Overview of multi-unit environmental
housing in the United States and Canada
There are several housing projects in the United States and one in Canada that cater to people with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). A couple also accommodate people with electrical hypersensitivity (EHS).
Keywords: MCS, chemical sensitivity, electrical sensitivity, housing, apartment, rental, intentional community, community, USA
Introduction
People disabled with environmental sensitivities (chemical sensitivities, electrical sensitivities) often face a housing crisis. They are unable to live in regular housing and healthy housing is scarce and expensive. People on disability can rarely afford to buy such a home.
Several multi-unit housing projects have been created in the United States over the years, to provide short-term and long-term housing. The earliest started in the 1980s. Several have since closed again for various reasons.
Some projects are in the cities, some are in rural areas. Some are apartments or houses with all amenities, while some are more basic camps.
The cost of renting or buying varies dramatically. Two of the projects are government subsidized for people on a low income.
An extra benefit of living in these places is the opportunity for having a social life with people who are safe to be around and understand what it means to have the illness. Two of the developments have turned into intentional communities with long-term residents who own their homes.
Only two developments (Rockin R Ranch and Regina Caelis Cottages) were specifically designed to be low-EMF for people with electrical sensitivities. A few others have minor modifications or features that reduce electronic radiation.
Some of the unit numbers are approximate. Ecology Housing had about twenty-five units (huts and trailers) in the 1990s, which made it the largest.
Several private residences have Ògranny flatsÓ attached to them for rent. These are not included on this list.
|
|
|
|
Private |
|
|
|
|
Purpose |
|
|
Arizona |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hansa Trail |
14+ |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Yes |
|
Yes |
Rural neighbor-hood on large
lots |
|
Rockin R Ranch |
4 |
Yes |
|
Yes |
|
Yes |
|
Yes |
State funded, low income only |
|
RosemaryÕs |
4 |
Yes |
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Closed |
Yes |
Steel huts and trailers |
|
California |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ecology House |
11 |
Yes |
|
|
|
|
|
Yes |
HUD funded, low-income only |
|
The
Last Resort |
6 |
Yes |
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Closed |
? |
Cottages and trailers |
|
Florida |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
South Beach Island |
8 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
|
|
|
Converted beachfront motel
(formerly Pride and Joy) |
|
The Natural Place |
5 |
Yes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Converted motel(?) |
|
New Mexico |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Commons on the Alameda |
4 |
|
Yes |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Mixed with non-MCS townhouses |
|
Pat
ShirleyÕs |
4 |
4 |
|
4 |
Yes |
Yes |
Closed |
|
Trailer
sites and one hut |
|
Ontario |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barrhaven |
7 |
Yes |
|
|
|
|
|
? |
Non-Profit |
|
Texas |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr.
Rea – Courtyard |
23 |
Yes |
|
|
|
|
Closed |
|
Converted hotel suites |
|
Dr.
Rea – Meadow |
18 |
Yes |
|
|
|
|
Closed |
|
Converted condos |
|
Ecology
Housing |
10 |
Yes |
|
Yes |
Yes |
Mixed |
|
Yes |
Steel huts |
|
Lake
Tawakoni |
3 |
Yes |
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Closed |
N/A |
Trailer sites only |
|
Raintree |
12 |
Yes |
|
|
|
|
Closed |
|
Converted apartments |
|
Regina
Caelis (EarlÕs) |
18 |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
|
|
|
Converted condos |
|
Regina
Caelis Cottages |
10 |
Yes |
|
Yes |
|
Yes |
|
Yes |
Custom built cottages |
|
Sprague
House |
5 |
Yes |
|
|
|
|
Closed |
|
Villa converted to rooming house |
More information
Several of these housing projects are described in detailed articles available through www.eiwellspring.org/multiunit.html. See also www.eiwellspring.org/arizonalocal.html about environmental communities.
If you wish to rent or visit these communities, contact them directly. Do NOT contact this website.
2011 (last updated 2018)