Join cohousing community

Letter to the Editor

Thank you for your May 2nd article about our forming cohousing community in the Skagit Valley.

We are very excited about this concept.

In our mobile and tech-oriented society, many people feel isolated both by the many tech screens dominating our lives and our distance from our extended families.

Cohousing is physically structured to promote interactions with neighbors through closely clustered private homes, shared common spaces such as workshops and gardens, and perimeter parking for safe and beautiful pedestrian walkways.

It is socially structured to promote community as well, through self-governance, some community meals and activities, and shared responsibility for some maintenance of common spaces.

In our Skagit Cohousing community, we value individuality, respecting one another’s differences as we come to consensus in our life together. We strive to live lightly on our planet, sharing resources to decrease the amount of “stuff” each family needs. We try to reuse and recycle wherever possible.

We believe that children and their parents benefit greatly by living in cohousing. The outdoor common areas are a safe place to play and explore. There are playmates within the community. Parents have support from the community, knowing that the children have other adult mentors and friends. Older adults find it easier to age in their own homes with supportive neighbors.

Anyone interested in learning more about cohousing or joining our community may contact us at [email protected], or by phone: 360-422-5739.

More information is also available on our website, http://www.skagitcohousing.org. Watch the website for upcoming events as well.

Lynnette Gerhard and the Skagit Cohousing Community