Cohousing at Yulupa

Cohousing is a type of collaborative living in which residents are consciously committed to being in a community.  The physical design encourages both social contact and individual space.  Private units contain all the features of conventional homes, but residents also have access to common facilities such as open space, courtyards, a playground and a common house.

Regardless of the size of the community, there are many opportunities for casual meetings between neighbors, as well as for deliberate gatherings such as celebrations, committee and business meetings.

The common areas are the social center of our community, with a large dining room and kitchen, lounge, recreational facilities, children’s spaces, guest room, workshop, and laundry room.  So too are the meals in the common house the social fiber of who we are. The need for community members to maintain common property builds a sense of working together, trust and support. 

Participation

Participation can ebb and flow among individual members as their personal lives have changing demands at different times.  That said, it is important to understand that a self-managed community requires the participation of every member. Obligations to attend meetings, perform weekly tasks, participate in community meals and join a decision-making committee allow the community to function well with input from all.  Participation is frequently dependent upon the community’s needs at a particular time and there is something happening all the time in a busy community like ours!

Cohousing vs. Condo....
​      what is the difference?

Cohousing is a way to live your life connected to your neighbors. You choose this specifically when you join a cohousing group. You usually choose the opposite when you purchase a condo, choosing privacy and frequently, little association with your neighbors.

Vibrant and engaging activities are many. Choosing Yulupa offers you and your family an opportunity to participate in community decision-making, and enjoy gatherings, outings, workshops and community meals. A helping hand is just an email away.

This is the basis for our cohousing and what makes it different and special. While it looks great to receive help it also requires you to give back to your neighbors. Building social capital in any community makes the gift of giving a pleasure. That said – these are the things that make life different here and Yulupa Cohousing functions best when you:

• Cook and clean up for community meals
• Do a community task
• Keep your shared space respectfully tidy
• Actively work & participate on a committee and attend meetings regularly
• Agree to the values of the community and to decision-making by consensus,