Resources
Resources for Inclusive Cohousing
Whether you’re interested in joining an existing inclusive cohousing community or starting a new one, the following resources will provide valuable guidance and support throughout your journey.
Guides and Handbooks
“The Senior Cohousing Handbook: A Community Approach to Independent Living” by Charles Durrett
While focused on senior cohousing, this book provides invaluable insights into the cohousing development process.
“Creating Cohousing: Building Sustainable Communities” by Kathryn McCamant and Charles Durrett
A comprehensive guide to the cohousing development process.
“One Life, Live It!” by Charles Durrett
Explores the Sólheimar Ecovillage model and its implications for inclusive communities.
“A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction” by Christopher Alexander
While not specific to cohousing, this classic book offers insights into creating spaces that foster community.
The Cohousing Association of the United States (CohoUS) Resource Library
Offers a wealth of articles, webinars, and guides on various aspects of cohousing.
Online Resources and Articles
The Cohousing Association of the United States (CohoUS) Website
www.cohousing.org
Provides news, events, and a directory of cohousing communities.
Global Ecovillage Network
ecovillage.org
Offers resources on sustainable community living.
Autism Housing Network
www.autismhousingnetwork.org
Provides resources specifically for housing solutions for individuals with autism.
National Association of Housing Cooperatives
coophousing.org
Offers resources on cooperative housing models.
“Designing for Autism: Spatial Considerations” by Arch Daily
An article on designing spaces for individuals with autism.
Tools and Templates
Cohousing Financial Feasibility Spreadsheet
Available through The Cohousing Company, this tool helps in financial planning for cohousing projects.
Sample Community Agreements and Bylaws
Available through CohoUS, these documents provide templates for community governance.
Inclusive Design Checklist
A tool for ensuring that community spaces are accessible and sensory-friendly.
Cohousing Development Project Timeline Template
Helps in planning and tracking the development process of a cohousing community.
Community Needs Assessment Survey
A template for gathering information about potential community members’ needs and preferences.
Professional Services and Consultants
The Cohousing Company
Offers consulting services for cohousing development.
Cohousing Solutions
Provides development consulting and project management for cohousing communities.
Autism Housing Network Consultants
Offers specialized consulting for housing solutions for individuals with autism.
Green Canopy Homes
Specializes in sustainable and community-oriented housing development.
Networking and Community Building
Cohousing-L Mailing List
An active email discussion group for cohousing enthusiasts and professionals.
Regional Cohousing Meetups
Check Meetup.com for local cohousing interest groups.
Annual National Cohousing Conference
Organized by CohoUS, this conference offers networking and learning opportunities.
Intentional Communities Directory
www.ic.org
A database of intentional communities, including cohousing.
Financial Resources
National Cooperative Bank
Offers financing options for cohousing and other cooperative housing models.
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
Provides grants and financing for community development projects.
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
Offer financing for community-based projects, including housing.
Crowdfunding Platforms
Websites like Kickstarter or GoFundMe can be used for initial fundraising efforts.
Legal Resources
Co-op Law.org
Provides legal resources for cooperative enterprises, including housing cooperatives.
Community Associations Institute
Offers resources on community association law and governance.
Educational Programs
Cohousing-U
Online courses offered by The Cohousing Company on various aspects of cohousing development.
Ecovillage Design Education
Offered by Gaia Education, this program covers sustainable community design.
Accessibility and Universal Design Resources
Center for Universal Design
Provides resources on designing spaces that are accessible to all.
ADA Guidelines
Essential for ensuring that community spaces meet accessibility standards.
Remember, starting or joining an inclusive cohousing community is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and collaboration. These resources can guide you through the process, but personal connections and community building are at the heart of any successful cohousing project. Don’t hesitate to reach out to existing communities for advice and inspiration as you embark on your inclusive cohousing adventure.