CoHo Ecovillage

Corvallis, Oregon, United States

  • Updated on: Jun 16, 2023 (about 1 year ago)
  • Created on: Oct 27, 2004 (over 20 years ago)
CoHo Ecovillage

Mission Statement

We partner as ecovillage neighbors to: --enrich our lives and refresh our spirits through connection and cooperation --meet economic and environmental challenges with creativity and resilience --share the power of community to cultivate social and ecological sustainability within CoHo, the broader community, and the world

Community Description

<div> Coho Ecovillage is a 34-unit cohousing community, a mile and a half from downtown Corvallis, and close to public transportation and numerous bike and walking paths. Clustered on 6.8 acres and surrounded by trees and meadows, the units are a mix of flats and townhouses, all designed to support friendly interactions between neighbors. A large common house with a unique solar art installation is the gathering place for meetings, vegetarian meals, and recreational activities. Members of Coho Ecovillage are committed to living lightly on the land, embracing diversity and sharing with one another in mutual trust, respect, and support. All learn to listen carefully, use nonviolent communication, and make decisions by consensus. Since moving into our community beginning October 2007, and we've been busy doing landscaping, building compost piles, planting gardens and an orchard, and getting to know each other better.
Our residents range in age from infants to grandparents--currently there are 105 folks in our community (two thirds live on-site; one-third who live off-site are Friends of CoHo, Associate Members, or Non-Resident owners). The overall adult to kid balance is about 3 to 1. We are a mix of income levels, abilities, and family composition. Twenty-six of our 34 townhouses and flats are handicap visitable, and all downstairs flats meet ADA-accessibility standards. If you are interested, visit our website and/or come for a tour. We would love to hear from you. </div>

About

  • Type(s): Cohousing (individual homes within group property)
  • Location: Small Town or Village

Housing

  • Status: We have land we have developed on
  • Area: 6.8 acres
  • Current Number of Residences: 34
  • Planned Number of Residences: 0
  • Land Owned By: The Community

Membership

  • Adult Members: 56
  • Child Members: 14
  • Visitors Accepted: Yes
  • Visitor Process: Please email before visiting to arrange for a host to greet you. We encourage visitors to attend one of our public orientations and tours; dates are posted on our website. We can also make arrangements for a private tour.
  • Open to New Members: Yes
  • Membership Process: Prospective members complete membership steps to understand how our community operates and to give residents an opportunity to meet them. We also have openings in our Friends of CoHo and Associate Members programs (these programs also require the completion of membership steps). All membership documents are posted on our website.

Government

  • Decision Making: Consensus (everyone agrees)
  • Identified Leader: No
  • Leadership Core Group: Yes
  • Additional Comments: Steering Council

Economics

  • Dues, Fees, or Shared Expenses: Yes
  • Shared Income: None
  • Required Weekly Labor Contribution: 4
  • Open to Members with Existing Debt: Yes
  • Additional Comments: Members contribute through a WorkShare system. Members are charged a monthly HOA fee.

Sustainability Practices

  • Energy Infrastructure: We are connected to the grid.
  • Energy Sources: Solar
  • Planned Renewable Energy Generation: Up to 25%
  • Current Food Produced: Up to 25%
  • Food Produced Locally: Up to 25%

Lifestyle

  • Common Facilities:
    • Common House
    • Garden(s)
    • Greenhouse(s)
    • Library
    • Workshop
    • Hot tub or hot springs
    • Large Scale Kitchen
    • Fire pit
    • Swingsets & play areas
  • Internet Available: Yes, individuals provide it
  • Internet Fast?: Yes, it's fine.
  • Cellphone Service: Good for most people.
  • Shared Meals: 2-5 times per week
  • Dietary Practices:
    • Paleo (no grains, dairy, processed foods, or legumes)
    • Organic (no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers)
    • GMO Free (only non-genetically modified organisms)
    • Dairy-Free
    • Gluten-Free
  • Dietary Choice or Restrictions: No - people may eat however they wish.
  • Special Diets OK: Yes
  • Alcohol Use: Yes, used seldomly, or ceremoniously.
  • Additional Diet Comments: We have gardens and an orchard. Head Chefs work to meet special food needs. Common meals are often vegetarian and peanut-free. No smoking policy in common buildings and areas.
  • Education Style(s):
    • Home Schooling
    • Private School off the property
    • Public Schooling
  • Healthcare Options: Up to each family, household, or individual

Cohousing

  • Building Site Status: Completed
  • Year Construction Completed: 2007
  • Number of Housing Units: 34
  • Has a Shared Common Building: Yes

Photo Gallery

Community Network or Organization Affiliations

Coho/US

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.