Recap Meeting 8.10.08

The Shared  Housing Concept:

The Shared Home: An Alternative to Living Alone

·         Many people are living alone and because we are social beings, loneliness and isolation become issues of daily living. In addition, living alone can become a concern when it comes to personal safety and vulnerability.

·         As we move into an age where everything is more expensive, many will be looking for ways to live a life style that is comfortable, affordable and similar to what they have been accustom.

·         The concept of a sharing a home with someone else has been fostered by the need for social interaction, a means of reducing some of the expenses associated with maintaining a home and in some cases safety

Presenter: Barbara Beck, PhD

Barbara addressed the ideas, complexities, possibilities and concerns associated with  a shared home.

Barbara expressed her desire to stir our imagination, challenge our way of thinking and give us hope.  She offered another way of looking at co-housing and intentional living.

Who lives in a Shared Home?

When does one live in a Shared Home?

Why do we share our living space?

What do we share and not share?

How do we transition into a Shared Home?

The How and the Hope:  It can be done

Decisions are made:

            Do you know a shared home is right for you?

            What are you moving to or away from?

            What is driving your decisions?

Readiness is determined – Big

            Have you actually visualized what it would be like to share?

            How resilient are you?

            How compatible are you?

            What are you willing to give up/sacrifice for the good of all?

            What do you bring that adds richness to the partnership?

            What skills, talents, and resources do you bring?

The nitty-gritty is worked out, i.e., contracts, compatibility, etc.:

            Compatibility screening (Barb is working on one.)

            Own and/or rent

            Communication (know your own style)

            Contacts/agreements (Barb working on one, also

StateofGracedocument.com)

            Set parameters (decision making and conflict management)

            Exit strategies (if one wants to move, dies, gets married, etc.)

Action is taken, i.e., roommate is found, contracts signed, welcome each other to a new life.

Barbara J. Beck

B3j4b3e4@hotmail.com