Studies show that the mental well-being of people is a major casualty of this pandemic. Isolation, financial insecurity and, worse, bereavement trigger mental conditions and exacerbate existing ones. These cause stress, anxiety, loss of sleep and even drinking or drug use if not addressed appropriately. Severe isolation caused by long lockdowns, or quarantine, designed to protect the individuals from the pandemic may lead to mental and neurological problems. People under such conditions become even more vulnerable to the Covid-19 they fear from. It becomes a Catch-22 situation.
More than ever, instead of isolation, people should establish social connections. Serious concerns about mental health are increasing amidst this pandemic and efforts to contain them have become a part of the integrated solution to the pandemic. Thus, mental health services have become a major component in our battle against the coronavirus. The WHO has asked governments around the world to augment their funding for mental health services. But direct mental health care given by our healthcare system is not the only way to meet this menace. There are other psychosocial services and provisions that can help resolve this growing problem. And one potent answer is the co-housing program, which is now gaining adherents in many cities around the world.
What is “co-housing”? Authorities invariably define it as “an intentional community of private homes clustered around shared space.” It may be set up horizontally or vertically. In urban areas where land is limited, it is typically a multi-level housing structure to make provisions for private spaces, as well as common areas. Where the land permits, as in the suburbs, single family homes are clustered around a common house with shared facilities. It can include common playground and parking to maximize the use of space. Each private unit has its own toilet and bath, small kitchen and living room and the bedroom. Amenities like the work area, laundry area, play area or gym, garden, a large kitchen and dining place and even a pool are shared in common. Or they put up a common library where their treasured books are made available to others who share their passion in reading. Others provide a karaoke or music room where frustrated singers can vent their discordant voices till their lungs burst.
The most important benefit of those living in co-housing is companionship. It is ideal for those who don’t want to live alone yet are zealous to keep their privacy. If they get lonely they can go out of their private unit and stay in the common work area or living area where they can meet and interact with the other residents of the commune. Work-at-home arrangement amplifies the need for social connection. A company lessens the impact of lockdowns. They do not have to work in isolation and they can recreate the office environment where they find themselves most productive. If they get tired working, they can join others in the lounge area or living room where they can have idle chatter or spirited talks with others to overcome ennui and stimulate their minds. If they want more strenuous activity, they can go to the gym and stretch their muscles or dip in the pool. Humans are social animals. They like to seek company and enjoy being together. Being with others, especially those who they share common interest with, can relieve anxiety and stress. So admitting members of the commune is done through consensus voting to ensure that they share the same inclinations and interests, and a sense of community. It is similar to membership admission in an exclusive club. The members contribute dues for the upkeep and maintenance of the common resources.
No doubt that co-housing can promote mental well-being. Having good neighbors and co-residents in the same place develops a sense of security and belongingness. There is an increased social support, which enhances their feeling of security. Being part of a “family” can help overcome fear and depression. Co-housing brings people together who are otherwise strangers to each other. Maintenance of the common areas compels collaboration and team efforts, which further build relationships. They treat each other like a family and so the bond is lasting and enduring.
From the economic standpoint, co-housing entails cost-sharing, which will help singles and start-up families with lower income to meet the high cost of living in the urban areas. Splitting of expenses for the food at the common kitchen, utilities and maintenance of the common areas will make city life affordable. A common security and househelp can be hired to serve the needs of everyone. Low earners can enjoy life’s amenities at least cost. It promotes less use of Earth’s resources—electricity, fuel and water—and helps mitigate climate change without sacrificing the quality of life.
Co-housing has its distinct advantages. Admittedly, it has its drawbacks, but generally its success depends on the kind of governance set up by its members. An ideal number would be 10-12 members, much smaller than a typical neighborhood association or condominium association where the members hardly know each other. In condo living, the occupants are walled against each other. You do not even know your neighbors’ names, neither see nor talk to them. Protecting one’s privacy is the end-all and be-all of condo existence. Whereas, co-housing is structured to have opportunities for meeting and interaction through the common areas. Privacy is still guarded inside one’s own premises.
From the government perspective, it makes housing affordable to many people. It can help address the housing crisis, which is a major problem of our government. Maybe the government can review its housing program by including the development of co-housing projects particularly in the cities. Pag-IBIG, the banks and other lending institutions can provide funding support for co-housing projects. It will not only help resolve our acute housing needs but the gentrification of our blighted cities.