Creating Cohousing Communities

Cohousing communities begin with a vision, often with just one burning soul. As that vision spreads and evolves, members join and the project takes shape. Some groups follow tried-and-true process while others forge the way for new innovations. The following steps are those we are undertaking, now that we have identified initial locations for our cohousing hamlets:

STEP 1: Learn, read, visit communities, attend conferences and tours.

STEP 2: Dream. Share, draft vision and values statements.

STEP 3: Organize communications, shared documents, resources.

STEP 4: Form a core group of three to five people for each location. Begin marketing, events, website and more.

STEP 5: Adopt a consensus or consent process for making decisions collaboratively.

STEP 6: Legal. Hire attorney(s) to handle the establishment of a LLC, securities, purchase agreement, etc. Check local regulations regarding co-housing.

STEP 7: Locate the property you wish to secure and undertake a financial viability check to determine approximate costs.

STEP 8: Seed funding. Secure the funding you need to make a commitment to purchase a property and hire professions (lawyers, etc).

STEP 9: BUY. If costings are viable, then secure the land with an option to purchase or purchase outright.

STEP 10: Grow the number of members committed to the venture. Increase marketing, events and investment.

STEP 11: Bond: Build relationship, process and communication skills within your member community.

STEP 12: Design the dream. Hire architect and design team to determine how the property will look and function. Keep sustainability in mind to reduce outgoings such as energy costs.

STEP 13: Expand your member base to 80 to 90% of the full community. You may wish to partner with a housing association so that some homes are affordable rentals.

STEP 14: Hire a developer and construction team, and choose members to interact with builders.

STEP 15: Bolster the group's process and relationship skills. Continue training. Bond as a larger group.

STEP 16: Finance. Ensure you have the total funding you need to complete your project.

STEP 17: Break Ground or comment renovations/ refurbishments.

STEP 18: Sell any remaining units and begin a wait list.

STEP 19: Plan common meals, care for reserves, delegation of cleaning common use areas, etc.

STEP 2O: Move in & celebrate! You've come a LONG way, so now it's time to enjoy!