Co-Op Housing University of Maryland :: Communities Directory

Formed: 2009 Established: 2010

This page last updated:5/7/2013

Co-Op Housing University of Maryland

College Park, Maryland,

United States

Co-Op Housing University of Maryland seeks to provide quality, affordable, autonomous, and community-centered housing to the people of College Park.

Residents share chores and meals and are equal owners and participants in the cooperative, democratic decision-making structure of the organization. We operate on a modified first-come, first-serve open membership policy: a certain percentage of our residents must be low and very low income, and all residents must be able to contribute meaningfully to the organization, but beyond that all members of the College Park community are welcome.

Despite our open membership policy a certain type of person still tends toward our model, which seeks to promote a cooperative, sustainable, and just way of living. Many members are vegetarian or vegan and are active promoters of social, economic, and environmental justice. Many members are also affiliates of the university.

CHUM is in its second year of providing housing and currently rents four homes while the organization raises the funds and community support to purchase its own property. We host weekly potlucks open to all of College Park and hope to continue growing as an organization and in our commitment to the greater community.

No members or officers make wages or a profit from involvement in the organization.

Website: chum.coop

Contact:

Co-Op Housing University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland 20740 United States

Links:

http://marylandhousingcooperative.info

North American Students of Cooperation

Community location is placed at the center of the zip/postal code, city/state, or city/country (not based on street addresses)

Former/Other Names: CHUM, Maryland Housing Cooperative

This page last updated:5/7/2013

Visitors Accepted

Visitor Process: Please email us, and/or check our website for potluck dates!

Affiliations: Co-Op Housing University of Maryland

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): 20 Open to new members: Yes (We accept new boarders at all times during the year; we accept new residents during a membership application process which will be announced on our website)	Government Decision Making: By consensus (We use consensus or majority votes depending upon the issue to make democratic decisions, at both general body and specially called meetings) Identified Leader: No Leadership Core Group: No Answer (We are a non-hierarchical organization; our officers are not leaders with power, but individuals able to devote extra time to the functioning of this organization. All decisions are made by the community as a whole.)	Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances Labor Contribution: Expected (Must contribute to house chores, house dinners, potlucks, and help the organization overall through participation on a committee) Join Fee: Yes (Yearly membership fee) Regular Fees: Yes (Rent, utilities, food, house expenditures as needed. As a co-op, we pay such things collectively to reduce costs)
Land and Buildings Suburban Number of Residences: 4 Cohousing: Yes	Food, etc. Share Community Meals: 2-5 times/week (The requiremnt for houses is three times per week) Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual (We're friendly to all diets!) Dietary Practice: Primarily vegetarian Alcohol Use: Used occasionally Tobacco Use: Used Occasionally	Social Factors Common Spiritual Practices: No (We're open to all faiths or philosophical beliefs!)

Become an Editor Current editor(s): chum

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