Second cooperative living house planned

Back in 2018, Garden Spot Village (GSV) built its first cooperative living house, Thistledown I, along Ranck Road, New Holland. The house, which provides shelter for five with private bedrooms and a common living space, was constructed utilizing volunteer labor and donated building supplies whenever possible. Chet Yoder, GSV director of pastoral services, reported that the house quickly attracted interested renters. "It's been full," noted Yoder. "There's not a lot of turnover, and when there's a vacancy, there's a waiting list." The high demand has resulted in the planned construction of a second house.

To build Thistledown I, GSV staff members turned to GSV residents under the coordination of Larry Knepper, Revelations of Freedom Ministries participants, and students from local colleges, along with professional builders.

Initially, COVID-19 restrictions delayed the start of Thistledown II, but in 2023, discussion was underway. By August of this year, a concrete foundation for the building had been poured. "The idea all along was to have multiple houses," explained Yoder, who noted the four finished buildings will face a common outdoor area to encourage neighborly interaction.

Now, Thistledown II volunteer coordinator Kevin Ressler is looking for volunteers with training and experience in the skilled trades to help complete the home. "There are a lot of willing hands, but people don't always know where to serve," explained Ressler, who noted he is in need of carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers, and individuals who know how to install HVAC systems. He is also hoping businesses that specialize in those areas will be willing to donate employee hours to help complete the work.

"It's a great opportunity to connect persons who want to serve with a ministry that is in turn serving persons (in need of affordable housing)," said Yoder.

Wendy Nagle, GSV chief of mission advancement, said that fundraising to cover the second building has been ongoing since Thistledown I was completed. "We've raised about $250,000 so far," Nagle said, noting funds have come from grants and contributions by GSV residents. "Our residents have been very engaged," she pointed out, adding that special events, including a yearly giving day for GSV residents, have been held.

"As we step into the process of building, we are talking to vendors who might want to be involved," Nagle stated, adding that monetary gifts will be accepted along with gifts of labor and products, such as lumber, carpet, cabinets, HVAC system parts, and roofing materials. "We often talk about gifts of time, treasure, and talent," said Nagle. "This is a project where that is very true." Nagle spoke of GSV residents who do not have construction skills, but help build the Cooperative Living Fund by making phone calls to potential donors.

According to GSV chief operating officer Steve Muller, organizers of the project hope to see it completed by the summer of 2025. "The first (cooperative living house) has been very successful, and we are thankful for that," Muller said. He noted that organizers believed the model would work and that they were pleased to see how the marketplace responded and that the maintenance of the house was manageable. "We have a waiting list of folks interested in Thistledown II," he added.

To volunteer to work on the project, readers may call 717-725-2245.