WHAT IS COHOUSING?
Cohousing is the term used for an intentional, residential community of about 30 units of people who live in private apartments, but share public spaces for group activities organized by themselves. The facility is accessible, enabling people to age in place. Design elements of the facility encourage interaction; social aspects of cohousing contribute to the members’ well-being, sense of community and quality of life.
Why Co-Housing Israel – CHI?
Affordable housing
CHI provides aging in place in a reduced private living space.
Unlimited long-term housing
CHI provides a long-term housing option, ensuring members a stable residence and community throughout one’s senior years.
Community
A strong sense of community helps combat loneliness and isolation. Though cohousing is appropriate for all ages, CHI seeks people over 50 who are healthy, active and involved in creating a community within a multi-generational neighborhood.
Healthy living
Social interaction fosters physical and emotional health.
Security
Living together provides a sense of safety.
Sustainability
Sharing increases efficiency and reduces waste.
Independence / Interdependence
Cohousing members lead independent lives in an interdependent framework.
Living in community is healthy!
Isolation and Loneliness are Health Hazards!
- Social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and lack of physical exercise.
- Loneliness increases the risk of depression and anxiety.
- Isolation increases the risk of dementia, heart disease, stroke and cancer.
WHAT COHOUSING COMMUNITIES SHARE
Kitchen and Meals
(in addition to private kitchens in each residence)
Dining Room
Activity Rooms
Laundry Facilities
Cars / Bicycles
Tools / Equipment / Appliances
Cleaning / Maintenance Duties
Gardens
Guest rooms
Internet / TV Services
Library
Workshop
Fitness Room/Yoga Studio
Music Studio / Instruments
Office/ Art/ Performance Spaces
COHOUSING IN THE WORLD
(SENIOR AND MULTI-GENERATIONAL)
Country
Denmark
Active Communities
700+
In Development
History
Pioneers in Cohousing. There are currently more than 250 senior-only communities in Denmark. Many are supported by the government.
Country
United States
Active Communities
In Development
150+
History
Since the 1980s
Country
Active Communities
In Development
40+
History
Country
Active Communities
18
In Development
60+
History
Country
Active Communities
17
In Development
History
Country
Israel
Active Communities
1
Note: Other co-living projects exist in Israel, but are not registered as legal cohousing associations.
In Development
1
History
CHI was registered as a legal Israeli cooperative housing association in 2017. CHI’s active project is in Jerusalem (Halomot Arnona). The community in development is in Kfar Saba. Additional initiatives are nationwide!
COHOUSING RESOURCES & LINKS
-
The Senior Cohousing Handbook: A Community Approach to Independent Living
by Charles Durrett, New Society Publishers, 2009
-
Cohousing Association of the United States https://www.cohousing.org/
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Foundation for Intentional Community https://www.ic.org/directory/find/?search=Cohousing
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Canadian Cohousing Network https://cohousing.ca/
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AARP Public Policy Institute https://futureofhousing.aarp.org/