Cohousing-L Mailing List: New low income, disabled cohousing

[Ma Ra S (pictishportraits]

 Hello cohousing enthusiasts :)

Please help me cocreate a flourishing and grounding life with some
semi-intentional cohousing members?.

I’m new to this email exchange with cohousers, and excited to share my new
endeavors with some responsive and experienced communitarians who find joy
in sharing stories of triumphant personal growth and creative communication
skills.

Though I am currently disabled, unhoused,  have a hypoallergenic licensed
service dog, and live far below the poverty line, I have been dreaming of
cohousing style communities since childhood. My bank account and physical
capacity for contributing sweat equity are both very minimal compared to
the average cohousing member.

Through the years I have engaged as a friend and volunteer in different
intentional communities across multiple states in the US. The realities of
shared spaces and resources is my default perspective. My alone time and
space is deeply valuable for my personal balance also. So, I tend towards
quieter, progressive communities.

My life began in community with a very conservative family and religious
group.

Over 24 years ago I had a truly magical experience that threw my my, body,
and spirit open to unimagined realities and new expansions. No substances
involved, simply breathing techniques that i had never heard of and have
only discovered names and guidelines for years later.

 My adventures led me to become involved with communities where we have
explored uncommon interdependence and shared ideas about how to create more
equitable societies.

Currently, I’ve applied for a room in a shared house with 7 other low
income individuals who have no other ties with each other. The project has
5 of the same houses with a common courtyard in the center.

My experience with shared housing, shared resources, consensus decisions
and community politics of power dynamics is extensive compared to the
average American.

Even if I were not homeless and disabled I would be extremely excited about
this architectural development … if I could hand select my housemates. But,
it’s the housing agency that will choose who to invite into their
experiment.

The organizations managing the project are bound by certain criteria,
however it’s a very small town with very close knit cliques that will make
it easier for people they know personally.


My current vision is for me to be invited into the community, my housemates
and neighbors choose to make ourselves available to mentors from
experienced, maturing, and easily accessible cohousing enthusiasts.

If you’re looking to make a big positive impact for a new community, please
consider sharing your wisest and favorite stories about how you have
successfully accomplished personal growth and interpersonal breakthroughs
within cohousing relationships?