Dream Big With Cooperative Housing Clusters
For those interested in going beyond a single cooperative house, we want to present the option of having groups of homes cluster together in close proximity. Each household acts autonomously but together they create a dynamic community experience. Clusters of homes can benefit by having group events and a wider net of people to combine efforts, lean on, and grow together with. Additionally, cooperative homes can benefit by managing and participating in cluster-wide programs.
Typical
Neighborhood
Full of homes but it's very common for neighbors not to have much engagement and many live as strangers to each other
Cluster
of Homes
Community homes in close proximity offer households a dynamic communal living experience.
Cluster Wide
Programs
Households can co-manage and participate in programs together that are available to the entire cluster of homes.
Examples of Cluster Wide Programs
Here are just a couple of examples to get your imagination started. Some programs can be very basic and easy to implement while others might take additional resources and time to operate. Although some of these could function in a single household the benefit will be greater when applied to a cluster of homes.
Time Bank
Timebanking is a time-based currency. Give one hour of service to another, and receive one-time credit. You can use the credits in turn to receive services - or you can donate them to others. The focus of Timebanking is on our value as human beings. It seeks to connect us through the relationships we create through giving and receiving. It operates in this way as a complement to the money-dominated world we inhabit.
Bulk Shopping Trips
Each household needs to make shopping trips to stock up on their supplies. By consolidating multiple trips together the bulk of the shopping can be achieved in less time saving time for everyone. Bulk purchases can also drive down the price of some items.
Tool Library
Tool libraries are just like traditional libraries, but with tools instead of books. They are great for people who don't want to buy/rent tools that they are only going to use once in a while. Although tool libraries exist in some areas, households may choose to have their own mini-library. These libraries can be extended beyond just tools too.
And Others
Many other cluster-wide programs can be developed over time. Types of programs will depend on the need and how much time and energy people have to create and maintain them.
Have Questions?
Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions about starting a community. We'll be more than happy to provide an answer or direct you to the right place. Please keep in mind though that our team is made up of volunteers; hence, kindly bear with us if there's a delay in response times.
Team NICA
