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Formed: 2007 Established: 2007
This page last updated:3/20/2012
The Roost
Chicago, Illinois,
United States
 ***CURRENTLY SEEKING NEW MEMBERS - see below***
We are a six-person household and intentional community located in the middle story of a three-flat in Rogers Park, a Chicago neighborhood on the far north side. We came together over a desire to interact more purposefully with the people we live with (and hopefully apply these lessons to people outside of our household, as well).
Our common interest in social and environmental justice ties us together, though our individual approaches to these issues vary widely. Over the last few years, individual Roosties have taught bicycle mechanics, conducted investigative reporting, coordinated a campaign against evictions, worked on a Mennonite cooperative farm, organized for higher field-worker wages, fought against gentrification, challenged militarism in schools, and taught self-expression through dance.
There’s a lot going on, and part of our task is simply to set aside time for each other in common dinners and weekly meetings. Roosties share chores and costs, and make decisions by consensus. We try to structure our lives so as to minimize waste and consumption by composting, recycling, and purchasing bulk groceries. We also can and freeze food for the winter, and occasionally dumpster dive.
We strive to be as trans-, queer-, and sex-positive as possible.
Our mission statement is as follows:
In order to live more connected and sustainable lives, the members of the Roost strive to build cooperative economic models and supportive relationships. Our democratic atmosphere fosters creativity, self-expression, and faith in others. In modeling our values we practice hospitality, combat oppression, and support social and environmental movements.
The Roost is currently looking for new housemates to fill May 1 and mid-May or June 1 vacancies. We have a single room and a double room (shared with another house member) available. Rent and living costs are affordable ($305 to $355/month for rent - utilities are extra and so is food, which is bought in common), with expectation of full participation in work and house life.
We are looking for people who:
-may be interested in sharing a room (for the May 1 vacancy in the double)
-have an interest in and dedication to building community through collective living
-are interested in actively challenging racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia and ableism
-are willing to put extra work into sustainable living practices
-are reliable, responsible, and clean
-are willing to make the following contributions: 3 hours of chores/housework per week, cooking dinner 1 night per week, washing dishes 1 night per week, participate in bi-weekly house meetings
-can coexist with our current animals (one dog)
-ideally, are willing to commit for a year or more
We are located less than 1 block from the beach, and about 2 blocks from a Red Line stop. To apply, please email us (theroostchicago@gmail.com) with a brief response to the following questions:
1. Why are you interested in community living?
2. Do you have prior experience living in community? ("Community" can be defined however you choose.)
3. Would you be able to make time for the weekly labor contributions described above?
4. What is your approach to resolving conflicts in your life?
 
Contact:
Jaxon Lindars
1245 W Jarvis #2
Chicago, Illinois 60626 United States
Phone: 7737612632
Email This Community!
This page last updated:3/20/2012
 
Visitors Accepted
Visitor Process: Check out our website, get acquainted with what we're about; then call or email us.
Affiliations: Solarium

Network Affiliations:
Fellowship for Intentional Community
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.

Population
Members(adults and children):
5
(We range from 5 to 7 people, but normally have 6.)
Non-member Residents:
0
Open to new members:
Yes
Government
Decision Making:
By consensus
Identified Leader:
No
Leadership Core Group:
No
Labor and Money
Financial Style:
Partial income sharing
(Members contribute 1% of monthly income to a shared account.)
Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt:
Yes
Labor Contribution:
Expected
(One night weekly cooking & indoor cleaning duty, as well as an)
Join Fee:
Yes
(A safety deposit.)
Regular Fees:
Yes
(Monthly rent and food costs are roughly $350-450 each month. We've also been looking into income-sharing.)
Land and Buildings
Urban
Land Owned By:
Other
(Landlord - owner occupied rental building.)
Number of Residences:
1
Cohousing:
No
Food, etc.
Percentage of Food Grown:
1-5%
(We have a small garden plot.)
Share Community Meals:
2-5 times/week
Dietary Choice or Restrictions:
There are some dietary restrictions
(All house food is vegetarian and commmunity dinners are vegan/gluten-free. Members are allowed to purchase and prepare nonvegetarian items.)
Dietary Practice:
Primarily vegan
Alcohol Use:
Used occasionally
Tobacco Use:
Seldom used
Social Factors
Common Spiritual Practices:
No
Educational Style(s):
Public schooled
 
 
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We happily link to the following organizations, all of whom share our strong commitment to promoting community and a more cooperative world:
Cohousing The Federation of Egalitarian Communities - Communes Coop Community Cooperative Sustainable Intentional North American Students of Cooperation Global Ecovillage Network
Special thanks to the sponsors of our Art of Community Events.
NICA Common Circle Permaculture Classes Lafayette Morehouse