A New Experiment in Housing: Combating Isolation in Modern America

Houston’s East End neighborhood is on the verge of welcoming a unique experiment in housing, one that prioritizes communal space and aims to cure the epidemic of isolation plaguing modern America. This innovative approach to housing is called CoHousing Houston, and it’s set to open its doors in the next couple of months.

What is CoHousing Houston?

CoHousing Houston is a development situated on a property at 114 Delmar St., comprising 33 individually-owned units built around a central courtyard. While the layout may resemble a modern apartment complex, there are distinct architectural deviations and governing principles that encourage residents to engage in in-person interactions. The community features a common house, a large gathering space, kitchen area, and work station that serves as a community center and event hall.

Designing for Community Engagement

The individual units are designed to be short on extra rooms, which encourages residents to move their hobbies and activities to the common house or shared outdoor porches and balconies. This design choice is intended to foster a sense of community and social connection among residents. The idea of communal housing is not new, but it’s an approach that few Americans adopt after reaching adulthood, preferring instead to prioritize privacy and personal space.

The Benefits of CoHousing

For residents like Kelli Soika, a married mother of three, CoHousing Houston offers a unique and liberating experience. Soika previously lived in a similar cohousing unit in Colorado before moving to Houston in 2018. She found the cohousing model to be incredibly empowering, allowing her to connect with her community and access support when needed. "You have this great place to solve problems you didn’t even know you had," she explains. "It’s the kind of place where if you leave the door open, someone will check to make sure you’re okay."

The Power of Community Connection

Soika emphasizes the significance of community connection in CoHousing Houston. The development’s design funnels multi-generational households into communal spaces, allowing residents to draw on each other’s innovation, wisdom, and experience. Whether it’s seeking advice on college applications or joining a bike riding group, the community provides a supportive and engaging environment. Soika believes that the benefits of cohousing, including the little neighborly touches, are well worth the slight loss of privacy or space.

Addressing Isolation and Loneliness

Isolation and loneliness are major problems in America, with studies suggesting a sharp decline in time spent in "third places" – locations that are not home or work. CoHousing Houston offers a viable alternative to increase social engagement, providing a community-driven approach to housing. While it may require some adjustments, the benefits of cohousing are clear. As Soika notes, "If the power is out and you don’t know what’s going on at CenterPoint, you’ve got a group going through it with you."

Governance and Decision-Making

CoHousing Houston operates under a democratic governance structure, with weekly meetings in the common house to address issues affecting the entire campus. Residents own their homes, which range from $300,000 to $525,000, and there is an HOA in place. The community strives to ensure that all voices are heard, using rounds to allow each person to contribute to discussions. This approach helps to empower quieter residents and prevent decisions from being dominated by a select few.

Safety and Concerns

While CoHousing Houston has a unique approach to housing, there are concerns about safety and potential issues with problem residents. Soika acknowledges that the community would need to rely on external authorities, such as the police, in the event of a serious incident. However, she notes that she has never encountered such a situation in her years of living in cohousing communities.

Conclusion

CoHousing Houston is set to open its doors this fall, offering a new approach to housing that prioritizes community and social connection. With its unique design and governance structure, this development has the potential to combat isolation and loneliness in modern America. As Soika and other residents have experienced, the benefits of cohousing are clear, and this innovative approach to housing is definitely worth exploring. Interested buyers can find more information at CoHousingHouston.com, and units are still available for purchase.