Why We Said 'Yes' to Community Living
Stories from the Founders 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.
Brian & Stacy: A Village for an Active Family Life
For Brian and Stacy, raising their two young boys in a vibrant, supportive environment was top priority. After moving to Colorado from the Chicago area, they searched for a place that combined their love of nature, strong family values, and sustainability. They found that and more in Gratitude Village.
The family is drawn to the opportunity for their children to play freely with other kids, to grow up surrounded by caring adults, and to be involved in communal gardens and creative building projects. “We love the idea that our boys will have a real village,” says Stacy, “not just to grow up in—but to belong to.”
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
Andrew and Elena are deeply committed to sustainability and social equity. As educators and changemakers, they wanted to align their lifestyle with their values. 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.”
Marcus & Ayanna: A Community Where Everyone Thrives
Marcus and Ayanna, parents to two young daughters, Zara and Nia, wanted their children to grow up in a neighborhood where diversity is celebrated, safety is shared, and connection is built into the design of everyday life.
As avid skiers and lovers of the outdoors, they were also seeking a Colorado home that could balance adventure with inclusion. “We said yes to Gratitude Village because we want our girls to grow up seeing different kinds of people working and living together in harmony,” says Ayanna. “That’s not just a nice idea—that’s life-changing.”
Josh & Eric: A Place Where Every Family Is Welcome
Josh and Eric, a gay couple with two lovable dogs, were looking for more than just a house—they wanted a home where they could feel welcomed, accepted, and celebrated for who they are. They dreamed of being part of a community that valued diversity, supported neighbors, and embraced chosen family as powerfully as traditional kin.
When they found Gratitude Village, they knew it was the right place. “We were tired of feeling like we had to fit into someone else’s mold of what community should look like,” says Josh. “Here, we will get to be fully ourselves—and our dogs are going to love it, too.”
Emma & Jake: First-Time Buyers with a Vision
Emma and Jake are a young couple dreaming of putting down roots. Like so many others, they were caught in the frustrating gap between wanting to buy a home and not being able to afford one in a competitive, high-cost market.
What drew them to Gratitude Village wasn’t just the affordability—it was the vision. The idea of living in a place where people supported one another, where they could build equity and connection, was exactly what they were looking for. “This is a place where we can grow,” says Jake. “Not just financially, but as people.”
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.
If something in this story sparked a yes in your heart, don’t let it pass.
💬 Let’s talk. Ask questions. Come meet us.
📆 Join an info session.
🏡 Walk toward a home that feels like home.
This is your invitation.
Come say “yes” with us.