Ecovillage - Get in on the Ground Floor!
Have you ever dreamed of a different way of living? One that builds community and supports our inherent needs for autonomy and connection with the natural world, and frees us from the control of landlords? We have. And we're poised to create the first of many examples here in Humboldt. If you're passionate, reliable, and curious about living in an ecovillage, we want you!
What is an Ecovillage? From the Global Ecovillage Network (ecovillage.org)
An ecovillage is an intentional, traditional or urban community that is consciously designed through locally owned participatory processes in all four dimensions of sustainability (social, culture, ecology and economy) to regenerate social and natural environments.
An ecovillage is not a cult or a commune.
What might an ecovillage look like here in Humboldt?
Multiple individuals and/or families would live together on one piece of property. The property would be held in a land trust. The residents could be earning shares in the buildings through their monthly payments ('equity payments' in lieu of rent). The group of residents would likely coalesce around some kind of theme or shared interest - permaculture, recycling, folks with young kids, etc.
Over time, we envision creating a local network of ecovillages, each with its own theme and culture.
We'll create a set of core values and elements that would apply to all ecovillages - including tangible things like renewable energy features, water catchment, etc. - but beyond that, each village is likely to end up looking quite different from one another. Some could be more urban, while others may be more rural - The village could be made up of completely separate fully featured homes, or it could include tiny homes with larger central shared facilities (or any number of other combinations of physical features).
Each village will be unique in design depending on who is going to live there, and what their skills and passions are. We have convened a group of folks who would want to live at the first ecovillage, and are looking to inspire other groups to start up. Cooperation Humboldt is offering resources, support, and capitalization, and we require direct participation from residents so that we can build these ecovillages to fit their needs and aspirations.
How will it be paid for?
Through a collaborative process, the future residents of the ecovillage, with support from Cooperation Humboldt staff and volunteers, will create a proposal and budget for developing their project.
Utilizing existing connections and resources, Cooperation Humboldt will work to secure capital from social impact investors and other funders. This will be largely loaned money, not grants, so the proposal will need to include details about how the funds will be repaid. This will likely be largely through the residents' equity payments (which will take the place of rent), though other possible income streams are possible depending on the theme/focus of the ecovillage.
How do I participate?
We're actively looking to network with folks interested in living in an ecovillage. First we need to gather information from those of you who are interested. You can share that info with us by clicking here!
After you complete the survey, one of the founders group members will contact you about our upcoming informational meeting on Zoom.
Want to Learn More?
Hungry for more information and inspiration?
General Information -
The Cohousing Association of America
Global Ecovillage Network
Foundation for Intentional Community
Examples of Ecovillages currently in operation -
Berea College Ecovillage in Kentucky
Maitreya Mountain Village in the Siskiyou Mountains of California
Abundance Ecovillage in Iowa
Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage in Missouri
Alethia Springs in Glen Ellen, California
Atlan Center in Washington