| The Common Fire Housing Co-op provides a supportive and inspiring home for people committed to making a difference in the world. The 11 residents bring a rich diversity of interest areas, skills, backgrounds, and ages -- and a shared commitment to helping create a more just and sustainable world.
While pursuing this commitment through our independent work and studies, the co-op allows us to more fully embody our vision for the world in our daily lives. One example of this -- the one that's earned us the most publicity -- is that the building itself has been certified as the highest scoring green building in the Eastern US by the USGBC.
The commitment carries on through the choices we make about where we buy our food and what we eat, how we learn about the world, how we interact with each other and use our free time, and more. The insight and support we provide each other allow us to better align these daily choices with our highest aspirations for ourselves and the world. Meanwhile, we are part of a rich exchange of ideas and inspiration with each other through everyday interactions and regular structured activities including discussions, guest speakers, videos, and trips.
And all of this while enjoying an incredible quality of life. The co-op is set amidst 36 acres of land, 25 of which have a conservation easement forever protecting them as wild lands. The building is 3600 square feet in size. It has 7 bedrooms, all with natural light, forest views, and individual access to the outside. There is a shared entrance, a single kitchen and pantry, a dining room, two living rooms, three bathrooms (one handicapped accessible), and a sheltered deck.
It has a guest room that is used by guests of the residents and is made available free-of-charge for retreats for people dedicated to serving society and the environment.
Residents share the monthly mortgage payments and utilities (which are minor thanks to the efficiency of the building), plus the costs of minor repairs, contributions to a pool of capital for major repairs, and shared food costs (mostly local and organic).
The land and building are owned by a non-profit, the Common Fire Foundation. Otherwise the co-op is largely autonomous, with 99% of matters decided and dealt with by the residents themselves by consensus, including selection of new residents. | |
Population Open to new children: Yes Gender Balance: 40% M 60% F Open to which gender(s): All genders welcome Ethnic Diversity: 10% identify as 'people of color' | Government Decision Making: By consensus Leadership Core Group: No | Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: Yes Labor Contribution: Expected (Shared cleaning and shared cooking of 5 dinners/wk) Regular Fees: Yes (Everyone shares in the monthly expenses including mortgage, utilities, building maintenance, and food.) | Land and Buildings Rural Area: 36 acres (14.6 hectares) Land Owned By: Another form of Non-profit | Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: 6-20% Share Community Meals: Nearly all dinners Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual (We're a mix of ominvores, vegetarians and vegans, but we cook mainly vegan for the shared meals) Dietary Practice: Omnivorous Tobacco Use: Prohibited (Anyone can smoke outside, but it's not allowed inside) | Social Factors Open to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender members: Yes (Yes!!!) Restrictions on Romantic Relationships (between consenting adults): No Shared Spiritual Path: No Educational Style(s): Home schooling :: Public schooled | |
