the franklin farm is an intentional community in grand rapids, michigan on “the eights.” there are two homes (four apartments). we are looking for not-necessarily like-minded individuals. however, if you’d like to join us here are some thoughts:
1)we live in our low-income community for a reason. those reasons vary, but wanting to actively love the neighborhood is necessary.
2)we are passionate about passionate people. we’re looking for folks we can learn from, grow with, support. passions such as poverty and equity, social justice, environmental sustainability, local economy, and community development (and all the subsets thereof) would probably fit well at the farm.
3)we are called the franklin farm because we believe (among many other things we refuse to lose faith in) that local economy, sustainability, and really good food are an important and joy-giving part of life. we’re doing a little experiment here in our urban context, and will be turning all our lawn into a gorgeous abundance of food-producing plants, trees, and bushes (and probably a lot of weeds along the way). if you are interested in growing, storing, creating, or eating homemade foods, we’ll probably get along really well.
the franklin farm is not, unlike some intentional communities, a big house with everyone sharing one bathroom and one kitchen. we each have our own spaces, but we get together to share a meal once a week and we spend lots of “porch time” together. this summer, we’ve turned our yard into garden, as a way to become more sustainable and be able to feed ourselves well in the process. you don’t have to be a farmer or a gardener to join us, but if you do enjoy such pursuits, we’d be happy to have you come along for the ride!
Congrats and good luck on your exciting endeavor! I look forward to meeting and working with you all sooner than later. Perhaps some of you will be attending the NVC lecture this Friday at Newberry Cohousing in GR.
Ask Joy; she has the details if you are interested in attending.
Hi – I heard about Franklin Farms at a meeting coordinating some community meals with workshops promoting backyard gardening, and am interested in learning more about your community. I have an interest in joining you, potentially. I am a 2006 graduate of Grand Valley State University with a degree in photography and am currently looking for employment and increasing my community involvement after a period of traveling after a supposedly short term lay-off from my job painting turned into a permanent situation.
In any case, I think many of our fundamental beliefs align, and I am looking for a quieter, more settled place to live while I look for employment and work on my personal and spiritual development – I think Franklin Farms could be someplace where I could both learn and be a constructive community member. Please feel free to email! Best wishes,
Philip Siefker
Hello,
I heard about you guys through a friend (Matt at Coat of Many Colors on Wealthy, if you know him). He got me in touch with Joy who sent me here. I really like what you guys are doing and would love to be a part of it. I go to Hope College but I am looking for a place to live in GR for the summer. A couple of friends and I were looking at a place yesterday when Matt mentioned that you guys had an open apt! My friends and I have all been interested in living in community for some time. I don’t know if you can lease the apt for just the summer but if you can we would definitely be interested. If not I and possibly some of the others would still be interested in getting involved with the farm. If you could get back to me that would be fantastic! (Preferably via email).
Love,
Ethan
Hi,
This is a fantastic idea. I live in Poland, so won’t be applying – but maybe you offer me advice as to how I can start a similar initiative in Poland (a nation very hostile to such ideas, sadly)
Thanks
Philip
I am definitely interested in learning more about the farm. I replied to the craigslist posting.
This is beautiful! I am so happy that you have not lost faith in the important things that make life worth waking up for!
I sent you an e-mail off of the craigslist posting as I am very interested.
cheers!
Hello! I actually ‘Blackled’ Grand Rapids Commune and I searched around a bit and found this site. I’m looking to start a similar community, or join one, someday. I’d love to chat with how things are working out for you all. Community rocks, you’re in my prayers.
Thanks for the comment on my blog! I love this idea. I actually just moved in around the corner we are on Alexander just west of Fuller. Are you planning on a community garden?
Just wanted to let you know that we are having an herbcraft retreat with Jim McDonald on July 24-26. Visit our website if you are interested in further information.
Hi Franklin Farm,
I go past your house often and have been watching your plants grow! Right now I’m living in an intentional community home on Bates, just a few short blocks from you. Although we’re inexperienced farmers we’re also enjoying the growth in our backyard (including tomatos, squash, and beans among other things).
Anyways, I’m in need of housing starting in September and wondered if you’ve got any room (although it looks like you may be full). I know quite a bit about the community and am close with many neighbors…for that reason I’m trying hard to stay in the neighborhood this coming fall! Please let me know…thanks!
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Hello I am looking for a new place to live and one of your former residents, Steve Bakker, said I should check here. I live just down the street right now, by Miss Tracy’s, so it would be easy for me to stop by sometime. Nice front yard garden by the way.
hello joshua!
we’d like to talk to you more so send us an email, holly.artwords AT gmail DOT com
thanks!
Hi! My boyfriend & I are apartment hunting right now & have been looking in your area. Katey Romence told me to check you guys out… I work with Katey at her family’s greenhouse. We love gardening & sunshine & big porches!
I’m very interested in more information. Thanks a lot!
-Kyle
Hi!
I have heard a lot about the Franklin Farm and it sounds wonderful! This is very far in advance…but I’ll be looking for a new place this summer and would LOVE to live with other folks interested in gardening/sustainability/community. I lived cooperatively for 3 years in Lansing and miss it quite a bit – any info would be appreciated! Thanks!
Emily
Hi Emily-
Wow, you’re an advance planner! We don’t know yet if we will have any openings but in the meantime you should join us for a potluck friday- it’s generally a couple times a month, and not all of the community is there every time but it would be a good introduction to the farm.
add me on fB and i’ll be sure to put you on the event invite list for our next one!
Hi
I am a PhD student in anthropology currently doing my research on urban food gardens. I was hoping some one is open to doing an interview with me? Interviews are pretty informal and last about an hour. My schedule opens up beginning 4/5 if some one is interested/available and could pick a few dates?
thank you
Hi,
I have an extensive horticulture education and am seeking a pleasant living arrangement. I’m not sure how many people you’re looking to rent to.
My # is 810 265 7579 or 810 449 4790.
Please ask for LO.
Looks great! I’m looking for a place.
Hi There~ Wow, I was really surprised to find out about the project and community here in GR. It looks like you have filled the apt. though I would still love to meet you all, and find out what you are doing. also, my daughter and i are looking for a new home come august so if anything opens up we would love to be considered. i am an herbalist, farmer/ community organizer. she is a violin and book enthusiast. thanks
chrysta