“Communal eating is the beating heart of coliving.'

WOW House—which stands for Wild Older Women—is just one of many communal living arrangements across the US, households where people who aren’t related or romantically involved choose to reside together. Photo by Genna Martin

In 1970, a New York Times investigation into the “commune phenomenon” identified nearly 2,000 groups living together, “seeking economic advantages, social revolution, love, pot, God, or themselves.” More than 50 years later, people continue to come together to redefine success beyond conventional individualism.

Belle Cushing visited three modern communal groups, each offering a distinct approach to collaborative living. Her report highlights the clear benefits of these setups, demonstrating how they foster rewarding, supportive, and sustainable lifestyles.

ARTICLE: How Communal Living Makes Cooking Easier, Cheaper, and Better

“Communal eating is the beating heart of coliving.'

A general blueprint for how any cooperative human group can function well

Given libraries’ unique combination of broad accessibility, civic neutrality, and deep public trust, policymakers should embed them intentionally within health and social planning frameworks.

"Socialism has been as impossible to separate from the narrative of the nation’s history as the capitalist economy itself."

"Just keep moving forward, even if the steps are small.”