Cohousers Are Active Citizens!

Nevada City Cohousing neighbors taking action in Auburn, CA

Active citizens! That's what cohousers are. I’ve been appreciating all the communities sharing stories of their neighbors marching in protests and visiting their elected representatives. I believe that people with a wide variety of political views can be good neighbors for each other, so long as we: 1) respect the processes that we agree on, and 2) treat everyone with respect. I expect cohousers would generally agree that the current presidential administration is not meeting those two criteria.

On Presidents Day, residents from my community in our small rural town in a small rural county (of very mixed political views) in the Northern Sierra Foothills spread out amongst three different protests in Grass Valley, Auburn and Sacramento. Once again, I so appreciate living in community where it is easy to find others to discuss the issues of the day respectfully, carpool to protest, write postcards to voters, and generally inspire each other to become active citizens.

Nevada City Cohousing neighbors at a rally in Sacramento, CA

Fear and false information grow when we live in isolation. It is no wonder we are seeing such threats to our democracy in a time of growing isolation. I was never interested in gated developments or utopian communities trying to be self-sustaining as what I want from my community is inspiration and support to be active citizens in the world around us, to learn and inspire each other, and to model for our kids how to be active citizens because democracy depends on that.

Did I tell you about my neighbor who brought me homemade chicken soup when I came home from my vacation with the flu?!

Your Chance to Learn From Katie!

The Role of Professionals in Collaborative Development

Thursday, March 20

4 - 6 p.m. PT

via Zoom

Join Katie on March 20th as she presents "The Role of Professionals in Collaborative Development" as part of the Cohousing Institute's spring programming.

Do we have to become real estate developers to create our community? Who do we need to hire and what do we try to do ourselves? When is the right time to bring in an expert? How do we get the best out of our professionals? These are reasonable questions that all forming communities ask. Hear from the woman who has helped communities get built for over 35 years on who, when and how to engage your professional team.

This two-hour session is designed to help launching communities better understand the professional landscape, make sure cohousers are making the most of their investments in experts and introduce those in the beginning of their journey to the different types of professionals in the cohousing space.

Clients in the News

Mission Peak Village (Fremont, CA): MPV was featured (along with previous client Swan's Market) on Bay Area's KPIX CBS news. The segment discussed how cohousing is a solution to easing social isolation.

Watch the segment and learn more about Mission Peak Village

Cohousing of Greater Baltimore (Baltimore, MD): CGB was featured in City Biz, a Baltimore news outlet, for their recent partnering with Moseley Architects. Find out more about the property they have under contract now. Katie will be giving a Kick-off Workshop on April 5 - 6 for those that want to get cohousing built in Baltimore. Learn more and RSVP today.

Read the Story and learn more about Cohousing of Greater Baltimore

Heartwood Commons (Tulsa, OK): Heartwood Commons received more well-deserved media coverage by Public Radio Tulsa which discussed the need for more cohousing communities to address the loneliness epidemic.

Listen to the story and learn more about Heartwood Commons

CoHousing Houston (Houston, TX): Houston Public Media recently featured CoHousing Houston as an example of how cohousing could help solve a few of the issues the city currently faces.

Read or listen to the story and learn more about CoHousing Houston

Learning From the Best: How the 500 Communities Program Shaped My Path in Cohousing

500 Communities Program Graduates Christina Marshall and Alastair Townsend hosting an Info Session for their new cohousing community, Kinni Cohousing

By: Christina Marshall, 2023-2024 500 Communities Program Graduate

For more than 20 years, I’ve worked in senior living, starting as a nursing assistant and now serving at an executive level, guiding the sales and marketing efforts for senior living developers and operators. This includes helping perfect sales processes, open new communities, and build high-performing teams. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with thousands of people and families, gaining incredible insights into relationship-based sales and marketing - an approach that focuses on developing authentic connections and understanding what truly motivates people. By refining sales processes, building trust, and fostering meaningful relationships, I’ve learned how to create environments where people don’t just live but truly belong.

Despite the growth and all the advancements in senior living, I saw a gap - many housing models focus on care and amenities but struggle to create the deeper sense of community that makes a place feel like home. That’s what led me to cohousing, a model that intentionally fosters connection, collaboration, and intergenerational living.

Christina and Katie at the 2024 National Cohousing Conference

500 Communities Program: More Than Just a Training Program

When I discovered the 500 Communities Program, I knew it was exactly what I needed. If I was going to immerse myself in cohousing, I wanted to learn from the Master - Katie McCamant. Katie’s reputation in the industry speaks for itself, and her experience, knowledge, and direct approach made this program an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

Enrolling in the 500 Communities Program was both exciting and daunting. The path was filled with moments of apprehension and self-doubt - was there truly a place for me in this space? But through Katie’s guidance and encouragement, I gained clarity. She helped me see that what I bring to cohousing is not only valuable but necessary. My expertise in sales, marketing, and community-building fills a critical need in this industry - cohousing groups need strong strategies to grow membership and bring their vision to life.



The 500 Communities Program curriculum gave me the knowledge and tools to take action, covering everything from development and financing to project management and marketing. But one of the most valuable aspects of the 500 Communities Program has been the cohort experience - being surrounded by a network of passionate professionals working toward the same goal. Among them is Alastair Townsend, my fellow 500 Communities Program cohort member and founder of Township, a cohousing development company, with whom I have been collaborating on Kinni Cohousing, a forming community in Western Wisconsin.

Christina (front center) with other 500 Communities Program graduates at the 2024 National Cohousing Convention in Denver

Read the rest of Christina's article on our blog!

Many communities nationwide participate by hosting open houses and other events that allow you to get you up close and personal with cohousing.

To find a tour in your area, use Coho US's community directory to find nearby communities, and contact them to learn about any events they are hosting.

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