Co-ops Supporting Co-ops: Dreaming Lizard Co-Housing

Co-ops Supporting Co-ops: Dreaming Lizard Co-Housing

by Maureen Poulas

By now, many of us have seen or read information about co-housing.

By choosing cooperative housing, we may be able to have better quality of life and get our needs met in a more sustainable way.

By living near other people, building lasting relationships, and sharing expenses and resources, we can reconnect with others.

In July of 1999, after visiting other communities, reading, researching, meeting and learning for over three years, three like-minded people purchased what is now called Dreaming Lizard.

Dreaming Lizard, in the Washington/Lomas area, is two large city lots with three houses, trees, gardens, porches, and a greenhouse.

Common areas include all outdoor space, laundry room, and large living room (for dinners, meetings, yoga, etc.)

We each pay our share of the mortgage based on the amount of square feet we occupy. Obligations are spelled out in a legal contract as tenants-in-common, with remaining decisions made by consensus.

We are musicians, dancers, activists, and anarchists who believe that doing the work of cooperating with others is practicing sustainability on an emotional level.

Together we do some home improvement and gardening projects, tool/vehicle sharing, cooking/meals, walks, or drumming circles.

We have cut the water bill by 60%, planted seven new trees, hosted a permaculture design party, and submitted a listing to The International Directory of Intentional Communities.

We would love to expand our project by having others live nearby. There are currently several properties for sale or rent within a block.

We hope to serve as a local example and resource for others who want to do something cooperative.