Whitehall Intentional Society, Inc.

What you should know about Whitehall Intentional Society, Inc.

Whitehall Cooperative is a democratically run, vegetarian housing cooperative located in Austin, Texas, dedicated to fostering a community-focused living environment. Founded in 1949 as an all-women's student co-op, Whitehall transitioned to a co-ed format in 1971. The cooperative prides itself on maintaining a living atmosphere that promotes inclusivity, egalitarianism and shared responsibility among its members. Members of Whitehall are expected to contribute five hours of labor each week, which may encompass kitchen duties, cleaning, yard work, and other house maintenance tasks. Community decisions are made through a consensus-based process, ensuring all voices are heard and respected. This approach, while potentially time-consuming, is believed to enhance harmony within the community and reduce the likelihood of conflicts arising from decision-making. Weekly meetings facilitate open communication and organizational governance among members. The cooperative offers a range of room sizes, with rent varying from $638 to $773 per month, in addition to a monthly food cost of $135. A $500 deposit is required, with a portion being non-refundable. Member leases are structured as month-to-month, providing flexibility while encouraging a minimum stay of one year. While the house adheres strictly to a vegetarian policy for communal meals, individual members may store and consume non-vegetarian food in designated areas. Whitehall operates a thorough membership application process, typically lasting around three weeks. Prospective members are encouraged to engage with current residents, participate in communal dinners, and submit a detailed biography describing their background and reasons for wanting to join the community. This process facilitates mutual understanding and compatibility, ensuring that both the prospective members and existing residents can coexist harmoniously. The cooperative does not permit pets and has limited parking available, with the neighborhood being largely pedestrian-friendly. Overall, Whitehall Cooperative exemplifies an intentional communal living experience, characterized by shared values, mutual consent, and collective governance.