Resource Library

Explore tools, insights, and real-world guidance to support your journey in community-rooted housing. Our Resource Library includes practical resources for individuals, communities, and professionals, from getting started to strengthening an established community.

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We believe the best decisions are made when everyone’s voice is heard, that’s why we use sociocracy to save time, make inclusive decisions and create more human organizations. Sociocracy For All (SoFA) is a 501c3 nonprofit that collaborates globally to support organizations and communities make their decisions with equity, empowerment, trust and transparency. …
Originally a Danish creation, cohousing struggled to gain popularity in its country of origin for years. That is, until a film was made that explained its merits and how people found it enhanced their lives. It’s time for the United States to have a meaningful and honest film about cohousing. ‘The Best of Both Worlds’ explores the lives of residents in four cohousing communities in Northern California. It also examines senior cohousing communities and how living in them improves the quality of life of residents. …
Who Decides Who Decides is the essential guide on how to form a group within 3 meetings and establish shared power and self-management. Any group can form itself using the template outlined in this book. It works especially well if the founders and early members want to grow and nourish an organization that gives every member a voice and is effective. …
Cohousing expert Charles Durrett delves into the unique aspects of this ecovillage of about 100 residents, 45 of whom include those with developmental and intellectual disabilities, who live and thrive alongside neighbors in a safe and enriching environment. Through rich storytelling and detailed first-person accounts, the book highlights the importance of creating communities that celebrate and support neurodiversity. Durrett presents Sólheimar as a model for how we can build neuro-inclusive spaces that respect and uplift every individual’s potential, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. The book offers practical insights into the design, the principles, and the practices that make Sólheimar a standout community for inclusive living. It challenges readers to rethink conventional approaches, advocating for environments where all people, regardless of their cognitive differences, can live meaningful and fulfilling lives. Durrett also presents case studies of four other neuro-inclusive communities, including Hertha Levefallesskab, WeBUILT (We Build Unique Independent Lives Together), Creative Living Community of CT, and L’Arche International Movement. With its focus on real-world solutions and its call to action, this book is both a guide and an inspiration for anyone interested in the intersection of sustainability, community living, and neuro-inclusivity. …
The nexus between community and quality of life for people with autism, Down syndrome, and other intellectual or developmental disabilities – a consequential guide to understanding and designing a better life for all. “Bullseye.” -Dr. Bill Thomas For folks who have cognitive differences, life can be too hard. For caregivers, life is too hard. The worst of their struggles, however, are unnecessary. This book is an inspiring exploration of Sólheimar Ecovillage in Iceland, a pioneering community that embodies sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusivity. Durrett delves into the unique aspects of this ecovillage, where 45 neurodivergent individuals, including those with developmental and intellectual disabilities, live and thrive alongside neighbors in a safe and enriching environment. Through rich storytelling and detailed accounts, the book highlights the importance of creating communities that celebrate and support neurodiversity. Durrett presents Sólheimar as a model for how we can build neuro-inclusive spaces that respect and uplift every individual’s potential, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. The book offers practical insights into the principles and practices that make Sólheimar a beacon of hope for sustainable and inclusive living. It challenges readers to rethink conventional approaches, advocating for environments where all people, regardless of their cognitive differences, can live meaningful and fulfilling lives. With its focus on real-world solutions and its call to action, “One Life, Live It!” is both a guide and an inspiration for anyone interested in the intersection of sustainability, community living, and neuro-inclusivity. …

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