Two rooms currently available ($445/mo; includes rent, all utilities, internet, shared food, supplies, and laundry) and ($484/mo; includes rent, all utilities, internet, shared food, supplies, and laundry)
About Meristem
- Collective-owned, member-led and maintained.
- Quiet, friendly house atmosphere that focuses on sensory friendly spaces, art, music, sustainability, and mutual aid.
- Focus on sustainability-- reducing waste, sharing resources, reducing dependence on nonrenewable resources, creating a healthy and nontoxic living environment that is sensory friendly.
- Focus on sharing skills and knowledge (ex: gardening, cooking, repair and maintenance, etc.).
- Focus on art, music, cooking; we value creativity.
- Pet-free
- Membership at Meristem is open to everyone. The first step if you're interested is to fill out a free online application
What to expect when you live at Meristem
“KCH has been the place where I’ve formed the best, most fulfilling relationships of my life – based on respect, humility, honesty, and fun.”
- Group budgeting and financial decisions.
- Good food! Staple food items are available to members for all meals
- Common dining room and living room with a piano!
- Off-street parking, bike parking.
- Wireless high-speed internet included as well as laundry facilities
- Close to downtown Kalamazoo, Near Metro Transit bus system
- Opportunities to participate in anti-racism training and critical cultural competency work with local nonprofit ERAC/CE.
- Opportunities to connect with and learn from co-op members around the country through organizations like NASCO.
responsibilities of members
Meristem members are committed to regular duties that are listed below. New members should expect to contribute 6 hours per week to a combination of responsibilities, examples include:
- Prompt payment of monthly charges
- House meetings every week
- Cooking dinner
- Cleaning and chores
- Event planning, treasurer, secretary, etc
Cost
Rooms cost between $301 and $503 per month (depending on room size) and includes lease, utilities, staple food items, internet, trash/recycle/compost service, water and common supplies (toilet paper, cleaning supplies, paper towels, etc). There is a one-time refundable security deposit equal to one month's rent.
We strive to be an inclusive community that welcomes all, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or spirituality. Together, we work toward dismantling oppression in our lives and communities.