Parkview Cohousing Project

Vision Statement Parkview Services is developing a model intentional cohousing community in the Puget Sound area. This intentional community will embrace and support families and people of all ages and abilities to have a life of purpose, dignity and opportunities for full inclusion in the community. It will be sustainable beyond the lifetime of the founding members and residents, and it will be funded by a combination of personal family funds, existing government services, and non-profit programs.

Cohousing communities are small-scale neighborhoods of private residences clustered around common space. Private dwellings are located along pedestrian walkways and courtyards, and parking is either located to one side or underground. This site plan design encourages and supports social interaction and that creates community.

What makes our intentional cohousing community unique? A percentage of each community will include Affordable Housing. Additionally, housing will be available for special needs and seniors. Some homes will be privately purchased, and some purchased by non-profit organizations.

Housing for Supported Living Volunteer. One housing unit owned by a non-profit organization (or the community itself) would provide housing for volunteers from organizations like Vista or Americorps. These volunteers would assist in supporting residents in participating in community responsibilities and activities.

Community Coordination Board. An internal organization and elected structure that supports full participation and inclusion for all residents within cohousing community, as well as outlying neighborhood. This Board will be guided by documents or by-laws drafted and voted on as part of the initial development with clear guidelines for implementation and revision over time.

Sustainability. The Vision of this community, including the Community Coordination Boards goals and function, will be sustainable beyond the lifetime of the founding members and residents

Parkview Services Involvement This intentional cohousing model community is an extension of Parkview Services present programs, mission statement and goals. Parkview Services' existing Homeownership Program will be offered to qualifying buyers and tenants of the cohousing community.

Organizations/People Currently Participating:

• Jane Bloom, Executive Director
• John Hunt, Parkview Services Board of Directors
• Sherry McNary, My Home, My Life Family Network Project Manager WiSE
• Vicki Isett, Executive Director, Community Homes
• The Arc of King County:
• Sylvia Fuerstenberg, Executive Director

Work Done to Date

• Strategic Planning Committee established
• Consultation with Chris Scott Hanson
• Author & Nationally Recognized Cohousing Consultant
• DRAFT Vision Statement Completed
• Task Force established to research issues necessary for the Strategic Planning Committee: defining Vision Statement, creating policies and structure for sustainability of model.
• Tours of local Cohousing Communities
• Liaisons developed with King County Housing DDD and Housing & Community Development Directors
• Established liaisons with City Planners from King County & Seattle, as site search is limited to this area for first model community. Site Search is top priority.
• Director Cohousing Initiative to attend National Cohousing Conference in June 2010 in Boulder Colorado, representing Parkview Services and Cohousing Project.