Mountain Hearth Village is currently designed for about four homes between 350 sq ft and 1100 sq ft, given what this land will bear. Everyone who lives here is a member and agrees to the Mission and Vision and Shared Agreements named below. Two reasons lots of communities fall apart is for lack of Shared Agreements and/or inability to work out differences.
Who are we? We are an eco-friendly, inter-generational, participatory co-housing community where we support each other as loving neighbors through all that accompanies life, including the end of life.
Mission Statement: To live in community with Shared Agreements.
Vision: To be open, honest and transparent with each other, and to offer respect for each other, the trees, plants and animals we share the land with.
MEMBER CIRCLES
For all members to enjoy the benefit of community life, it is vital that everyone participate. Members share both in fun, social time and in the work that is necessary to maintain the life of the community. That way we develop intimacy, everyone is involved, and no one overburdened.
The rent here is affordable, and as a way of appreciating that, each member agrees to attend the monthly shared meal and to give 8 hours per month to maintaining the land, roads and infrastructure. Each month the Member Circle meets and decides issues before it. Decisions related to community are made using a modified form of Sociocracy, where everyone’s opinion is encouraged and respected.
We form ad hoc committees and work groups for special projects.
Non-violent Communication Members will take a course in Non-Violent Communication (available at Earthaven nearby) so that we have a shared knowledge base for resolving the difficulties that are bound to arise among people who are trying to live together. Members in conflict with other individuals should go directly to them first, in the spirit of our Vision. Resolution comes with openness and honesty on the part of both parties, and the outcome often leaves the parties with a stronger relationship and a lasting bond. To help with interpersonal conflicts that cannot be resolved by the affected individuals talking it out between themselves, we ask both parties to find a person or persons in whom both parties have trust and confidence. All the involved individuals would find a mutual time to meet to discuss the concern in an effort to resolve the problem. The use of conflict resolution is strictly voluntary but strongly encouraged.
Permaculture and Living Lightly on the Land Members will take their own self-study course in Permaculture or demonstrate that they understand basic principles of living lightly on the land.
SHARED AGREEMENTS
In addition to agreeing on the above parameters and guidelines, we also agree on the below details of community.
Animals: We do not have loose animals at Mountain Hearth, with the exception of our resident guard dog, Malcolm.
Members of our community agree that all animals must remain:
1. Behind a fence
2. On a leash with you
3. Inside your home
Cleanliness and View Corridor
As a way of demonstrating consciousness towards others, members agree to keep their area clean, including the view corridor that others enjoy. We live in a way that does not encourage bears, roaches, ants, mice and other critters to come near or into our living space. Our outdoor space is kept free of unnecessary manmade objects (tools and materials that could be put away, clothes on the clothesline should be taken down every day before dark).
Electricity
Everyone here pays their share of the electric bill, in order to prompt more consciousness about the spending of fossil fuels and rising electrical costs
Gratitude
We approach each other with gratitude and respect.
Leaving
When moving out, leave your area the way you found it, which will be neat and clean.
Trash:
Members agree to take care of their own trash and recycling by taking it to the Crooked Creek transfer station in Old Fort: 2951 Bat Cave Road
Old Fort, NC 28762