Fwd: the failure of cohousing in the united states
From: Chris ScottHanson (chriscohousingresources.com)
Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2004 20:06:38 -0800 (PST)
Anyone know anything about this guy and his claims?

Chris

Begin forwarded message:

From: The Stamblers <kerrypruitt [at] yahoo.com>
Date: November 15, 2004 6:49:20 PM PST
Subject: the failure of cohousing in the united states

hi:
 
i am a student of cohousing and eco-agriculture.  i reside in california, and i have the following points to make to people like you who are involved with these ideas and projects.
 
1) cohousing in america is an utter failure - over 75% of cohousing communities are not financially solvent, or have a high turnover rate of residents, who cannot maintain the cost of their homes.
 
2) cohousing in america is elitist - originally an idea from denmark, the american version of cohousing is only available to the top 10% of income earners in america - methodically excluding people of color and the homeless.
 
3) cohousing communities in america are not self-sufficient as originally planned in the 1970s - it is estimated that only 8% of food consumed in america's cohousing communities is grown onsite.
 
4) cohousing in america contradicts itself by claiming an alternative to "nuclear housing," while offering the opposite extreme - which is to be as far away from normal society as possible.
 
5) cohousing in america is fraudulent - using federal and state funding to bolster its projects, but then using those funds to profit instead of helping others build more cohousing in america.
 
6) finally, i saw on a cohousing list server today that a cohousing community in ann arbor, michigan is having problems staying afloat financially, and they have appealed to other "cohousers" for money - this to me seems self-defeating, if communities of 5-10 years cannot be self-sufficient enough to refrain from begging.
 
 
it is time for the idea of cohousing to be revised: it has become an american fashion statement to be a "cohouser," but cohousing supporters have sold themselves short by promoting their narrow-minded interests over the reality that america needs a new paradigm when it comes to housing. 
  
i am personally calling "cohousers" out onto the dance floor - to address the reality that most americans would never feel comfortable in a cohousing community - not because the idea of cohousing is strange to them - but rather due to the negative attitudes of people who are dominating the cohousing movement in america at this time.  a new voice is on the scene, folks.  it's called sensible thinking - cohousing communities in america are closed-minded, and i have decided to take this movement in a different direction - towards true sustainability, acceptance of all beliefs and affordability.
 
thank you.
 
In Christ,
douglas stambler
(murphys, california)

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