Houston Place Apartments

KCH is seeking members for its new Houston Place Apartments and spots open immediately. KCH offers affordable democratically-controlled housing in the Vine Neighborhood in the form of six 1 and 2 bedroom apartment units. Seeking members who value environmental sustainability, consensus decision making, learning new skills, and having fun! Please take a moment to complete our online application or email director@kalamazoo.coop with questions or for more information.

About Houston Place Apartments

  • Six 1 and 2 bedroom units at 916 South Rose Street, 211 Houston Place, and 212 Houston Place
  • Newly remodeled units with energy efficiency upgrades and beautiful spaces
  • Large off-street parking area
  • Small yard with potential for raised beds, gardening, fruit trees, flowers, fire pit, and compost
  • Easy access to Metro Transit bus system
  • Wireless high-speed internet included
  • Hardwood floors in many units
  • Shared basement space with washer and dryer
  • Access to scholarship money for conferences and trainings
  • Opportunities to develop leadership skills through participating in the Kalamazoo Collective Housing Board of Directors (includes a discount off monthly charges for Board participation)
  • Lots more!

What to expect when you live at Houston Place

  • A cooperative community in which all members are collectively responsible for the well-being of the members
  • Collective, consensus decision-making
  • Collective, civil conflict resolution
  • Group budgeting and financial decisions
  • Always working to reducing our “ecological footprint” – reducing waste, efficient use of resources, reducing dependence on nonrenewable resources, creating a healthy and nontoxic living environment
  • Sharing skills and knowledge that help us become self-sufficient (ex: gardening, cooking, repair and maintenance, etc.)
  • Opportunities to connect with and learn from co-op members around the country through organizations like North American Students of Cooperation
  • An emphasis on affordable living
  • A friendly and fun atmosphere

Responsibilities of members

Members are committed to regular duties that are listed below. New members should expect to devote several hours per week to a combination of these responsibilities:

  • Weekly Meetings
  • Yard Work, Administrative tasks such as purchasing or event planning

Membership Process

Prospective members attend a community dinner or tour and then complete a written application. Staff will conduct a background/credit check and call references. Once a member is approved, staff will verify their income, sign a contract with them, and set dates for move-in and orientation. We strive to be an inclusive community that welcomes all, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or spirituality. Together, we work toward dismantling oppression in our lives and communities.

Contracts

Members must sign one-year contracts for their units.

Community Rules established by KCH

  • No smoking in units.
  • No pets in units.
  • Members pay for electricity and gas. KCH pays all other utilities.
  • Community decisions will be made by ¾ majority voting. Members may make rules about quiet hours, officers, work system, and minor maintenance.

Member Responsibilities

  • Attend New Member Orientation at start of contract
  • Attend monthly community meetings (mandatory)
  • Pay monthly charges on time
  • Pay for individual electricity and gas use
  • Contribute 5 work hours per month to the community (mandatory)
  • Care for individual units and keep them clean/safe
  • Share copies of energy bills with staff for long-term tracking of energy costs

Community Officers

  • Meeting Facilitator
  • Secretary
  • Maintenance Coordinator
  • Work Coordinator

Community Budget

$2000 annual budget for outdoor projects that improve the property (ex. garden, picnic table, etc)

Current Costs

  • One bedroom apartment: $450 per month. Includes water/sewer and high-speed wireless internet.
  • Two bedroom apartment: $500 per month. Includes water/sewer and high-speed wireless internet.
  • One-time refundable security deposit that is equal to one month's charges

Questions?

Email us at director@kalamazoo.coop