The Cohousing National Conference was a Huge Success

The excitement was palpable as hundreds of cohousing residents, professionals and enthusiasts attended the 2024 biannual National Cohousing Conference at Metropolitan State University in Denver, CO.

Prior to the conference, CoHousing Solutions held a gathering of 500 Communities Program 2024 Students and Affiliates. A lot of great discussions were had, including much around the topic of the cohousing design process. It was wonderful to catch up and see everyone again in person.

The conference started with pre-conference intensives, including Katie's presentation, "The Cohousing Development Process: Lessons from 35 Years in the Trenches." As part of the conference programming, Katie held sessions on Financing Your Cohousing Development and spoke among a panel regarding the Mechanisms for Creating Affordability.

Katie was asked to speak at the Saturday night dinner and plenary, following a showing of the video. It was very well received, and conference attendees are already using it in their own marketing efforts. It is posted on the Scientific American website and on the producer's website - retroreport.com. This is a great free marketing resource that we encourage everyone to use.

View the documentary film and photos from the conference below.

Heartwood Commons in Tulsa Featured in Coho Houston's "Tell Me More About Cohousing" Podcast

Heartwood Commons is Moving In! Read More in Client Updates Below

HC founder Suzy Sharp was recently interviewed by Kelli Soika, one of the hosts of the "Tell Me More About Cohousing Podcast" (and a member of Cohousing Houston) to talk a bit about what brought her to cohousing, and some of the considerations she faced as she thought about her later years.

As a (soon-to-be-retired) nurse who has worked in the aging field most of her career, Sharp said, “I saw an awful lot of people become prisoners of their own home because they didn’t decide to move. And as they aged and their health changed and their life changed, oftentimes they couldn’t get out of their house anymore. There came a point in time when there was a health crisis and a decision had to be made and they really didn’t get to be part of that decision oftentimes, it was kind of forced on them. I didn’t want to be in that situation.”

She added that “I wanted to create my options. I heard about cohousing and went, ’That’s it! That’s what I want!'"

If you're thinking about your later years - or cohousing in general - you won't want to miss the episode.

Mid-Year Client Updates

My First Days at Washington Commons - Jae's Story

Before moving into Washington Commons, Jae had a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo all to herself. For a long while, the home served her well, but the time came where she realized that she didn’t need that much space anymore.

"That's what started me on my search for this,” she said of cohousing. 

The concept was first introduced to her over five years ago by WCC Founder Anne, who attended the same church as Jae. Since then, Jae has been actively involved in helping shape the community, especially through her work with the Marketing Committee.

Before moving in, Jae temporarily lived in a studio apartment for seven months while waiting for her new home at WCC to be completed. Having lived in both larger and smaller spaces, she feels that her new 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo is “just right”. 

It’s freeing to be getting rid of things she no longer needs, explained Jae. From her new Juliette balcony, she can see the Tower Bridge and people on the street, as well as the quaintness of the surrounding neighborhood. 

Another big benefit of living at Washington Commons is less housework and yard work. Members sign up for tasks that they’re interested in and are able to do. Less work is “such a load off of people’s minds that were previously living in single family homes,” she said.

Jae offered a warm smile to visitors attending their Grand Opening celebration in June

Community Life

Now in her new home, "It's absolutely wonderful to have known these people for 5+ years; you walk out and see people you know.” Jae added that "It's just wonderful to have friends from everywhere - different cultures and countries - it couldn't be better."

She loves that there are often people just feet away that you can talk to - it’s great fun passing familiar faces in the lobby or common areas. She emphasized that she still feels that she has privacy, even among so many friends and neighbors. 

Washington Commons is jumping right into community life, including having common meals, which Jae loves. Some meals are planned, others are “bring what you have.” Even at this early stage of living in community, neighbors have held birthday parties, or otherwise made sure that moments, both big and small, are celebrated and acknowledged. 

We can’t wait to see what the future holds for your fabulous community!

By: Andrea

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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.