Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Affordability w/small homes?

[Marganne (marganne]

At 8:13 AM -0400 3/17/07, Rose M Brandt wrote:
> For example, central to much of the discussion on this list has been the
> idea of going green. As I understand it, part of the philosophy of going
> green is leaving a smaller footprint on the planet. The cohousing model
> that interests me is building a community upon existing housing 
> stock and entering the existing community gently. I think this is 
> another option for leaving a smaller footprint.

I've discovered the same thing after reading this list for a while. 
It seems going green is a stronger interest for many here rather than 
keeping it affordable -- in the sense of under $100,000. One of the 
things that attracts me to small homes is that they leave a very 
small footprint and are energy efficient.

> The individuals who I'm in discussion with all come from the non-profit
> sector, education, the arts, etc., so all housing would need to be
> "affordable." One reason that this appeals to me is because everyone
> would equal, paying the full share. Also, it's not just our only option,
> it's our option of choice based on lifestyle decisions we have made.

Under consensus, each group has their own options based on lifestyle 
decisions. The one you refer to above works for people who have very 
little income or sporadic income. Up until several years ago, that 
was a model I could consider. However, economy now strongly dictates 
what I can do. I'm unable to generate much of any, which lends so 
much more flexibility to one's choices.

Once again, affordable is a subjective term. I come from the 
non-profit section, education and the arts and am looking for people 
who could all be equal, paying their full 'affordable' share. There 
are many paths to that option for people who still generate income 
that aren't open to those of us unexpectedly living on a fixed income 
at a relatively young age (late 40s, early to mid 50s).

It's possible I will change my goals in the future to include 
multi-family existing housing. Right now, I see a way to maintain my 
desire to live in detached dwellings through use of small homes. I've 
been amazed to see how others have used (and reused) available 
materials to create very comfortable, liveable dwellings. I've found 
the small house option gives me (and others) new choices that 
maintain a small footprint and are within my affordability level.

I appreciate feedback on this concept. I'm not a builder. I've never 
owned a home. I haven't lived in a consensus-based community. I've 
subscribed to the cohousing and small homes lists to learn and test 
ideas that may be outside the box -- even of people here who are 
considering living situations the majority of people in the U.S. 
won't.

Cheers!
Marganne