Why We Said Yes to Community Living

Stories from the Founding Members and Exploring Members of Gratitude Village

When people ask why we chose cohousing, the answer isn’t just about sustainability, affordability, or design—it’s about belonging. It’s about the longing for connection, the desire to raise children in a village, to grow old in place, and to be surrounded by people who care. At Gratitude Village, our founding members come from diverse backgrounds, but we share a common dream: to live more intentionally, more joyfully, and more together.

Suzie: Rebuilding Connection After Disconnection

“I have long dreamed of a community where I felt deeply connected,” says Suzie, a founding member of Gratitude Village. For Suzie, being a single parent followed by the pandemic when her daughter was away at school underscored the fragility of our social fabric. The isolation and disconnection prompted her to seek a different way of living—one rooted in community and mutual support. Her journey led her to cohousing, and when she couldn't find exactly what she was looking for, she took the initiative to start Gratitude Village. Suzie's story is a testament to the power of vision and the human need for connection.

Malik and Talia: Bringing music, imagination, and wholehearted living to Gratitude Village

For Exploring Members, Malik and Talia, community living isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. As parents, they want more than just a house. They want a neighborhood where their kids could grow up surrounded by nature, laughter, and people who care. Malik, a middle school music teacher, dreams of jam sessions in the common house—porch concerts, shared rhythms, and kids picking up instruments like second languages. Talia works remotely as a UX designer and finds balance in having her hands in the dirt and her heart grounded in something real. Their kids, Kai, Sam and River, are joy in motion. River builds forts and believes every neighbor is a new best friend. Sam dreams of rocket ships and wants to design a playground worthy of the stars. Kai is fascinated by bugs and birds, loves sitting in laps listening to stories and is often found drawing animals with sidewalk chalk. He’s quiet but incredibly observant. When they found Gratitude Village, it felt like coming home to a place they hadn’t known they were missing. A place where they could be part of something bigger—where their family could grow, and give, and belong.

Ron: Saying Yes to Purpose and Peace

For Ron, saying yes to Gratitude Village was about aligning his daily life with his values—community, simplicity, and meaningful contribution. A seasoned volunteer with a generous spirit, Ron was drawn to the idea of shared responsibility and mutual care. “I’ve spent much of my life helping others,” he says. “Here, I get to live in a place where that mindset isn’t rare—it’s expected.” Whether he's helping in the garden, preparing meals, or just being a steady presence, Ron brings wisdom and warmth to the community. For him, cohousing is a way to live intentionally and retire into connection, not isolation.

Andrew & Elena: Building for the Future

For Andrew and Elena Morales, moving from Florida to Colorado was more than a change of scenery—it was a step toward deeper connection, sustainability, and outdoor adventure. Andrew, a renewable energy specialist, hopes to work at NREL and is passionate about green living. Elena homeschools their kids, Ella and Noah, blending science, nature, and creativity into everyday life. Ella dreams of becoming a wildlife vet and adores their pet cockatiels, Bonnie & Clyde. Noah loves bugs, mud, and building things with his hands. As new Explorers, the Morales family is excited to grow roots at Gratitude Village, share garden tips, and build a vibrant life in community. Cohousing, especially a community like Gratitude Village that is rooted in environmental responsibility and accessibility, offered the opportunity to live those values daily. “We said yes to community living because it felt like an act of integrity,” says Elena. “We’re building something that’s not just for us—it’s for our neighbors, for future generations, for the planet.”

Josh & Eric: A couple searching for belonging—and finding it in community.

For Josh and Eric, home has never just been about four walls. It’s about authenticity, connection and feeling like you belong. As a gay couple with two beloved dogs, they’ve long dreamed of living in a place where diversity is embraced, neighbors look out for one another, and chosen family is celebrated just as much as traditional kin. When they discovered Gratitude Village, something clicked. “We were tired of trying to fit into someone else’s version of community,” Josh says. “Here, we get to be fully ourselves—and our dogs are going to love it too.”

Josh and Eric are relocating from Oregon to Colorado, eager to soak in the mountain air, hike local trails, and build new friendships around shared meals, game nights, and fireside chats. Their dogs, Bella and Luna, are just as excited—already at home in grassy fields and shady paths. As new Explorers, Josh and Eric are drawn to Gratitude Village’s warmth, values, and the chance to co-create a space where everyone is seen, heard, and celebrated.

The Daily Joys of Community Living

Life in Gratitude Village is shaped by intentional design and shared rituals. Mornings might begin with a walk through the community garden, exchanging greetings with neighbors. Children head off to school together, fostering a sense of camaraderie from a young age. Afternoons could involve collaborative projects in the Maker Space or tending to the communal greenhouse. Evenings often bring neighbors together for shared meals, storytelling, or stargazing under the Colorado sky.

These daily interactions, while seemingly small, weave a tapestry of connection and belonging. They transform neighbors into friends and create a supportive environment where everyone feels seen and valued.

A Tapestry of Diverse Motivations

Each member of Gratitude Village brings their unique story and reason for choosing community living. Some are drawn by the environmental sustainability of cohousing, others by the affordability and accessibility it offers. Many are inspired by the opportunity to live in a diverse, multigenerational setting where learning and growth are continuous.

Despite the varied motivations, a common thread unites all members: the desire to be part of something larger than themselves. Gratitude Village isn't just a place to live; it's a community to belong to, a space where individuals come together to create a shared life filled with purpose and connection.

Come Join Us

What would it feel like to know your neighbors—not just by name, but by heart?
To raise your kids alongside others who care about them like family?
To grow older in a place where you're not just seen, but celebrated?

At Gratitude Village, we’re not building a development. We’re building a life—together.
And we have room for you.