August 14 at 10:00 am, 3845 North Swan Street – "Creative Solutions for Sustainable Affordable Housing"
Joanne DeMichele and Holly Noonan met at a public hearing on affordable housing. They quickly realized that they have similar concerns and solutions.
Separately and together, they pursue alternative, sustainable, healthy, equitable, and people-focused solutions to preserve and expand housing, health, and community living.
Community Land Trusts and Resident Owned Cooperatives are both shared equity models of land ownership that empower the community to come together to gain the benefits of land ownership and take on the responsibilities of ecological stewardship.
"In an economy that leaves the most economically vulnerable 25% of our citizens to fend for themselves, shared-equity land ownership helps the community take care of each other. By prioritizing and protecting healthy, affordable neighborhoods, each resident benefits from stability, community and peace," DeMichele said.
"When whole neighborhoods collaborate to support each other to become fully resourced, the larger community benefits enormously. Especially among older adults, more connections with neighbors and loved ones results in better health outcomes and longer life. This reduces pressure on emergency services and social service networks," Noonan added
They added that when private equity greed threatens these naturally occurring, socially cohesive affordable housing communities, our policy makers must stand up and protect these communities.
Holly Noonan founded Crooked Forest Institute to create healthy, affordable, shared-equity housing in our community. She focuses on small, disability-forward, adobe construction with shared utilities on a community land trust.
Joanne DeMichele moved to a manufactured home community in 2021 and immediately recognized the many benefits of this affordable and nourishing way of life, especially as a woman living alone and aging. Shortly after settling in, she learned that this important source of community housing is at risk due to predatory investment practices and inadequate government protections. DeMichele is part of an affordable housing statewide alliance and a statewide manufactured home preservation work group working toward solutions.
The two women will be bringing "A Decent Home" to the Silco on August 4 at 6 p.m. This film, by Sara Terry, addresses urgent issues of class and economic immobility through the lives of mobile home park residents. It asks the question, "When housing that's on the lowest rung of the American Dream is being devoured by the wealthiest of the wealthy, whose dream are we serving?"
There are speakers on the patio if you wish to listen to the service outside.
Childcare is available every Sunday. Zoey Cronin will lead a formal children's program on second and fourth Sundays.
Children are welcome to participate on any Sunday, but they will get the most out of the program if they attend second and fourth Sundays somewhat regularly. Family adults may stay for the children's program or attend the adult program. Children are encouraged to bring a small item that represents someone or something they are grateful for that week.
UUFSC Safety Protocol as pursuant to our most recent UUA Guidelines:
Masks are now optional, but their use is encouraged. We will continue to serve refreshments on the patio and in the building. Visitors are always welcome.
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Silver City is a diverse group of religious independents seeking knowledge, spiritual sustenance, fellowship and opportunities for service to others. Our programs encompass Humanism, liberal Christianity, earth-based spirituality, Buddhism and many other traditions.
If you'd like to find out more, email
