CO-HOUSING
Terms to Know
Co-Housing is an intentional community with a diverse population of residents who live in a planned neighborhood with shared spaces and activities to promote social interactions among residents of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Typically, residents in co-housing subscribe to a common philosophy about community living with a commitment to the value of caring for one another.
Resources and a directory of Co-housing are available at http://www.directory.cohousing.org
Plans for a Co-Housing Community
Jill, a parent of a disabled adult, is developing an intentional community where people with disabilities can live in the same location as their family, mentors/natural supporters and direct service staff who support them. This concept envisions shared living with supportive services for people with varying levels of disabilities. Extended family, mentors and caregivers can live and enjoy the amenities of this complex as well. All members of this community will share their skills and resources with one another. Small service industry businesses affiliated with the community will provide employment and vocational training opportunities. In these apartments, people with disabilities may live in the same complex as their mentors or direct support worker. Residents with disabilities share their skills and may help their neighbors in need of such things as childcare, running errands, pet sitting or light housekeeping. Relatives, friends and advocates of those with disabilities can rent housing or work in the local small business enterprises. Everyone, including the public, can buy their groceries or prepared meals from the local store, grow produce in the common garden or join the complex's wellness center. Mentors assist with transportation, companionship, tutoring, or whatever may be needed. All who wish to participate can enjoy social and recreational activities together. These formal and informal activities are designed to promote the building of strong relationships among community members. People with disabilities and their advocates will have access to barrier-free, affordable housing with readily available supportive services. Parents, who want their adult child to have independence yet want to live close by to support their development, can live on the same property. Advocates and mentors can live close and be involved in the lives of those to whom they provide natural supports. Many direct support caregivers also 2
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