Resilience Through Action

By: Trish Becker-Hafnor, CohoUS Executive Director

As election season nears and climate challenges intensify, the resilience of our communities feels more important than ever. In these times, it’s inspiring to see how deeply cohousers engage with the issues that matter most—environmental advocacy, climate action, social justice, and more. 

Cohousing Research Network data from a recent survey

Recent survey data shows that many of us are stepping up in ways that make a difference: attending meetings, signing petitions, and supporting causes that align with our shared values. This collective action is a powerful reminder of our commitment to building a better future together.


For example, while only 35% of the general population reported signing petitions, 57% of cohousers did the same. And while 28% of the broader population wrote to their representatives, a notable 46% of us took that step. These numbers show that we don’t just care about the issues; we act on them, often with more energy than the average voter.

Cohousing Research Network data from a recent survey

Support Through Tough Times

But our strength doesn’t just come from political engagement. It comes from how we show up for one another, especially in difficult times. Author Courtney Martin beautifully captured this in a letter to the new residents of her family's unit at Temescal Commons:


“The other thing that helped us get through [the pandemic] was, of course, the community...Our home has allowed us to intertwine with the most gorgeous of humans...people who know how to bake an olallieberry pie and pour concrete and talk God and heartbreak, and yes, sometimes annoy the shit out of you, but mostly make you feel less alone and cynical.”


You can read her full reflection here. It’s a beautiful testament to the resilience and care that make cohousing so special.

 

Facing Climate Challenges Together

The recent climate disasters, like the devastating hurricanes and flooding in North Carolina, remind us of how vulnerable we all are—and how much stronger we are when we stand together. Earthhaven Ecovillage, a model of sustainable living, was hit hard by flooding and now needs our support to rebuild. You can contribute to their recovery through their GoFundMe here.


As we prepare for the upcoming elections and face the uncertainties of a changing climate, let’s remember that we have each other. By staying engaged, advocating for the world we want to see, and being there for our neighbors, we can create a future that is not only more just but also more resilient. 

This fall we'll be hosting events on marketing, learning how celebrating neurodiversity can help strengthen our communities, and exploring what cohousing abroad can teach us about living in community.


Register at the links below and keep an eye on The Cohousing Institute to be the first to know as we add more events.






Polestar Village and The Power of Intentional Communities


In today’s world, many people are searching for connection amidst an increasingly isolated society. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey, 1 in 8 people feel lonely “always” or “usually,” and nearly a quarter of younger people (ages 18 to 29) report feeling lonely regularly. This rise in loneliness, which the U.S. Surgeon General has labeled an epidemic, has driven people to seek out community in new ways—from running clubs to knitting groups.


At Polestar Village, we believe that living in an intentional community offers a meaningful response to this growing sense of isolation. By fostering deep relationships and shared purpose, Polestar not only helps people share resources but also creates opportunities for true connection and personal growth. 


Read more on our blog!

Hager Homestead: Senior Cohousing in New England


by Raines Cohen, CohoUS Seniors in Cohousing Committee


As senior cohousing neighborhoods take shape around the country, let’s take a peek at one established this year: Hager Homestead, the first in New England.


This 55+ community, with many members moved in and one home left to sell, is in Littleton, Mass., 25 miles northwest of Boston. It’s near the Route 495 outer beltway, quite close to New Hampshire, with a commuter rail stop just a 2-mile bus or bike ride away. The group is developing its property on the 15-acre site of a former dairy. It was originally named Middlesex Senior Cohousing, after the county it calls home. 



Read more on our blog

Join us for our free monthly events to learn more about cohousing!

The Commons


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. Join us once, or every time – we’ll be here every month on the 10th at 10am MT.

Register

Senior Cohousing Q&A


Want to learn more about what it's like to build, join, and participate in cohousing as you age?


The Senior Cohousing Advocates Committee will be facilitating an informal conversation for those interested in senior cohousing and/or senior living in intergenerational cohousing. This (free) event will take place every month on the 20th at 10am MT.

Register

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.

SHARE YOUR STORY HERE

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 CohoUS Donor, 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

DONATE

Professional Services

The Cohousing Company



The Cohousing Company offers design and some key development consulting service from leading cohousing expert Charles Durrett to assist you in building a high-functioning cohousing community.

CoHousing Solutions


CoHousing Solutions provides development consulting and marketing services to help you create your cohousing community. 

Studio Co+Hab



Studio Co+Hab is an architecture firm focused on innovative and sustainably-built environments such as cohousing and other intentional communities.

Classified Listings
Forming Communities and Communities Seeking Members

Sunnyside Village Cohousing Marysville, WA

Adams Creek Cohousing

Hood River, OR



Mission Peak Village

Fremont, CA

Cathedral Park Cohousing

Portland, OR

Heartwood Commons

Tulsa, OK

Heartwood Cohousing

Bayfield,CO

Washington Commons

West Sacramento, CA

Newark Cohousing

Newark, DE


Cohousing ABQ

Albuquerque, NM


Rachel Carson EcoVillage

Gibsonia, PA

Wolf Creek Lodge

Grass Valley, CA

Crow Woods

Seattle, WA


Polestar Village

Fort Collins, CO

Rooted Northwest

Arlington Heights, WA

Shift Esperanza Eco-Village

Nosara, Costa Rica


Burns Village & Farm Cohousing and Agrihood Community

Burns,TN

Cohousing Houston

Houston, TX

4th Corner Commons

Bellingham, WA


Homes for Sale or Rent

Durham, NC

For Sale: Comfortable 2BR/1BA Condo in Village Hearth - LGBTQIA+ & Allies

Rougemont, NC

For Sale: Tiny Home with the big footprint, at Elderberry Senior Cohousing


Grass Valley, CA

For Sale: 1 bed, 1 bath available at Wolf Creek Lodge Cohousing

Fair Oaks, CA

For Sale: Peaceful Oasis in Fair Oaks Ecohousing

Colorado Springs, CO

For Sale: Model B Duplex for sale in Colorado Springs



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