HopeWell Community Land Trust :: Communities Directory

Forming Formed: 1999 Established: 2006

This page last updated:11/22/2011

HopeWell Community Land Trust

Thorndike, Maine,

United States

We are a community of individuals living with the Hope in the new consciousness of humanity. We feel deep reverence for the Earth for other humans and all life upon it. We believe our work here is to live from the freedom of our hearts and do what is in front of us to do each day. We do this with love and compassion when it seems impossible to be loving and compassionate. We feel this is the most important work. True forgivness every day.

We steward a patch of land(8 acres of pasture and woods)in which we farm 1/2 acre using permaculture and biodynamic methods. We raise goats(milk), chickens and ducks(eggs),and a few other animals for companionship and manure. We help grow a diversity of vegetables and fruits, medicinal and culinary herbs and beautiful flowers. We also have bees for honey and pollination along with the many butterflys that live alongside us in the fields.

We have small homes that utilize south facing warmth and simple design for function and are esthetically beautiful. They are each between 250-350square feet and are designed to maximize space. Our common land is also designed as such with clustered houses and permaculture design of garden space to utilize what is here for food and beauty.

Our community does not share finances, but we believe in associative economics. It places value in the human being rather than in the system of monetary exchange. So we are open about what we have available to use(in freedom) whether it is money or other resources which includes ideas. The basis for the community land trust model is to make land available to all and it is not ever used for profit. There is no set fee to join our community and only a willingness to contribute with whatever resources you have to offer is asked. That way someone who has an excess of money (which of course is a up to the individual) can contribute financially and a person who has very little money, but lots of wonderful ideas can contribute equally. Also the young and elders contribute differently , but equally.

Some other features about us and the community:

composting toilets with grey water systems

root cellar

outdoor oven

solar hot water

wind power

car sharing/bike sharing

waldorf/homeschooling

small community workshop/retreat space

We look forward to meeting you if our community resonates with you.

Many Blessings!

Contact:

Yvonne Palumbo
Thorndike, Maine United States
Phone: 207-568-3261

Links:

Small is Beautiful.org: Description of Community Land Trust

Tiny House: Why we think smaller = more freedom.

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

This page last updated:11/22/2011

Visitors Accepted

Visitor Process: Please call or email us if you would like to come visit us. We would love to meet you!

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): 10 Non-member Residents: 2 Open to new members: Yes	Government Decision Making: Other (We decide things based on the majority unless it is a very important decision then we use consensus) Identified Leader: No Leadership Core Group: No	Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances (we share what we can in freedom with each other without obligation) Open to Members with Pre-existing Debt: Yes Labor Contribution: Expected (We hope that idividuals come with a willingness to help in whatever ways present themselves, but there is no requirement for labor.) Join Fee: No (Again, we would like there to be a willingness to contribute in whatever ways the person can. We have expenses and we all like to help out however we can. Some of us earn money and some of us do not, but it evens out naturally with that basic willingness.) Regular Fees: No (See above.)
Land and Buildings Rural (We are only a half hour from a very sweet town with music, art and alternative health options.) Area: 8 acres (3.2 hectares) Land Owned By: Community-controlled land trust Number of Residences: 4 (There is room for more!) Cohousing: No (Well kind of.)	Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: over 50% Share Community Meals: 2-5 times/week (We LOVE food!) Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual (We all eat organic locally raised foods with an emphasis on whole foods.) Dietary Practice: Omnivorous (See above, please.) Alcohol Use: Seldom used (A few of us never drink and we are mindful of that.) Tobacco Use: Prohibited (.)	Social Factors Common Spiritual Practices: No (There is a variety. Pagan, Christian,Anthroposophical, Buddhist, and others.) Which Spiritual Traditions(s): Ecumenical (includes "all religions") Educational Style(s): Private school at the community (Parents can choose as they wish. There are a few public schools nearby and Waldorf schools too. We also have a little Waldorf/ Homeschool for the kids here and outside of the community.)

Cohousing Details

Cohousing Status:

Forming

Year Completed:

2011

(We feel it will keep evolving.)

Number of Units:

4 plus room for more!

Square Feet in Common House:

250

Click an image to see it full size.

Become an Editor Current editor(s): yvonne

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