How the Heck did they Find Us Claire

How the Heck did they Find Us? Claire and Bob Miller Wolf Creek Lodge, Grass Valley, CA

Agenda • • • Wolf Creek Lodge Myth/Reality Survey Outreach Marketing & Membership

Wolf Creek Lodge Senior Cohousing • • Grass Valley, CA Occupancy October, 2012 30 homes, 41 members 12 couples, 14 ladies, 3 gentlemen, 9 new knees

The Myth Since Senior cohousing is such a great life style people will beat a path to our doors in Grass Valley. We will have long waiting lists and sell homes quickly

The Reality • Senior cohousing differs from the norm • Radical relocation after 60 is challenging • Need significant financial resources • Limited local market • Low visibility

Surveys • Wolf Creek Lodge Members • Here today

Outreach Website Cohousing. org Word of Mouth Local Press (Free Ink) Presentations (Senior) Coho Forums Newsletter Magazine Ads Facebook? Open Houses 800 number info@wolfcreeklodge. org Public/Commercial Radio Flyers Prospective Member List Webinar

Marketing & Membership (M&M – 7 members) • Outreach • Manage initial contacts: phone, email, newsletter requests – qualify!. • Database • Monthly e. Newsletter list • The Visit • Monthly meeting • Assign host – to interact, arrange visit(s)

The Visit • Establish relationship – this is who I am, who are you? • Cohousing 101 • The tour – how we use the spaces, accidental encounters. • Next steps: Common Meal, Potluck, Overnight stay, “come again”

www. wolfcreeklodge. org /slc

Cohousing Forum Agenda Welcome Why (Senior) Cohousing Community Overview Planned project overview My plans four the next stage of my life (small group activity) • Cohousing Financial Considerations • Panel- “What is it really like? ” • • •

Three Questions • How well do I know my neighbors? • What are my current plans for the last third? • How did/are my parents live when I was gone? • What are my options?