>
What then is Habitation in our Story Arc of Community?
Habitation in CR2 means a careful time of discovering and applying principles that will permit enduring and long-term habitation in an area, as well as short-term situations.
This will involve underlying principles and practical matters (see our Introduction).
In practical matters, we might be Reimagining and Rethinking on how a neighborhood and village will get its water. Water is fundamental to the sustaining of life and crops. If we are in an area with variable precipitation or if normal precipitation cycles seem amiss (e.g., due to changing climate patterns), we are well-advised to look over storage options, rainwater catchment systems, artificial lakes and ponds, or underground cisterns. Be sure to research and think through how to keep any storage systems safe if the water is being used for human consumption. If you live in an area prone to forest fires, then do you need additional water reservoir capacity to handle firefighting? A large pond, filled in advance for a firefighter, is like a gift to them: you make their job easier and reduce risk for your house or village. Firefighting pumps, ready to go and tested, are a welcome addition to a village. Fires are best nipped in the bud.
>
Often, short-term habitation and long-term habitation are two different worlds. But they do overlap. Consider the use of a hotel or motel for temporary accommodation. Or, consider camping or the use of an RV. While some people are comfortable with full-time camping or living in an RV, most people want a piece of land with an address to call home. What is temporary and comfortable for some is not for others. Fundamental to Habitation is the extent or duration of Habitation. Even in what is relatively static (e.g., an apartment, townhouse, subdivision house or a house on acreage), guests and visitors need to be accommodated. When we plan for or envision Habitation in Community, we must somehow allow for those in transit, between housing situations, or visiting.
Placing temporary individuals or families in a hotel isn’t always an attractive option. Prices might be through the roof in peak season, or availability is limited. Allowing family members and friends to visit is important for the well-being of individuals and families that are in the village. Yes, we know there are situations where one would rather not be visiting!
Further, utilization of smaller footprint houses (e.g., tiny homes) for a portion of a village means that there might be less space in one’s residence. Maintaining options on-site for visitors then becomes very important. Or, if your Community village works well, others may wish to visit for a while and see how it is done and what is working and what isn’t. In that case, it is far better to have them onsite so they can experience a broader range of experiences and discussions.
As well, there are situations where persons are between a permanent place of residence. They might have sold a house (or lost a house). They might move to another area or they are trying to get settled into an area. Or, they might be just starting out after leaving the permanency of living at home. Perhaps their desired location is still being built.
>
Habitation needs to go beyond the above noted practical areas. We need to consider the various factors that can or might affect our village or Community. How will you manage invasive diseases (e.g., COVID-19) should they occur? What happens during natural growth (e.g., childbirth)? What happens when someone’s grandfather dies and the remaining grandmother can no longer look after their residence? She would like to live closer to her children. What about forest fires or other natural disasters? What about contrary aspects of a society resulting in increased crime?
However, we must go beyond the foregoing areas of consideration. How do we maintain unity within our places of Habitation? For without unity, a village can fall apart or lose its effectiveness in a brief span of time. We cannot just ignore the “vibes” of disunity by building high fences and closing doors.
For a place of habitation to be effective for the long haul, we need people who can help smooth the waters when turbulence arises between people. As you reflect on your place of habitation, take time to reflect on the people-skills (soft skills) that make for a long-term dwelling location. Disunity and conflict, in varying degrees, is almost a certainty in any Community. Knowing “how and who” can assist, in advance, is valuable. As well, these individuals can help nip problems in the bud. Like a small fire threatening to grow, spread, and consume houses, even so disunity can spread rapidly.
A Site dedicated to:
All things Community …
… that should be …
… that can be …
…. that will be …
Reimagine-d and Rethink-ed
Please support our dedicated workers with our
Publications or Products
