Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Why I live in cohousing

[Jane O'Brien (janeobrien]

I love this thread!  Please, everyone, keep the examples coming.

I also encourage those of us who don't (or don't YET) live in cohousing
to put in that extra energy Ann Zabaldo referred to in making our present
living situations and neighborhoods more livable.  Yes, people may simply
be thinking in terms of " a house with community" vs. "a community with a
house," but that's a starting point to slowly, patiently, build a big more.
It may start with a garden club of "let's walk the dog together," but that's a
beginning.  

We had our first summer block party this week.  The racists and rednecks and
even a suspected drug dealer showed up, along with many other folks with whom
I feel more shared values, including a neighbor who is sadly facing probable
foreclosure.  I thought to myself, "Talk about inclusivity."  It's challenging
and real.  

This is not meant to dis cohousing. I think cohousing has a lot of advantages
and efficiencies that I sometimes wish for, especially when a house around
here goes on the market and there is no mechanism for inserting the "community"
hope into the marketing process. 

I love reading this list and find it gives food for thought nearly every day.  
Carry on and best wishes to all!

Jane O'Brien
Cincinnati, OH