THE HOUSE

The Canopy is a diverse and dynamic co-living house in Oakland, California. It is currently home to 12 residents, and we are looking to several newly opened rooms for a three-month sublet (and a potential permanent move-in) for September 1st and October 1st with folks who are excited to engage in our lively community. We welcome and encourage people of all races, ages, genders, cultures, abilities (although we have stairs), and sexual orientations to apply. We are looking for people who are excited to grow from building a community that celebrates our differences and commonalities.

Why a three-month trial period? It’s a tale as old as time: a potential housemate is excited about us, we’re excited about them, we offer them the room, and they decline. Obviously this doesn’t happen all the time, or even most, but in the two-plus years we’ve each lived in this community, we’ve noticed this pattern. Rejection hurts, but it’s understandable—a new place is a big commitment at any time, especially a time like now that’s full of so much change and upheaval. Add to that the fact that in an interview, everyone’s on their best behavior—us included—so it can be hard to know what living in community with someone is really like. We have done some research and thinking and it seems three months is long enough for both you and us to determine if we’re the right fit.

We are located 4 blocks east of Lake Merritt, less than a mile from BART (many bus lines also stop near the house), and a 10-minute bike ride from downtown Oakland. Our expansive kitchen encourages cooking projects of all sorts, with a pantry and fridge stocked with local produce from the farmers market (included in the shared food plan). You'll also have access to the house's 4 bathrooms and 2 living rooms complete with a projector, hi-def sound, lots of instruments, books, and tons of space. The ground-level garage has been transformed into what we call the Dreamspace: a mixed-use creative space, which can be used for events and workshops, or sewing projects and woodworking (power tools included).

OPEN ROOMS

1. SHIFTY OTTER : This 150 sq. ft upstairs room has a large east-facing window that lets in lots of natural light and is on the larger side of all of the rooms in the house. It is adjacent to the upstairs living room, which is often used as a quiet reading room or work space. Monthly rent for the room is $1057.

2. INTERGALACTIC LETTUCE: This 125 sq. ft room is on the main level of the house two rooms down the hall from our kitchen and main living room. It has a large sliding glass west-facing door that opens to a shared balcony for afternoon sun-bathing. It has a small doorless closet. Monthly rent for the room is $1030. Open October 1st.

3. HOBBIT HOLE- This cozy 125 sq. ft room is closest to the kitchen and the heart of the house! It’s also the cheapest room in the house at $825.

4. BIG SUZY- This room is massive and perfect for a couple at 225 sq. ft. It is located towards the back of the house with a large window on one side and a sliding glass door that leads to its own private balcony complete with a grill!

Utilities are $65/month and includes everything (power, water, trash, gas, internet, etc). We have a voluntary shared food program that costs $160/month for all the food you care to eat. We are vegetarian and vegan friendly, but most of us are meat-eaters and we purchase local, sustainably raised beef and other meats. Each of us also contributes $25/month for various supplies that keep our house functioning. There may be some wiggle room in rent, based on need and availability of subsidy. No promises.

WHO WE ARE

Our wonderful community includes but is not limited to: activists, actors, scientists, educators, designers, techies, and writers. We strive to create an environment that supports ongoing exploration of new ideas, skills, and philosophies, supported by a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. Common spaces are often filled with lively conversation over delicious home-cooked meals, art jams, strawberry jams, popcorn, and movie nights.

We keep busy individually but still gather regularly, both to figure out the logistics of a dozen-ish people coexisting, and to strengthen the bonds that make co-living delightful. We strive to keep the sink empty, the common spaces clean, and the fridge stocked. We have monthly chores that involve house cleaning, bi-weekly farmers market runs, and cooking Sunday dinner.

OUR VALUES

As a community that chooses to live together and support one another in our efforts, our struggles, and our successes, we have created a set of seven core values: play, collaboration, accountability, equity, compassion, creative empowerment, and growth mindset. We are committed to these values and also see them as an evolving list that we ask you to help contribute to in practice and in constitution.

We Want Our House to Look and Feel Like Oakland: Oakland is an amazingly vibrant and diverse city. We’d like our house to more and more reflect the city we live in. Even though most of us are not originally from here, we are mindful of how we contribute to gentrification, and want to give back to the community. All people with their stories, identities and heritages are welcome in the house. Our shared values and varied backgrounds are key elements to making such a magical place to live.

WHO YOU ARE

• You think living with at least 12 other people sounds more like a recipe for magic than disaster.

• You actively practice direct, connected, and compassionate communication.

• You are an artist in the kitchen and a fool on the dance floor.

• You do your part to keep common spaces friendly, clean, and beautiful

• You care about creating a welcoming space for all races, ages, genders, abilities, sexual orientations, and beyond.

• You are able to navigate multiple flights of stairs.

• You are curious, self-reflective, and love teaching and learning through shared experiences.

• You are a supportive and encouraging ally during turbulent times.

• You resonate with our house values, and are excited to contribute to the Canopy community.

• You like coming home to small gatherings in common spaces and tasty meals with interesting people.

• You value healthy, shared food and see the kitchen as a hub for the community.

• You don’t have a furry pet (fish, turtles etc. are welcome).

• You are excited to participate in our shared food program.

Made it all the way through the post? Interested? Jumping out of your seat with excitement?