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NICA Communities Directory for the Pacific Northwest
For listings in all geographical areas, including the Northwest, see directory.ic.org
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Formed: 1984 Established: 1990
Sharingwood Cohousing
Snohomish County, Washington,
United States
(Monroe)
 We live on 39 forested acres in south Snohomish County, about 25 miles northeast from Seattle. Sharingwood is a lot-development cohousing model, where members buy lots and build their own homes to meet individual budgets and tastes. There is a mixture of owners and rental spaces and while most homes are pretty middle-class standard we have a small number of alternative dwellings including a cob/straw bale home. We share meals on a regular and ongoing basis and have a bulk food purchasing program that is available to residents.
We use a variety of decision-making approaches, although consensus is the goal on most issues. We empower small groups to make specific decisions that do not really require the input of the entire membership.
In addition to a monthly meeting, we have found that sharing circles can play an important role in nurturing a deeper sense of trust within the community. Here members find an opportunity to come together and share honestly and openly in a safe space.
Initiated by individuals, people do things together like homeschooling, yoga, meditation, sharing resources, organic gardening, work parties, hot tub, campfires, playfield, concerts, and children's activities. There are a large number of children in the community so they initiate many of their own games and play events.
The enchanting nature of the native forests and the many trails that surround the community define a village-like setting. Wilderness to some, sanctuary to others, for most it offers a comforting contrast to our workaday world.
 
Website: http://sharingwood.org/
Contact:
Sharingwood Cohousing
22116 E. Lost Lake. Rd
Snohomish County, Washington 98296 United States
Phone: 360-668-1439
Send an Email
Rob Sandelin
Phone: 360 668-2043
Send an Email
Last Updated:11/10/2008
 
Visitors Accepted
Visitor Process: Visit our website for information on how to contact us for tours.
Network Affiliations:
Northwest Intentional Communities Association
Population
Adult Members:
50
Child Members:
35
Open to new adults:
Yes
(Depends on space)
Open to new children:
Yes
Gender Balance:
45% M 55% F
Ethnic Diversity:
2% identify as 'non-white'
Government
Decision Making:
By consensus
Identified Leader:
No
Leadership Core Group:
No
Labor and Money
Financial Style:
Members have independent finances
Labor Contribution:
Expected
Join Fee:
No
Regular Fees:
Yes
(Monthly assessment)
Land and Buildings
Rural
Area:
40 acres (16.2 hectares)
Land Owned By:
Individual community member(s)
(Community owned assets include large greenbelt)
Number of Residences:
25
Cohousing:
Yes
Food, etc.
Percentage of Food Grown:
1-5%
Share Community Meals:
1-3 times/month
Dietary Choice or Restrictions:
Diet is up to each individual
Dietary Practice:
Omnivorous
Alcohol Use:
Used occasionally
Tobacco Use:
Seldom used
Social Factors
Open to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender members:
Yes
Shared Spiritual Path:
No
Educational Style(s):
Home schooling
:: Private school off the property
:: Public schooled
Cohousing Details
Cohousing Status:
Completed
Year Completed:
1999
Number of Units:
29
Square Feet in Common House:
2200
Developer:
Self developed
 
 
Become an Editor Current editor(s): sharingwood, cohousing
 
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