Bob The House :: Communities Directory

Formed: 1976

Bob The House

Seattle, Washington,

United States

Bob The House is a collective with a 30+ year history. We live among some large, old trees in Seattle's University District. We are composed of 7 members figuring things out together. All of us are currently between the ages of 18-26, pursuing our own goals and interests. We also work towards collective interests and goals to create a home and support network.

Our house is like another housemate, an old rambling friend with compelling wooden bones and mysterious interests and goals. We are making a practice of archiving where the house has been, where it is now, and where it may go.

We come together bi-monthly for meetings to discuss ideas, share differing views and attempt to understand and honor all of this by creating collective decisions. We make decisions through consensus.

Members maintain financial independence, yet we do contribute a fixed dollar amount each month to our communally held bank account. In turn, every member is entrusted with the use of funds to purchase collective goods and services that benefit the community. Specifically, we share food, and other essential daily items of life.

Each member contributes time and labor towards maintaining the structures within our community. Members contribute further labor and time towards systems within the community as each sees fit.

We strive to interact with our environment in ways that feel generative and healthy and this tends to engender a lot of experimentation with sustainability projects including alternative energy and alternative ways to live in a city.(hundred mile diet, making our own food, fermentation projects, dumpstering, gardening, chickens...)

We enjoy creating and cultivating connections with other people and groups who also are a mighty force for joy, social justice, responsibility and kindness.

Contact:

Seattle, Washington United States
Phone: 206-527-5640

Seattle, Washington 98105-3409 United States

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Former/Other Names: Cherry Hill MDA (Boston), The Even Worse House (Olympia)

Last Updated:1/14/2012

Visitors Accepted

(We love visitors! We learn a lot from you!)

Visitor Process: Individuals wishing to visit Bob The House should either call or send an email. Please include the details of your visit (i.e. purpose, duration, amenities required [bedroom,couch,floor]). Visitors staying for a longer period of time may be asked for references, food/utility costs, and a portion of rent. Please allow two weeks for us to make a decision at the house meeting.

Affiliations: Wedgwood House

:: Sunset House

:: Sherwood Co-op

:: PRAG House

:: Emma Goldman Finishing School

Network Affiliations:

Northwest Intentional Communities Association

Statement of Housing Non-discrimination:

Our community does not discriminate in regards to housing based on race/color, national origin, religion, sex/gender, family status (i.e. having children, not having children, or being pregnant), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, source of income, age, creed, personal appearance, political affiliation, HIV infection, military/veteran status, unfavorable military discharge, gender identity or expression, receiving public assistance, or being the victim of domestic abuse.

Comment: Although we will not discriminate against children, pregnant women or people who are less mobile, our house is likely physically unsafe for people in these circumstances, having many steep stairs of varying heights and few handrails.

Population Members(adults and children): 8 Non-member Residents: 0 (We do like visitors. Especially when they bring us kale or tea!) Open to new members: Yes (We are currently looking for a new member!)	Government Decision Making: By consensus Identified Leader: No Leadership Core Group: No (Every one of us is called upon to help lead our process and develop our leadership skills)	Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: Yes Labor Contribution: Expected (A rotating list of basic chores each week) Join Fee: No (One month's refundable rent deposit) Regular Fees: Yes (Monthly Rent + collective expenses(food, home improvement, art supplies, bribes, bills and internet/telephone included))
Land and Buildings Urban (We are on a large leafed tree lined street. It feels kind of sleepy for an urban setting.) Land Owned By: (Paul) Number of Residences: 1 Cohousing: No (We all share the same house.)	Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: 1-5% (We work in a P-Patch plot a few blocks away and raise chickens.) Share Community Meals: 2-5 times/week (sometimes more sometimes less) Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual (Food collectively purchased is vegetarian. We consider each other's preferences and needs when cooking.) Dietary Practice: Primarily vegetarian Alcohol Use: Used occasionally (Some of us never, some of us fairly frequently.) Tobacco Use: Used Occasionally (Outside only)	Social Factors Common Spiritual Practices: No (Some members identify with a specific spiritual practice)

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