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About

Is Daybreak Cohousing for you?

Daybreak Cohousing is a multi-generational community. We develop warm connections by sharing meals, relaxing or celebrating events, participating in workdays, teams and business meetings (plenary) and making decisions together.

Life at Daybreak offers many amenities as well as significant responsibilities. We recognize the time, attention and flexibility needed to enjoy the benefits of our self-managed community. 

Daybreak is shaped by the individuals in it. Each resident brings something unique, and our community slowly and continually changes. 

These are ways we help maintain Daybreak’s social fabric and facilities:

  • Attend or cook for a community meal; help clean up
  • Organize potlucks for holidays, happy hours, or spontaneous gatherings
  • Attend trainings and workshops for skill development
  • Participate in community events and retreats
  • Attend plenary, the third Sunday of the month, 4–6 p.m.
  • Participate in two community workdays per month
  • Join two teams, which meet once or twice monthly; participate in team projects
  • Help out as you are able and as needed

The Daybreak Cohousing nitty gritty

  • Location: 2525 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217 in the urban Overlook neighborhood
  • Households: 30
  • Number of current residents: 45
  • Legal ownership: Condominium complex, self-managed
  • Maximum rentals allowed: 11 units or 37%; 5 currently rented
  • HOA dues: $410 to $800 per month (determined by condo size) includes all utilities and internet. It also funds the annual operating budget and reserve fund for ongoing maintenance of our buildings and community life.
  • Unit details: 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom, connected by an outdoor walkway and elevator; flats and townhomes; some have private balconies and small backyards
  • Site size: Two-thirds of an acre
  • Pets: allowed
  • Parking: street parking; loading zone that doubles as temporary disabled parking for one car
  • Common House: 7,000 square feet, heated and cooled using ductless mini-split systems, gas fireplace for supplemental heat
  • Common areas: Kitchen with commercial-grade appliances; dining and living room; kids playroom; office with shared computer and printer; media room with piano and flat screen TV; yoga and workout room (combined); crafts room; two guest rooms available by donation; workshop and tool library; bike workshop and storage; laundry room; general storage for each unit; shared garden and outside areas
  • Sustainability features in all units: relatively dense urban living; modest home sizes; large Common House; optimal solar orientation and shading; on-site storm-water management; hydronic radiant floor heating; high-quality green construction standards; highly insulated walls and floor both on the exterior to provide a tight envelope and between units as sound barriers; formaldehyde-free insulation; energy-efficient wood windows with metal cladding; and efficient plumbing fixtures
  • Layout: Floor plans for all units (PDF)

    Our Mission and Values

    Mission

    To sustain a thriving community based on shared values.

    Values

    Connection: We create community through working, having fun, celebrating and eating together. We commit to communicating with curiosity, respect, compassion and authenticity. We acknowledge and appreciate each other’s contributions and strive to foster each member’s sense of belonging.

    Collaboration: We share our knowledge, skills and resources, and each do our part to the best of our abilities. We participate on teams and provide our physical and intellectual labor, which has both social and monetary value. We commit to finding solutions together, and to fast and fair conflict management.

    Environmental stewardship: We strive to be a positive force in the face of climate change. We commit to conservation and sustainable practices, waste reduction, protecting and restoring our ecosystem, and supporting ecologically sensitive management and development.

    Mutual accountability: We value integrity in our behavior, and transparency and fairness in our procedures, as we address the management of our property, finances, and group processes. We balance individual and community needs.

    Consensed by the community on August 21, 2022