The Sugar Shack

Los Angeles, California, United States

  • Updated on: Jun 27, 2023 (almost 2 years ago)
  • Created on: Sep 12, 2005 (over 19 years ago)
The Sugar Shack

Mission Statement

art, sustainable living, community activism

Community Description

<div> Please NO EMAILS. Contact Us Via Messaging on our Facebook Page The Sugar Shack is a Los Angeles intentional community committed to social change through cooperative living, art, and activism. We do this by living communally in Mid-City and providing free of charge spaces for individuals and group gatherings. All residents of our home are actively dedicated to the principles of sustainability and creative collaboration. Each of us contributes to a mutual support structure that connects us together in shared purpose, despite our diverse backgrounds. We strive to maintain a tranquil yet vibrant environment in our building. The cleanliness of our home leaves guests speechless. We share a commitment to bring consciousness and devotion into all aspects of domestic life. We achieve this through our weekly house meetings, our comprehensive chore-sharing system, and our "No Dish Left Behind" policy. The Sugar Shack also includes two outdoor patios, a garden, and a large 2-floor warehouse of workspaces and artist's studios. It is The Sugar Shacks continuing mission to embody every positive potential of cooperative living, and to act as a heart of a larger community of integrity, joy and peace. </div>

  • Status: Established (4+ adults, 2+ years)
  • Started Planning: 2001
  • Started Living Together: 2001
  • Visitors Accepted: Yes
  • Open to New Members: Not currently, but there is a list or possibly in the future
  • Please read the details in Membership below before contacting this community.Send Message
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sugarshackLA
  • Location

    Directory Map Placeholder

About

  • Type(s): Shared Housing, Cohouseholding, or Coliving (multiple individuals sharing a dwelling)
  • Location: Urban

Housing

  • Area: 0.3 acres

Membership

  • Adult Members: 10
  • Child Members: 0
  • Percent Women: 11-20%
  • Percent Men: 81-90%
  • Percent Transgender: 1-10%
  • Visitors Accepted: Yes
  • Visitor Process: If you'd like to visit the Sugar Shack, please email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We hold our house meetings every Monday night at 7:00 PM. Please call or message us ahead if you'd like to attend.
  • Open to New Members: Not currently, but there is a list or possibly in the future
  • Membership Process: Phone interview>written application>attend weekly meeting>house visit>provisional 3 month membership>membership.

Government

  • Decision Making: Consensus + (everyone agrees, except for up to 3 people.)
  • Identified Leader: No
  • Leadership Core Group: No
  • Additional Comments: Weekly house meetings. Independent efforts for home improvement projects are welcomed, but unanimity is required for major decisions.

Economics

  • Dues, Fees, or Shared Expenses: Yes
  • Shared Income: None
  • Required Weekly Labor Contribution: 2
  • Additional Comments: Monthly rent to cover house expenses including mortgage, insurance, taxes, gas/water, internet and bulk household items and staple foods. Each resident must perform a set number of chore hours each week. Residents are also expected to volunteer for an Energy Exchange role and take charge of various aspects of the community life.

Sustainability Practices

  • Energy Infrastructure: We use both systems.
  • Energy Sources: Solar
  • Current Food Produced: 0%, or close to 0%
  • Planned Food Produced: Up to 25%

Lifestyle

  • Common Facilities:
    • Garden(s)
    • Workshop
    • Stage or Auditorium
    • Internet
  • Internet Available: Yes, community provides it
  • Internet Fast?: Yes, exceptionally.
  • Cellphone Service: Good for most people.
  • Shared Meals: Rarely
  • Dietary Practices: Omnivorous (plants and animals)
  • Dietary Choice or Restrictions: No - people may eat however they wish.
  • Alcohol Use: Yes, used occasionally.
  • Tobacco Use: Yes, used occasionally.

Photo Gallery

Fair Housing Laws

This community acknowledges that their listing does not include any potential violations of the Fair Housing Law, or that they do not provide housing. For any questions about this topic please see our Content Policies and contact FIC with any questions or concerns: directory@ic.org.

Keywords

los angeles, green, organic, couch surfing