Wildlight Refuge

  • Community
  • 0 followers

About the Community

  • Forming
  • Rural

What we do

Wildlight Refuge is an idea I’ve had for the last 12 years. The basis of it, is to start a multidisciplinary, non-denominational sangha, or satsang. Seekers from any and all religions, traditions and faith systems who are focused on pursuing the light together, are all welcome here.

Wildlight Refuge is situated on 143 acres of land, with a natural spring on-site and a little over half a mile of riverfront access to the Spoon River. 33 acres of the property is rented farmland. around 60 acres is Wetland Conservation area, which can be explored freely. the remainder of the property is old-growth, relatively unkempt timber woodlands that is home to an astonishing number of species of flora and fauna. There are some tree stands still posted up in some places that have been abandoned by past hunters. They make great spots to sit, relax, meditate or observe and enjoy nature.

I’m working on having the community be self-sustainable, so that all necessities and even some luxuries can be developed and incorporated into the community with resources found nearby or on-site. I have a large garden that can feed a good handful of people, as well as produce some income to help pay for property expenses. There are many, many resources on-site that may be utilized by members of the community to craft goods to sell at local markets, or online.

I’m still working on getting some facilities up and running for a restroom/shower outbuilding, a small cafe area for gathering and cooking and a place to do laundry.

Our Vision

The community focus is spiritual practice. We all work together to maintain a self-sustainable community that will offer us all the time and space needed for spiritual development.

Our Mission

The community focus is spiritual practice. We all work together to maintain a self-sustainable community that will offer us all the time and space needed for spiritual development.

  • Community type
  • Ecovillage
  • Commune
  • Spiritual Retreat Centers
  • Activities
  • Education
  • 1 Total members
  • Open to new members
  • Open to visitors
  • Open to volunteers
Total
1

How to join

Send me a message and we’ll talk for a little bit about things.

Basic expectations or agreements for members

Please just reach out and we can talk.

Primary decision-making authority

  • Single Leader or Founding Couple

One person or partnership has ultimate authority.

Governance structure

  • Founder/Leader-led

Primary authority rests with the community’s founder(s) or designated leader(s).

Economic model

  • Partial Income-Sharing

Members contribute a percentage of income to community funds.

Economic scenarios for this community

  • There is a one-time fee, investment, or share purchase to join the community separate from accessing housing
  • Members need to pay fees, dues, or similar to live there on a per month or per year basis
  • There is a labor obligation

Additional economic information

Join fee: $150
Monthly fees/dues: $150
Labor required: 20 hours/week
Members with pre-existing debt: Yes (some debt)
I’m seeking individuals who are aligned with the vision of the community. The initial contribution helps keep things afloat. The recurring monthly fees only kick in if an individual didn’t meet their weekly labor requirements. If an individual has put in their 20 hours for the week, the monthly contribution drops by 25%. Work hours can be made up in following weeks, but should never overlap into the next month.

If things are going well for an individual for a little while, we can discuss long-term residency.

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

Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Library, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Outdoor Kitchen, Fire pit, Waterfront access

Frequency of communal meals

  • 2-5 times per week

Substance use culture

  • Substance use occurs primarily at celebrations or ceremonies

Property status

  • Privately owned

Setting

  • Rural

Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.

Self-produced energy

  • Over 66%

Energy sources used

  • Photovoltaic Solar

Self-produced food

  • 33 - 66%
  • Land area size
    143 acres

Reviews

Location

  • Illinois, United States

Wildlight Refuge

Promoted Needs and Offers

Need
Need
  • Communities with Openings
12 months ago

Water Birch Co-op. Urban living in central Denver.

Large, lovely house built in 1900, two blocks from Cheeseman Park in downtown Denver.  5000 square feet. The house was a Buddhist Meditation Center for 20 years before we got it and has lovely, calm vibes. We currently have ten people and have room for one more. We are an intentional community sharing dinners, 3 living rooms, 2 new kitchens and a kitchenette, & 5 baths. Staple food (organic) is bought together. The group is self-regulating as a co-op; it decides together how the house runs. There are chores ;-) Average cost per room is about $1000 ranging from $650 to $1354. Currently available room is $875. We are just finishing renovation of three bedrooms on the third floor  they are $875 each and share our largest, newest bath (shower and separate claw foot tub) and a brand new kitchenette  they all have beautiful windows and lots of light. PLEASE CHECK OUT COMMUNITY LISTINGS FOR MORE INFO. Initial lease for 3-6 months while we and you decide if we are a good fit for each other.  Deposit in the amount of one months rent is required prior to move in.  We do background checks on all members. Utilities are currently $130 per person per month and are all-inclusive.  They will change if costs go up, that amount is insufficient to cover utilities, or more people mean the cost per person goes down.  WiFi is via mesh network from gig-speed fiberoptic service.  Heat is with radiators.  Cooling is evaporative.  We have a storage room in a nearby commercial facility.  And a new large workshop in the garage. Shared food is $125 per month per person; it is a pass-through cost divided evenly among residents; it does NOT include meat or alternative protein nor any alcohol.  We will not be surprised if that needs to go up some soon ($10 or 15). We have two dogs and three cats in the house  that seems like a sufficient quantity of furry friends for now. Our community intentions include: Communication with compassion. Shared space and life. Shared meals. Shared staple foods which are non-GMO and Organic. Group decision making. Safe, inclusive space: queer and trans friendly, anti-racist, non-violent, and feminist. The purchase of the house by the co-op in about five years. The expansion of the co-op, possibly to include other housing types (like separate apartments). Weekly meetings and house committees to manage our community. We are considering implementing Sociocracy as an organizing method. Quiet hours are from 10:00pm to 8:00am. We are looking for community members who: Want to live in a community not just have a place to sleep and eat. Want to live in a beautiful, clean, and organized house and are willing to help make and keep it that way. Residents should expect to spend 16 hours per month towards this goal. Are curious, compassionate, flexible, and open to living with others who will undoubtedly have different ideas about many things. Are interested in pioneering a new co-op. There will be work involved to get there. Are responsible and communicative. Embrace enthusiastically that living in community requires introspection and personal growth. Are not joining the community as a way of running away from something.

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