WELCOME HOME, WASHINGTON COMMONS!

Highlights from their June 15th Grand Opening Celebration

After years of planning and persevering, dozens of hours of meetings, and the unwavering support of so many people, Washington Commons residents are moving into their new homes!

The excitement was palpable as nearly 200 people filtered through Washington Commons on June 15th during their Grand Opening Celebration, including many who are strongly considering joining.

The day was highlighted by a brief ceremony that included commemorations from WCC Founder Anne Geraghty, Development, Finance & Legal Committee Member & WCC Resident Tom Mead, Developer Danny Milman of UD+P, President of Cohousing Solutions Katie McCamant, and Martha Guerrero, Mayor of West Sacramento.

CoHousing Solutions is honored to have been WCC's first hire when the community was just a sprouting seed in Anne's heart. We've worked with her and the community all of the way through, including helping them find their architect and developer, and working closely with the WCC Marketing Committee on their marketing and outreach.

Washington Commons has just a few condominium homes available - if you are considering becoming a neighbor at WCC, then we encourage you to reach out now. It may be several years before a home becomes available again! (AND you'll also be getting all the community with out all the pain of getting it built.) Contact Shelly for information: (425) 308-0639 or shelly@washingtoncommons@gmail.com

Katie & Anne

Anne & West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero

Anne & Danny of UD+P

Top-notch music was provided by The Alexander McClintock Quartet - high school students from Davis, CA!

More Big News! Heartwood Commons in Tulsa Receives First Certificates of Occupancy!

The excitement continues as Charla becomes the first resident to close on her new home at Heartwood Commons in Tulsa! CS has been working with Heartwood since 2017, before they had even found the property they have now built on. CONGRATULATIONS!

The rest of the community will be closing on their new homes soon.



To learn more about what homes are still available for purchase, please email Suzy: heartwoodcommonstulsa@gmail.com or call (918) 519-5298.

Celebrating PRIDE Month! Barb & Terry's Story

Barb & Terry Pride Story

It shouldn't have taken three times, but it did. During their 34 years together, Washington Commons (WCC) Residents Barb and Terry Allen-Brecher were married three times before it finally was - and remains - legal. As an LGBTQ+ couple, their story is, unfortunately, not uncommon. 

The first time they married was in 2004 when the City of San Francisco announced that they would recognize same-sex marriage. So, on February 15th, 2004 (the day after Valentine's Day), the couple wed, only for the California Supreme Court to void it shortly thereafter. That same year, their Rabbi asked if he could marry them as his first same-sex marriage (which of course was a resounding yes!). It wasn't until 2008 when the California Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage that they were married for the third and final time. Within 10 minutes of the ruling, the new Rabbi at Barb and Terry's synagogue called, asking if they would be her first fully legal same-sex wedding. 

"The place was packed to the gills," Barb delighted. Instead of being presented as "man and wife" (or "wife and wife"), the couple were deemed "beloved and beloved". "It was really monumental," she added. 

Unfortunately, Proposition 8 passed by California voters in November of 2008, stopped any further same-sex marriages until 2015, when the US Supreme Court found that the right to marry was a right supported by the US Constitution.

Barb and Terry have always sought community among people with inclusive views, such as at their progressive synagogue, of course, and as residents of WCC in West Sacramento. 

"I feel that cohousers, as we're seeing them, tend to be quite progressive and very open and accepting and inclusive of LGBTQ+," said Barb. In fact, it was a lesbian friend who first introduced them to the concept of cohousing.

"A big gleaning, shining thing about cohousing is that we're not experiencing any negativity in terms of our sexual orientation," they agreed.

Barb and Terry are a wonderful example of how far LGBTQ+ rights have come, but they explain that more work is still needed, especially regarding transgender equality. 

There are many ways that you can get involved - contact an organization near you to learn more.

P.S. Congrats, Barb and Terry, for being one of the first households to close on their new home at WCC!

By: Andrea

One of the many things I love about living in my cohousing community is having a bunch of very involved Dads. Two of my neighbor Dads have been the primary caregivers for their young kids since they were born. Being surrounded by other Dads that are very involved in caregiving normalizes it, and provides critical role models for our kids. I also love that our kids have so many different role models within our community, broadening their view of what is possible. 

By: Katie

Meet CS at CohoUS's National Conference!

Be sure to save the date and join CoHousing Solutions and the Cohousing Association of the U.S. for the 2024 National Cohousing Conference in Denver. The biennial conference will be a space for connection, learning and growth.

We will listen deeply, share openly and reflect on the past, present and future of the cohousing movement. While grounded in our commitment to belonging, we will explore strategies to make cohousing a more equitable and diverse space.

Can't make the intensive? Join one of Katie's other sessions!

Financing Your Cohousing Development



Sat., Aug. 3: Details to Come

Development Strategies: What is the right path for your community?

Sun., Aug. 4: Details to come

Let's make your dream

neighborhood a reality.

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.