Cohousing-L Mailing List: Guest room charging vs. donations

[Janet Murphy (janetmusicrn]

For all the reasons Allison gave, we don't charge for guest rooms. They are
meant to be an extension of our homes like the rest of the Commons.
We do have a gentle sign in the guest rooms that says donations are
accepted. I think short stays, family members, and folks of lesser means
rarely leave donations. Only the treasurer knows for sure! But members with
more means, guests who have extended stays, and visitors who feel their
host is doing them a big favor quite often leave a donation.
We do the same thing with the Commons. Only very large or repetitive groups
(work holiday parties, Citizens Climate Lobby) ever leave a donation.
Sometimes folks will donate more than we would ever charge. Their gratitude
feels like a gift. Our spaces being freely used by all is in keeping with
our value of sharing our lives.
Janet Murphy
Arboretum Cohousing, Madison WI