I live in CHUVA, a cooperative housing organization for 20 people in Charlottesville, Virginia. I enjoy group housing. In the case of our organization, we share meals, have tea together, divide some costs, celebrate holidays, and do social outings. Each of us has a bedroom, then we share the several kitchens, bathrooms, and the other common areas.
On Tuesday 15 October 2019 some CHUVA people including me went to the courthouse to seek an order of eviction for one of the residents. I was present with the others but I contributed nothing to the planning and did not speak at court. I volunteered to go if asked, and others asked me to join. The judge granted the request and ordered eviction after 10 days when the sheriff is available, and the sheriff scheduled availability on Monday 28 October at 10am.
This evicted person’s situation is unfortunate, as I think they enjoy CHUVA and CHUVA is good for them, but they are not socialized to live in a community. In my view, this person is well spoken, presents nicely, intelligent in conversation, and has some background accomplishments like education and military service. What does not work about them is they do not participate in CHUVA social activities as typical people do, and they communicate strangely and with great shyness, they get into conflict, and they have financial trouble to pay the rent. CHUVA rent is already low as compared to anything on the market, plus it the place is exceptionally large with many amenities, so I cannot imagine anything leaving CHUVA to find a better place except if they need to be alone.
We in CHUVA talked about what to do to detect when applicants to join our home are incompatible. One thing that we did which I think will be helpful is raised the rent considerably so that we would never be quick to move in new housemates for need of rent money, which is why this particular person got an expedited invitation to join. I reflected on this as another way that having more capital also reduces costs. Having a budget surplus permits more thoughtful choices in lots of ways, so just by having more money in the bank, other activities will naturally prevent costs. In other words an organization which tries to charge less money will actually have greater expenses for lack of preparation against challenges.
I want everyone to live their best life. I like group housing but I can also see how operating these situations requires culture, training, and experience. This all fits in with my wiki-oriented participatory lifestyle. I tolerate the anxiety of having an unfit resident, but overall many other people in CHUVA find their moods spoiled.