Hands-on School Houston

  • Communities

About the Communities

  • Forming
  • Home-sharing
  • Suburban

Founding year

  • 2023

What we do

Join Hands-on School Houston as (1) volunteer, (2) mentor, and/or (3) future resident.
501c3 nonprofit Young Homeowners League. Social enterprise AEC Green Development. Our mission is to help people become homeowners and live in mutual help communities.
When we have at least 3 future residents forming a group to co-own a single family home, we will help them to form co-ownership agreement, to buy existing home or build new home.
When we have at least 3 future residents forming a group to each own a single family home in the same land parcel, we will help them buy the land, divide into separate lots, so that each of them can buy the lot to build a home with one-time-close construction loan, or buy the home after it is built. Costs start from $30k for the lot and $120k for a 1000 sqft single family home.
We already have control of 4 acres in the city of Houston but we are waiting for enough people to join to get started. We prefer not speculative build as it increases costs.
We do not have funding to subsidize costs. When we have investment or funding we will only use it to acquire more land so that lower cost land is available to build lower cost homes. You are welcome to apply for government subsidy like down payment assistance. Without government subsidy, there are 0 down mortgages and FHA mortgage with 3.5% down, with certain closing fees. We have builders agreed to build at minimum cost of $120/sqft.
We organize youth into student-led enterprises, so that they can employ themselves, including as subcontractors to our builders in building homes. We need adults to serve as mentors or advisors, or team-lead. Mentors are volunteers. Advisors and team-lead will share income with the student members when the team gets paid.

Our Mission

Starting from high school learn to work and earn more money, save money, buy land, build starter home, and grow community.

  • Purpose
  • Home-sharing
  • Community type
  • Cohousing
  • Coliving
  • Student Co-op
  • Activities
  • Property management
  • Education
  • Experiences
  • Networking
  • Services Business

Commemorative dates

  • January 1, 2023
  • Started planning
  • January 1, 2027
  • Started living together
  • 3 Total members
  • Open to new members
  • Not open to visitors
Total
3

How to join

Join Hands-on School Houston as (1) volunteer, (2) mentor, and/or (4) future resident.
To become a resident, form or join a group to buy or build homes. Start homeownership planning. Option to join student-led enterprises. Need money or qualify for mortgage to buy home, 0 down or 3.5% down (FHA) but need closing fees unless you can use government down payment assistance. We do not collect any fees.

Primary decision-making authority

  • Single Leader or Founding Couple

One person or partnership has ultimate authority.

Decision-making process

  • Modified Consensus

Generally seek agreement, but have backup methods when consensus isn’t reached.

Governance structure

  • Collaborative/Horizontal

Power and responsibility are shared relatively equally among members.

Conflict resolution approach

The board consists of the founders initially

Economic model

  • Independent Finances

Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.

Economic scenarios for this community

  • There is a labor obligation
  • Members typically need to have their own job or other personal source of income to cover their expenses while living in the community?

Additional economic information

Labor: Encouraged or suggested
Members can run ethical business or take on jobs outside the community, as well as contributing time in the student-led enterprises.

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

Garden(s), Vehicle Share

Frequency of communal meals

  • Rarely

Dietary restriction

  • People can cook and eat what they want in their own residence

Community activities and engagement

  • School, Educational Institute or Experience
  • Volunteer, Internship, or Apprenticeship, or WWOOF’ing
  • Neighborhood, Community Housing, or Homeowner's Association
  • Ethical Business, Investment Group, or Alternative Currency
  • Organization, Resource, or Network

Substance use culture

  • Substance use appears in public spaces but no pressure
  • Substance use occurs primarily at celebrations or ceremonies

Age demographics

  • Mixed adults (few or no children)

Property status

  • Privately owned

Property owner

  • By a single individual, couple, or Family Trust

Setting

  • Suburban

Residential areas outside city centers but within metropolitan regions.

Food systems

  • Community garden
  • Land area size
    4 acres

Guest Book

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Location

  • Texas, 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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