Intentional communities and cohousing highlighted by the Economics of Compassion Initiative (ECI) include:
Enright Ridge Urban Eco-Village, is an unusual example of an eco-village working well in an urban setting located in East Price Hill. Founded by Jim and Eileen Schenk, the Eco-Village residents employ various sustainability practices, such as energy-efficient homes, rain water diversion, and community gardening. Members’ back yards and common areas support a CSA, which serves 50 families in the Price Hill area. For more on Enright Ridge, go to http://enrightecovillage.org and their local wiki page.
New Jerusalem Community, is located near Spring Grove Cemetery, and is perhaps the best known intentional community in Cincinnati, at least in religious circles. It was founded by the well-known author, lecturer, and Franciscan priest Fr. Richard Rohr. He has served as its leader from its beginning in 1971 until 1985. Richard Rohr went on to found the Center for Action and Contemplation and The Rohr Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The New Jerusalem Community continues to be a Catholic lay group of families seeking to live out the Christian gospel in community with each other, with the working class neighborhood in which they live and with the wider world though mission projects. Currently there are about 110 adult members of the community and 45 children. For more information, check out their local wiki page.
The Mac House,Opened in 2010, the McGregor (Mac) House in Mount Auburn was designed to serve its residential members while it serves the neighborhood. It provides affordable housing for people who work in the non-profit sector devoting their lives to the betterment of society. It also is open to those “who truly have the heart to serve others living in a simple way.” A livingroom and other common spaces are shared by the 10 adult residents, who spend time in the community helping both adults and children, organizing games, participating in block parties and more. There also are non-residential opportunities to join this community. For more information, go to https://sites.google.com/site/themachousecincinnati/ and their local wiki page.
Walnut Hills Fellowship,Walnut Hills Fellowship is a small group of inner-city neighbors living on the east side of Cincinnati. Organized in January of 2007, the community gathers for weekly dinners, which provide both physical nourishment and spiritual encouragement to the group--it sees itself as a “congregation.” The community provides affordable housing, academic support, personal counseling, work support and prison visitation. For more information, email [email protected] , call (513) 404-2431, or visit their local wiki page.
Vineyard Central,This group in Norwood is a church and an intentional community with shared gardens, its own cafe and community activities. For more information, go to http://www.vineyardcentral.com/ and their local wiki page.
