I have been doing some research on intentional communities -- ecovillages, cooperatives, cohousing, etc. While I am most interested in communities with a focus on sustainability, I peek at them all. I plan to share a bit about my findings in future diaries, but I came across this one opportunity and decided to share it immediately.
If, after looking at this short diary, you feel that it could benefit someone in this community, please recommend it so that they might see it.
First, I must say that I have not vetted this information. The information comes from the people who submitted it, via a form, to the directory on the Intentional Communities website, provided by the Fellowship of Intentional Communities, which is located in Rutledge, MO. (northeast)
I don't know whether we have a kossack who lives near the community (below), could visit, ascertain the situation and report further? Visitors are welcome anytime.
Here's a brief summary:
Freedom Village
Fayetteville, Arkansas [map below]
Founded: 1998
Mission: "to provide suitable housing for those who have none."
8 members, 4 non-resident members. Openings now for about 8 more, it appears.
20 acres, currently 5 "residences". The site is owned by the community. Individual 1 acre homesites are "purchased" by members.
Plans for a total of about 20 one-acre homesites, a town square and two common buildings, a dorm and a community building with kitchen, meeting room, etc.
Over 50% of the food is grown. Most dinners are eaten together.
Finances are kept independently, although income from community projects is used for community needs.
Everyone is expected to contribute to chores and projects to the best of their abilities.
There is an elected leader and decisions are made by majority rule.
There is a $1 fee to join.
It is not specifically a religious community, there are no religious practices observed, though "all beliefs are welcome" and the current members are open to the community building being used for such purposes, when it is completed.
They have a very long statement of non-discrimination.
It is a little difficult to tell exactly where they are in their development because present and future tenses are melded in the description.
[snip]
"The concept is to establish a community that incorporates both private homes and shared common facilities. One acre home sites will be leased, rented, or sold to members of the community for $1. The idea is to help those who have little or nothing find a home and community where they can feel productive, safe, and loved."
[snip]
"Ideal community members would be newlyweds, retirees, single parents, homeless, hopeless, anyone who wants a home to call their own."
[snip]
"Outside income is not a requirement at Freedom Village. Any money or outside income you bring with you, belongs to you. If you have no source of income, you are welcome to participate in community projects and share in any income that's generated. These projects include wool production/weaving, selling of goods and produce at farmer's markets."
[snip]
Sounds like a good opportunity for someone or some couple or family to get on their feet?
More complete information and contacts may be found here.
Hope it helps someone!
Again,
1) If you feel that this opportunity could benefit someone in this community, please recommend it so that they might see it.
2) I have not vetted this information. If someone in the area (Fayetteville, AK) could make a visit and report, that would be helpful, I think.
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If I come across similar communities, I'll post them?
Last, if anyone would like to collaborate on the intentional community and/or affordable, sustainable housing projects I'm working on (see my recent diaries), drop me a message.