions from the Cohousing Research Network’s recent community survey that focus on social and spatial strategies of cohousing communities to safeguard the health, safety and social cohesion of cohousing communities during the Covid-19 global pandemic. Early in the pandemic, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other forms of group living experienced very high rates of Covid infection and deaths. How did cohousing communities fare during this time?
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Ecovillages as Regenerative Models for American Housing
with Caitlin Cameron
June 12th, 6-7:30 pm ET / 3-4:30pm PT
Price included with partnership or $15 for non-partners
Ecovillages are intentional communities that center the regeneration of social and natural environments. Ecovillages can also be cohousing communities! We will learn more about this model through the example of Ecovillage at Ithaca (EVI). Founded in 1991 to demonstrate an alternative model for American housing, EVI provides for our needs for shelter, food, and community while also being regenerative for the planet. With the intention of flipping the paradigm of detached, single-family suburban housing and car-centric development, EVI is centered around land conservation, passive solar and green building methods, energy efficiency, local food production, and community-centric design.
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The Commons
A (free) monthly gathering for the cohousing curious
(and experts too!)
Curious about cohousing but don’t know where to start? Want to meet with cohousing newbies and experts alike? This (free) monthly gathering will include a Cohousing 101 presentation and ample time to connect and ask questions. We’ll share cohousing lingo, best practices and more information on how to continue your cohousing journey. Join us once, or every time – we’ll be here every month on the 10th at 10am MT.
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Embarking on New Endeavors in Senior Cohousing
If you think residents of senior cohousing communities are kicking back in their rocking chairs, think again. Choosing to move in and live in a cohousing community – whether its intergenerational or senior-focused – is a new energizing endeavor itself. Once you do though, there are many opportunities to pursue a new venture, learn a new skill or share one you enjoy with your cohousing neighbors. Read on for a sampling of what’s been reported in recent senior community e-newsletters. By the way you can subscribe to senior cohousing e-newsletters and find out directly what their busy lives are all about.
Read more on our blog!
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Will you share your community stories with us? | Submit anecdotes, photos, videos and stories so that we can help tell the story of life in community. | |
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Cohousing is part of a more sustainable, democratic and connected future.
To date, CohoUS has helped enable the development of over 200 cohousing communities in the US. These communities serve as examples of the sustainable and community-based neighborhoods our country will need in the future. Please support CohoUS and help us double that number in the next few years.
Your monthly gift will both support new initiatives as well as the continued nurturing of our communities and growth of our movement. As an Evergreen Neighbor, you can take pride in creating a legacy that will live on to support future generations.
Donations, as a community or as an individual, are accepted year round and can be made to:
Cohousing Association of the US
3860 Chase St
Wheat Ridge, CO 80212
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Upcoming events hosted by our partners and friends: | |
Classified Listings
Forming Communities and Communities Seeking Members
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Eugene, OR
For Sale: Community by the river, 4bed/3bath, brand new community
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Bothell, WA
For Sale: New, eco-conscious 3BR, 3BA home near Seattle
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Salt Lake City, UT
For Sale: 3-Bedroom for sale at Wasatch Commons
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Portland, OR
For Sale: Tranquil, forested 3.8 acre community with an opening in Portland, Oregon
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Durham, NC
For Sale: *price reduced* LBGT-focused 55+ community - 2 bedroom, 2 bath home available in Village Hearth Cohousing
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Durham, NC
For Sale: Village Hearth: Charming 2BR/1BA in LGBTQ-focused 55+ Durham, NC, Community - UNDER CONTRACT
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Iowa City, Iowa
For Sale: 2 bedroom, 1 bath, architecturally designed, first floor home available at Prairie Hill Cohousing.
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Fair Oaks, CA
For Sale: 2 bedroom, 1 bath upstairs flat with well-designed floor plan, efficient storage, and large windows in Fair Oaks Ecohousing
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St. Louis Park, MN
For Sale: Delightful Cohousing Cooperative Apartment available this Spring in the Minneapolis, MN
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Prescott, AZ
For Sale: Sweet and cozy, craftsman-style home in Manzanita Village, Prescott Arizona
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Prescott, AZ
For Sale: Craftsman style 2000 sq. ft. 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 office custom home in one of the most livable small cities in the country.
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Fort Collins, CO
For Sale: Large home in Greyrock Commons in Fort Collins, Colorado - Semi-rural, 17 acres on edge of city limits, 2 mi to downtown, close to foothills, trails, Horsetooth Lake
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Durham, NC
For Sale: Village Hearth Cohousing LGBTQ and Allies 55+ Cottage Style 2 Bed/2 Bath
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Durham, NC
For Sale: Village Hearth Cohousing LGBTQ and Allies 55+ Single Level 650 Sq. Ft. 1 Bed/1 Bath home
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