CoHousing Solutions Newsletter | March 2018
Hello!

It's spring, and cohousing communities are blossoming across the country! In this newsletter, we'll be sharing how senior cohousing is the "Future of Aging," what to do in preparation for National Cohousing Open House Day, client update on Spokane Cohousing, information about how you can become a certified cohousing consultant and join the CoHousing Solutions team as an Affiliate.

Also coming up around the corner is the Regional Cohousing Conference in Boulder, Colorado on April 20-22. Consider registering for the Intensives today!

Sincerely,

- Katie & Bethany, The CoHousing Solutions Team
• Client Update •
Spokane Cohousing is Making Headlines
Spokane Cohousing group members discuss the renderings by McCamant & Durrett Architects of their future community. Photo: Dan Pelle of the Spokesman Review
"'I think it will be a great way to live for families to support family life , really,' says Nikki Lockwood.

Watching the documentary ' Happy ,' which includes a segment on cohousing, made Lockwood realize how helpful support can be, pooling efforts on cooking and chores. That gives people more time to develop relationships."
Spokane Faith & Values
"We believe that  cohousing  is our best shot at village life with multigenerational interaction and the support fundamental to health, happiness and longevity.

In truth, for most of history, humanity evolved within this take-care-of-your-neighbor circle. Only with the development of the suburbs and single households do the majority drive home, park in their garage and enter the house through said garage. They may rarely see their neighbors or, as many people have shared with me, won’t even know their names. And we wonder why there’s a loneliness epidemic?"
If you're interested in learning more about Spokane Cohousing,
visit their website (created by CS) and like them on Facebook & Twitter .
Spokane Cohousing Presentation
In February, cohousing author and architect Charles Durrett of McCamant & Durrett Architects gave a presentation at Auntie's Bookstore in Spokane, WA. During the presentation, he describes how creating cohousing provides more opportunities to live a more interesting, convenient, economical, and fun life!
Join us for the Regional Cohousing Conference
Will we see you in Boulder?
The CoHousing Solutions team will be attending this conference, so make sure to say hi! Don't miss out on these workshops and presentations...
Friday, April 20
  • Morning Intensive Workshop “Cohousing Development 101” led by Katie McCamant & Jim Leach
  • Afternoon Intensive Workshop for professionals "Creating Community Based Affordable Housing” led by Katie McCamant & Jim Leach
  • Reserve your spot today!

Saturday, April 21
  • For those interested in the 500 Communities Program, be sure to attend the 1-hour workshop where you can learn more about Program, meet Katie, and network with other professionals. (Don't forget to register for the online webinars! See links below...)

Sunday April 22
  • Katie will be leading a 3 hour "Unplugged Session," where you can come with your questions and learn from the expert!
Hearthstone Cohousing Community in Northwest Denver, Colorado.
National Cohousing Open House Day
Get ready for National Cohousing Open House Day coming up on Sunday, April 29!

Last year over 100 communities across the country opened up their doors to give people a better feel for what it's like to live in cohousing.
How to prepare, you ask??

  1. If you are interested in exploring cohousing, find a registered Open House near you. Go on a tour of the community, chat with residents, find out what it's really like.
  2. If you are part of an existing community, make sure to register with Coho/US and spread the word about your event! This is a great educational opportunity to show people that neighbors really can collaborate and live a more sustainable lifestyle in cohousing. It's also an opportunity to build interest for future buyers.
  3. If you are part of a forming cohousing group, make sure to utilize this event to reach out to your member base - hold an event such as a site tour and potluck or combine with an existing cohousing community in your vicinity. One suggestion is to organize a carpool to a nearby community - just set a time and place to meet, and ride with other prospective members & explorers! (And to our lovely CS clients, don't hesitate to contact us if you'd like assistance preparing for Open House Day).
Featured Article
"This is the future of aging"
Senior co-housing communities provide alternatives
By Janis Mara for Berkeleyside
Residents of Silver Sage Village in Boulder, CO enjoy time together.
Why are so many people seeing cohousing as the best way to age successfully? Carmel Hara, 86, says, "I wanted to age in place in my community… Here I have people who care about me and still have my own home.”

"It’s easy to see why senior co-housing is on the upswing. Increasing numbers of aging adults are looking for alternatives to institutional living. Folks like Hara and her counterparts are refusing to go gently into assisted living or nursing homes..."
Phoenix Commons, a senior cohousing community in Oakland, CA. Photo: Phoenix Commons.
Silver Sage Village common terrace. Architecture by McCamant & Durrett Architects.
Want to be part of scaling up the cohousing movement?
The 500 Communities Program might be for you or someone you know!
There will be one more opportunity to attend a free Introductory & Follow-Up Webinar.

Katie McCamant will explain the basics of this successful and innovative year-long program focused on passionate professionals seeking to work in cohousing field. If you're considering applying for the program, you'll want to attend!
"I would highly recommend this program to anyone dedicated to creating more cohousing..."
John Kalmon, JPK Architecture
Graduate of the Program and CS Affiliate
• Events •
April 3 at 5pm (PT)
Online Webinar

Join Katie McCamant for an Introductory Webinar on the 500 Communities Program. More info + register here
April 20-22
Boulder, CO

Cohousing Association of the U.S.
Mark your calendars for the regional conference in Boulder.
Katie will be attending this conference and giving a presentation on the 500 Communities Program.
April 29

Make sure to save the date for Open House Day. Plan your visit to communities you'd like to see, or invite others to see yours! Don't forget to register your community if you're hosting an open house.
June 15-17
Bainbridge Island, Washington

An intimate gathering of people serious about creating their own senior cohousing communities. Learn how to get your project off the ground from experts, and tour Quimper Village, a new senior cohousing community in Port Townsend, WA. Sign up before April 28 for the early bird rate!

We're Here to Help
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. Now recruiting for the next class, with applications due June 2018.
Photo by Ed Asmus
Architecture by McCamant & Durrett Architects
CoHousing Solutions | (530) 478-1970 www.cohousing-solutions.com
Send us an email: info@cohousing-solutions.com
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