The Fireplace Community

  • Community
  • 0 followers

About the Community

  • Established
  • Urban

What we do

History: The Fireplace began in 2021. In the years since, it has emerged as a vibrant community space. Learn about the community’s journey at thefireplacecommunity.org/news

Structure and governance: The Fireplace is a cooperatively-governed intentional community. This means that we do not have an external governing body; the long-term residents are the Board of Directors and participate in monthly board meetings. We are a not-for-profit corporation in the state of Illinois.

Values: The Fireplace is LGBTQ+ affirming and intergenerational. We strive to be anti-oppressive in our community practices.

Extended community: Non-residents who engage with the Fireplace are our “extended community.” They may attend and support house dinners, contribute financially, and share their creative skills.

Events and guests: The Fireplace is an intentional community that sometimes holds public events and allows community members to host events in our space. As we are able, we also use our guest rooms to host visitors.

Residents’ shared life: All residents work or study outside the house (the Fireplace is not our “full-time job”) but we each do about 10 hours per week of house activity, ranging from twice-weekly dinners/prayers to house administration.

Location: The Fireplace is located in a large house on the south side of Chicago (Kenwood/Hyde Park).

Our Vision

To bring together progressive Catholics and spiritual seekers for creativity, intentional community, and cooperative housing.

Our Mission

To bring together progressive Catholics and spiritual seekers for creativity, intentional community, and cooperative housing.

  • Community type
  • Spiritual Retreat Centers

Gallery

  • 8 Total members
  • Open to new members
  • Open to visitors
  • Open to volunteers
Total
8

How to join

Details at thefireplacecommunity.org/apply

1 – Learn about us and review our community expectations.

2 – Send an informal introduction expressing your interest to [email protected]. If possible, arrange to visit for a dinner, house tour, and/or short-term stay.

3 – Submit an application to [email protected].

4 – Submit a letter of recommendation from someone who has lived with you before. Your recommender may send their letter directly to [email protected].

5 – Complete an interview with current residents.

6 – Complete a background check.

7 – At a board meeting, the residents vote on your application.

Basic expectations or agreements for members

Learn about upcoming events at thefireplacecommunity.org/events If you would like to stay at the Fireplace for up to two weeks, please go to thefireplacecommunity.org/visit and fill out our visit interest form. Submitting this form does not guarantee that we will be able to accommodate your request. We will contact you to confirm whether or not we are able to host you. Direct all other inquiries to [email protected]

Primary decision-making authority

  • Small Leadership Group

A few people (not elected by the broader community) make the major decisions.

Governance structure

  • Representative/Democratic

Members elect leaders who make decisions within defined roles.

Economic model

  • Independent Finances

Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.

Economic scenarios for this community

  • Members need to pay fees, dues, or similar to live there on a per month or per year basis
  • There is a labor obligation
  • Members typically need to have their own job or other personal source of income to cover their expenses while living in the community?

Additional economic information

Monthly fees/dues: $1100
Labor required: 10 hours/week

Shared resources and amenities that are accessible to everyone in the community

Garden(s), Library, Stage or Auditorium, Fire pit, Internet, Laundry, Chapel, Art room, Porches, Yard

Frequency of communal meals

  • 2-5 times per week

Substance use culture

  • Substance use is frequent and public in the community
  • Religions
  • Christian

Reviews

Location

  • Illinois, United States

The Fireplace Community

Promoted Needs and Offers

Need
  • Forming Communities
4 months ago

True North CoHousing Community Seeking Founders

True North is a small, women-centered intentional community where self-directed, purposeful women share space, resources, and genuine commitment to each other’s wellbeing. We are building something that is greater than the sum of its parts — a life that is richer, more secure, and more meaningful because we are living it together. Our Vision A community where no one falls through the cracks. Where aging is something we navigate together rather than alone. Where the people around you notice when you’re struggling, celebrate when you’re thriving, and show up — not because they have to, but because that’s simply who we are to each other. We are building this as a tiny house village — a model we chose deliberately. Many intentional communities require crazy buy-in sums, putting them out of reach for most women navigating life on a single income. We believe that financial accessibility isn’t a compromise — it’s a value. Your home will be yours: as simple or as appointed as fits your life and circumstances, sized right for the life you are living now and the one you are building toward. We live lightly on the land and invest heavily in the relationships that make life worth living. We’re currently forming our founding group — the women who will help shape what this community becomes, where it lands, and how it lives. Not ready to be a founder but feel this in your gut? We want to hear from you too. There’s a place for you here at whatever stage feels right. https://www.truenorthcommunity.info/ [email protected]
Offer
Offer
  • Real Estate For Sale
2 months ago

160 Acres for Intentional Community 2 Homes – Gold Country, California

Hummingbird Sky Island 160 Acres for Intentional Community – Gold Country, California Price: $769,890 Location: French Camp – Sierra Foothills 38.0807 N / 120.3621 W Columbia, California Vision Opportunity Hummingbird Sky Island is a rare 160-acre property in the Sierra foothills of California, offering the scale, water resources, and existing infrastructure needed to create a thriving intentional community, eco-village, or gathering sanctuary. Located in historic Gold Rush country near Columbia and Sonora, the land carries both natural beauty and deep historical roots. The property sits on land once known as French Camp, where miners gathered during the California Gold Rush. Today the land invites a new story, one of cooperation, stewardship, and regenerative living. Land 160 acres total • ~60 acres open meadow • oak forest and rolling foothills • multiple natural building areas • privacy and wildlife habitat • stunning Sierra landscapes This layout is ideal for cluster housing design or land-trust community models. Water & Resources • 2 private wells • water rights • mineral rights • fertile meadow soils Reliable water and land resources are rare advantages for community projects in California. Infrastructure The property includes: • two existing homes • solar energy systems for both houses • 40,000-gallon swimming pool These provide immediate living and gathering spaces while long-term community structures are developed. Historical Character The property includes a historic mining recognition monument connected to the Gold Rush era French Camp settlement. Few intentional community properties offer both cultural history and natural beauty. Ideal For • intentional community • eco-village • regenerative agriculture collective • retreat center • spiritual or healing sanctuary • land trust stewardship • permaculture learning center Location 45 minutes to Columbia State Historic Pa

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