Cohousing communities are intentional, collaborative neighborhoods that combine the value of private homes with the benefits of community and sustainable living. Temescal Creek is a 12 unit retrofit cohousing community that has grown and thrived since its founding in 1999. Each unit has the traditional amenities, including a private kitchen. The yards and outdoor spaces are shared, and the community has a common house with a kitchen, guestroom, laundry room and dining room where we share weekly meals.
There are currently 28 members of the Temescal Creek Cohousing community. Adult members range in age from 20s to 70s. There are currently five school-aged children and several more college students and young adults who grew up at TCC and still participate when they are in town. The community includes single people, married couples, young families, folks with adult children, and retirees. Community members work in a variety of fields, though many work in health care and education. Members find Temescal Creek Cohousing to be a warm and nurturing place to live. Temescal Creek strives to be an inclusive community that respects people for who they are and is committed to the value of diversity. The community is reflecting, as individuals and a group, on our roles in Oakland in a time of tremendous change.
The outdoor spaces include well-maintained gardens, fruit trees, two patios, a hot tub, a ping pong table, two bike sheds, a tool shed, a swing set, a sand box, a skateboard ramp, and outdoor tables and comfy chairs. The 875-foot common house includes a community kitchen, dining room, laundry room, and a guest room. The community uses consensus decision making and places a high value on collaborative governance.
There are community dinners every Wednesday and Sunday. Members are expected to attend dinner once or twice a week as the shared meals are a key time for people to connect. Members help cook the community meals on a rotating basis, participate in monthly work parties, and attend monthly meetings. Community life is vibrant with spontaneous get-togethers and annual events. We look forward to welcoming new neighbors!
FAQs
What are TCC's vision and values? We have created a community of people that are interested in living in a community beyond their immediate family. We are committed to living lightly on the planet and to improving our neighborhood. We are looking to live with people who share these goals and values. We place a premium on:
- open and honest communication
- diversity as a strength
- protecting the environment
- community ritual and food
- respecting and enjoying young people and
- commitment to social justice.
What are the obligations of a TCC member?
While there are varying degrees of involvement in the life of the community, basic expectations of all members living in the community include joining the dinners at least once per week and participating in the monthly weekend work parties and monthly Wednesday community meetings.
Where can I find out more ? The member agreement details our values and expectations as well as explaining how we operate in practical terms. This will be provided to those with serious interest in joining our community.
What is included in my condo fee? Landscaping, maintenance of outdoor areas and the common house, capital improvements, professional services, reserve fund, water, sewer, trash, community taxes and insurance.
What utilities and other fees do I pay myself? Electricity, gas, cable, internet, condo insurance (if desired), property taxes.
When are TCC meals? Twice a week, Sundays and Wednesdays at 6:30. We also have ad hoc gatherings and holiday celebrations, such as our annual Bunny Brunch on Easter Sunday.
What dietary accommodations are made? We serve vegetarian meals. Although sometimes cooks also offer meat or fish, every meal includes a vegetarian entree.
Do I have to cook? Yes, every community member cooks once or twice during a six-week rotation, depending on whether they eat once or twice a week. Two members cook at each meal. All members are expected to clear dishes and to help with cleanup. Cooks also are responsible for ensuring that the dishwasher is run and the kitchen and dining room are left clean.
Do I pay for community meals? Unlike most cohousing communities, TCC does not exchange money or do accounting around meals. The cooks are responsible for choosing the menu and purchasing the food they cook. You eat for free for the remaining meals in the six-week rotation.
Can I harvest food from the gardens? Yes! Depending on the season, we harvest fruit, veggies, herbs, and eggs. Because we are a small community, an informal system of sharing without any allocations has worked well.
Can I have a pet? TCC is a dog-free community, which allows us to prioritize our limited outdoor space for our members. Small indoor pets are permitted, and some members have indoor and outdoor cats.
How does the laundry work? Most households share the two high efficiency washers and dryers in the common house. TCC provides laundry detergent. The machines are busiest during the weekend.
Is there storage for bikes and where can I park a car? This unit has some storage in a shared garage and we also have bike storage separate in the community. Cars for this unit are parked on the street.