Open Communities has its roots in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. A group of young mothers in Wilmette, led by Jean R. Cleland, were worried that their children were growing up in a community that lacked diversity, and they began to discuss how they could organize for change. There were no fair housing laws at that time, and local housing ads often stipulated, “No Negroes, Orientals or Jews.”
These initial discussions gave birth to the North Shore Summer Project, an effort to persuade real estate agents in Chicago’s northern suburbs to show and sell homes on a non-discriminatory basis. The project culminated with a rally on the Winnetka Village Green in 1965, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke to a crowd of nearly 10,000 supporters, saying, “We must now learn to live together as brothers, or we will perish together as fools.”
Open Communities
Overview
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About Winnetka, Illinois
Winnetka, a city located in the state of Illinois (IL), is home to a population of approximately 12,607 people. Winnetka boasts a median age of 42.8, with around 25.3% of its residents aged 60 or above. 3.9% of the population identifies as US Veterans. 4.1% of Winnetka residents are disabled. The city has an average household income of $250,001, while the unemployment rate stands at 3.7%, and around 1.9% of the population is considered to be living below the poverty level. In terms of housing, the average home value in Winnetka is $1,189,040, with a monthly rent averaging $1650.
About Cohousing
Cohousing refers to private communities where residents live in clusters of homes or condos close to one another. Cohousing embraces community involvement as a lifestyle. Residents share everything from mealtimes to cleaning and laundry duties and even celebrations and holidays.
Senior cohousing communities are specifically designed to foster strong bonds and a sense of community among residents. These communities provide an opportunity for active seniors to join a close-knit group of individuals who share common interests and values. Living in a senior cohousing community allows you to engage in social interactions with fellow residents, both inside your own private home and within the common areas of the community. The physical layout and design of these communities facilitate easy interaction and encourage neighborly connections.
These communities often offer a range of shared activities and resources, such as craft classes, woodworking workshops, day trips, and extended travel opportunities. The emphasis is on creating an inclusive environment where individuals can bring their own talents, skills, and abilities to contribute to the community.