Support funding for POC housing co-op
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$2,371 raised of $20K
33 donations
Doveland Community Cooperative began as a part of Stone Soup Cooperative. In the 90’s, a group of individuals committed to joy and social justice convened. Their interest in maintaining an environment of support and democratic participation led to the development of Stone Soup Cooperative. In 1997, members negotiated a lease with Our Lady of Lourdes Church for their property at 4637 N. Ashland Ave. Ashland House housed up to 18 members for many years. In 2016, Ashland House relocated to N. Sheridan and became Sheridan House.
In 2000, the Leland House (1430 W. Leland Ave.) was purchased through fundraising and a mortgage from the Chicago Community Loan Fund. The property was converted from three apartments to a co-op of approximately 11 members.
In 2002, a group of activists on the south side of the city approached Stone Soup. They had been organizing to purchase 3549 S. Hoyne from another community and were interested in joining Stone Soup as a third house. Their request was approved, and Hoyne House joined Stone Soup with space for up to 7 members.
In 2019, The Leland House officially separated from the rest of the Stone Soup organization to become Doveland Community Cooperative. Doveland is currently still in a shared mortgage loan with Hoyne House and still participates in monthly Stone Soup board meetings.
Doveland Community Cooperative began as a part of Stone Soup Cooperative. Over the years, it has transformed into a space dedicated to the wellbeing and fight for POC and black liberation. In addition, Doveland acts as a space for non-hierarchical community building: several mutual aid groups meet and utilize it (storage, set up, meetings), and the cooperative has plans to expand its presence by placing a Love Fridge on the property. This mission has principally prioritized affordable housing, yet, despite tremendous creative efforts to rectify the house's debt, we find ourselves needing to turn to the community for assistance.
We are asking for you to join us in preserving a decades-long community space and home for the proliferation of POC activists in Chicago.