Ready to try living differently? Closer to nature? Closer to neighbors? To get your hands dirty engaging in meaningful personal, cultural, and physical work?

Churning Rapids Community is a small (7-9 member), rural residential rental community located in the Northwoods of Upper Michigan. We live on a peninsula on a peninsula (no that’s not a typo) surrounded by the Great Lake Superior. We explore ways of living better together and with the earth through cooperative group living. (See our ic.org directory listing for more details)

We currently have four households with ages ranging from 27 to 79. One of our households is moving on and we have a rare opening for 1-2 people to join our group. We’re looking for an individual or couple who has the time, skills, and resources to become a vital and committed member of our community.

With so few members we need people who can contribute in all aspects of community with strong backs, sharp minds, and thick skin. Someone who is as comfortable navigating legal, financial, and social landscapes as they are outdoors in the garden, woodlot, and chicken coop. Or at least someone who is interested and willing to learn!

Desirable candidates will have interest or experience in two or more of the following areas: wood cutting/firewood processing, electrical/mechanical grid-tied alternative energy systems, hydro energy and irrigation systems, food production, organization/administration, and property management.

What do we mean by “committed”? Someone who is planning to live in community and in this bioregion as part of their long view. They will be a full-time resident with 3-10 hrs per week available outside of work, family, and hobbies for community engagement, including occasional weeknight and regular weekend responsibilities. Someone who is available (not traveling!) in the spring and fall during our most labor intense seasons. They must be able to demonstrate financial means to pay a monthly rent of $800-1000/month/household. There may be an opportunity for compensated part-time property management and/or elder care work for the right person.

If this sounds like you, and the idea of 300 inches of snow and 6 months of winter doesn’t scare you away, then let’s talk. We’ll be considering applications until the position is filled. If you’re reading this, then we’re still looking. You can fill out an application here: Churning Rapids Community Prospective Tenant Form. We’ll get back to you as soon as we’ve received your completed application. We’re looking forward to learning more about you and your interest in our community!