Group of diverse people enjoying music and conversation outdoors.

Jesus People Chicago

  • Communities

About the Communities

  • Established
  • Spiritual
  • Urban

Founding year

  • 1970

What we do

Jesus People community is a group of around 160 people of all ages living communally in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. We pool our resources so that we can better serve those in need, primarily by running one of Chicago’s largest homeless shelters. We own and run several businesses that enable us to support ourselves and various members who work directly with the homeless each day. In addition, we provide subsidized housing for low income seniors, a food pantry for those in need, run a fair trade cafe, a record label, recording studio, web design business, skate shop, art gallery, and several other businesses.
Since forming in 1972, we have come to find that a deep well of creativity is tapped into when we live communally, and we are excited to see where the next few decades of living together will take us.

Our Mission

By living together, we seek to deepen relationships with God and each other as we grow, serve, and live out the gospel.

  • Purpose
  • Spiritual
  • Community type
  • Commune
  • Spiritual Retreat Centers
  • Activities
  • Experiences

Commemorative dates

  • January 1, 1970
  • Started planning
  • January 1, 1972
  • Started living together

Video

  • 130 Total members
  • Open to new members
  • Open to visitors
Total
170

How to join

We have a Membership Team whose job it is to screen new members through an application process and interviews. This process starts by filling in an online application on our website.
https://jesuspeoplechicago.org/apply

Basic expectations or agreements for members

We would love to hear from you! If you would like to talk to someone about joining our community or visiting, please email : co*****@***sa.org or fill out our contact form on our website https://jesuspeoplechicago.org/apply

Primary decision-making authority

  • Small Leadership Group

A few people (not elected by the broader community) make the major decisions.

Decision-making process

  • Consent-Based (Sociocracy)

Decisions proceed unless someone has a reasoned objection.

Governance structure

  • Sociocratic/Circle-Based

Organized in circles or domains with distributed authority.

Conflict resolution approach

We have transitioned into Sociocracy as a new mode of our governmental structure. This will be a process of learning for everyone involved as we normalize and stabilize this as our new model from our board/leadership group model of the past.

Economic model

  • Complete Income-Sharing

All member income goes into common pool for community use.

Economic scenarios for this community

  • There is a labor obligation

Additional economic information

Labor: Yes (40 hrs/week)

Shared resources and amenities that are accessible to everyone in the community

Common House, Garden(s), Vehicle Share, Workshop, Large Scale Kitchen, Stage or Auditorium, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Gym or sports area, Internet

Frequency of communal meals

  • Approximately 1 meal per day

Community activities and engagement

  • Volunteer, Internship, or Apprenticeship, or WWOOF’ing
  • Festivals, Conferences, Events

Substance use culture

  • Substance use is prohibited in the community
  • Religions
  • Christian

Gender composition

  • Roughly balanced (no group over 60%)

Age demographics

  • Family-focused (many children and parents)

Property status

  • Privately owned

Property owner

  • By a Land Trust, Home Owners Association, or corporation

Setting

  • Urban

Within city limits with access to urban amenities and infrastructure.

Community type

  • Commune

    Communal living with shared resources, property, and often income or work responsibilities

  • Spiritual Retreat Centers

    Residential communities focused on providing space for meditation, spiritual practice, and personal growth retreats.

Self-produced energy

  • Up to 33%

Self-produced food

  • Up to 33%

Local, organic, or fair trade food

  • 33 - 66%

Food systems

  • Community garden

Guest Book

Written reviews are available for plus members. Click here to upgrade.

Location

  • Illinois, United States

Needs and Offers

Offer
  • Real Estate For Sale
2 months ago

“Lots” of Goodness For Sale!

Are you seeking to live in a sustainable, wellness-oriented community that prioritizes nature and environmental conservation? Living Well Ecovillage offers the perfect opportunity to be part of a vibrant, self-sufficient community committed to holistic health and ecological harmony. Available lots are equipped with city utilities and fiber internet access. Located in a unique mixed-use community with a variety of land uses planned for the future, including small business/commercial spaces, tiny houses, cluster housing, and a 10-acre farm. Currently, there are still 7 lots available. The Ecovillage is home to a diverse range of homes, such as timber frame, Deltec, hempcrete, and Net-Zero energy designs—all built with green building principles in mind. This community prioritizes sustainability and wellness in every aspect of life. About the Living Well Ecovillage Spanning 126 acres, the Living Well Ecovillage is bordered by the Deep River and Sandy Creek, offering stunning natural beauty and a tranquil environment. The Ecovillage includes shared spaces like a community garden, a Greenway/Rail Trail, and a neighborhood park. Over 53 acres of natural land buffer the river and creek, preserving the area’s pristine beauty and offering residents a true connection to nature. Your Dream Home Awaits Find your ideal spot to build your sustainable home, surrounded by trees, rock outcroppings, and abundant wild edible plants. Experience breathtaking views and a peaceful setting, perfect for those seeking a slower, more connected way of life. A Community That Supports Wellness The Living Well Ecovillage is not just about space—it’s about community. With access to the Folk School, residents engage in hands-on learning, sustainable practices, and personal growth, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Perfectly Located Just
Need

Information

Communities

A residential project: people live here as their primary home.

Organizations

An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).

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