What if community could be part of the way we prepare for our children’s futures?
For two EVC families, the answer is already taking shape. Both families are joining Esquimalt Village Cohousing with adult children who will benefit from ongoing support and connection.
Cohousing creates a community where folks can enjoy their independence, while still benefiting from important neighbourly connections. When we create communities of care, we flourish together.
“Our home comes with built-in community!”: Wendy’s story
Colin, Russell, Wendy and Madelaine smile together on a sunny day.
“Our family was instantly drawn to the cohousing model because, for the past 33 years, we have been living in a similar, albeit smaller, cohousing situation,” Wendy explains. “My husband and I, together with another couple, purchased a home with two separate living areas and have been sharing expenses, upkeep chores, and all of the benefits/joys that this model offers.”
“Our friends chose not to have children and we have two, so throughout the years, our children benefited from their love and care. For all of us, our home comes with built-in community!”
Esquimalt Village Cohousing is helping them extend and strengthen that community.
“Given that our eldest, now 33, has Down syndrome and will not be able to live independently, joining Esquimalt Village Cohousing, in conjunction with another family, was a no brainer.” shares Wendy. “The plan is to purchase a 3-bedroom unit to house both young adults and a live-in caregiver. Being able to connect with individuals from 33 other units provides our son (and his friend) with a plethora of opportunities for support, growth, and sharing. And these young adults, with their delightful take on life, will give back in spades!”
Another EVC family came to cohousing through a different path.
“We wanted something that was going to feel like a larger extended family for him”: Deb’s Story
Madeleine, Deb, Michael and Geoff share a smile.
Her son Michael is 17 and neurodiverse, with autism, ADHD and a mild intellectual disability. His parents expect that he will eventually be able to live independently, but know that he will always benefit from having people around him.
“He’s a very social kid,” Deb explains. “He loves being around people. He's a happy, upbeat kind of person.”
Their hope was to find a community where Michael could feel accepted, encouraged to participate, and valued. They wanted him to have the kind of rich social environment that can be difficult to find in a conventional neighbourhood.
They initially considered creating a cohousing group specifically for neurodiverse people. But after getting involved with EVC, they realized that what Michael really needed was something else: a diverse community.
“He needs the diversity of everybody. Not just neurodiversity. He needs everybody.” Deb says.
Looking ahead, they imagine Michael participating in communal meals, gardening and other shared activities—and perhaps even becoming the neighbourhood dog walker. They hope he will find ways to contribute, build relationships and feel that he has a meaningful role to play in his community.
For both families, cohousing is about more than just housing. It is about creating an environment where people can be supported without giving up their independence, where different generations can care for one another, and where everyone has something to contribute.
That’s the kind of community EVC members are building: one where there is room for everyone, at every stage of life.
If you’d like to read more about the neighbours in our community, check out our members page!
If you'd like to meet our members at one of our live info sessions, here are all of our upcoming info sessions (including one in Vancouver on Monday, Nov 16th!)
And if you’d like to find out more about becoming a member, please join us. We'd love to be your neighbour.