Cultural, Agronomic, and Technological Community (C.A.T. Co.)

  • Communities

About the Communities

  • Forming
  • Home-sharing
  • Rural

Founding year

  • 2021

What we do

Welcome to C.A.T. Co. —a group where individuality is celebrated, and community thrives. We are currently working to acquire and old convent we intend to rehab. we’re a group of middle-class professionals in our 30’s who’ve come together to live, learn, and grow in harmony with each other and with nature.
Our Purpose:
We exist to support one another in times of need, to explore life’s joys, and to foster personal growth. Living close to nature, we embrace sustainable practices like foraging, gardening, and working with animals while balancing our love for life’s small luxuries. We’re here to empower each other, save money collectively, and create a fulfilling, joyful lifestyle.
What do I mean by save money collectively? Well we don’t want you to give us your pay check or anything like that. We haven’t decided on a monthly amount, but something in the low single hundreds each month is what we are thinking now. This money will be pooled together to handle property taxes/utilities/construction materials for shared spaces. That kind of stuff. We intend to have a small surplus saved up in there so we can continue to support people should somebody lose their job or something of that nature.
Leadership (or Lack Thereof)
Our leader, Donnie, is a self-proclaimed figurehead—here to take credit for the good times and perhaps serve as a scapegoat in the rare event of an angry mob. Donnie’s leadership style is more about being the friendly face of our community’s history than wielding authority. Decisions are collaborative, and every voice holds the same weight.
Spiritual Freedom
While Donnie identifies as a Pantheist with a leaning toward Fatalism, and others may embrace Buddhism, agnosticism, atheism, or something else entirely, there is no single belief system here. Our guiding principle is simple: Believe what you will, so long as it does no harm to others. Your spiritual or non-spiritual journey is yours to chart. Unfortunately, nobody as of yet has chosen to worship Donnie himself, but he can only hope.
Daily Life
Life is about balance—work, play, and everything in between. We have no rituals, but our version of communal bonding includes spirited tabletop game nights featuring Dungeons & Dragons or other card and board games. We aim to construct much of our infrastructure onsite to minimize our environmental footprint and preserve our old-growth forest.
Inclusivity
Our community is a haven for diversity, with many members identifying as LGBTQ+ and sharing a commitment to inclusivity and mutual respect. If you believe in “live and let live,” you’ll find yourself at home here.
Vision for the Future
We dream of expanding our community to include more families, especially those with children, to create a richer and more dynamic environment. Our members share a love for foraging, gardening, and creating—a blend of nature and nurture that defines who we are. We welcome those who want to contribute their unique skills, interests, and energy to help us build a supportive and thriving community.

Our Mission

Freedom of expression, living close to nature, saving money.

  • Purpose
  • Home-sharing
  • Community type
  • Cohousing
  • Activities
  • Property management

Commemorative dates

  • January 1, 2021
  • Started planning
  • January 1, 2023
  • Started living together
  • 20 Total members
  • Not open to new members
  • Open to visitors
Total
24

Basic expectations or agreements for members

Reach out, we are still in the planning/building phase, but we’d love to get to know you now before we are actually looking for residents.

Primary decision-making authority

  • All Community Members Together

The whole membership decides collectively.

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

Largely, we are consensus rule. We need unanimous approval to add new members.

Economic model

  • Independent Finances

Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.

Economic scenarios for this community

  • Members need to pay fees, dues, or similar to live there on a per month or per year basis
  • 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

Regular fees: $400
Labor: Encouraged or suggested (4 hrs/week)
Members with pre-existing debt: allowed
The monthly “fee” will be as small as we can make it to keep the lights on and the internet speedy. Sorry, we haven’t figured out an amount yet, we are still forming after all.
We’d like to save funds as well for upgrades to the property. Things like construction materials for communal buildings, plants, livestock and stuff like that.

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

Common House, Garden(s), Internet

Frequency of communal meals

  • About once a week

Significant food acquisition practices

  • Wildcrafting / Foraging
  • Livestock / Animal Husbandry

Community activities and engagement

  • Neighborhood, Community Housing, or Homeowner's Association

Substance use culture

  • Substance use occurs primarily at celebrations or ceremonies
  • Substance use is prohibited in the community

Gender composition

  • Majority non-binary/gender diverse (over 30%)

Age demographics

  • Multi-generational (all ages well represented)

Property status

  • Privately owned

Property owner

  • By a Community Land Trust or some other kind of nonprofit

Setting

  • Rural

Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.

Self-produced energy

  • Up to 33%

Self-produced food

  • Up to 33%

Local, organic, or fair trade food

  • 33 - 66%

Food systems

  • Community garden
  • Land area size
    25 acres

Guest Book

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Location

  • Illinois, United States

Cultural, Agronomic, and Technological Community (C.A.T. Co.)

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

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

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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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