At Casa Alterna, the work we do necessitates that we remain dynamic, always seeking to evolve in response to the realities of the times we live in and to grow in response to the needs we see. In response to political changes, including policies under the current administration, our organization re-envisioned what hospitality through our community house looks like. With severe restrictions on new asylum seekers entering the United States, we have shifted the model of our community house from transitional housing for asylum seekers to an intentional community model made up of individuals embracing a shared life. This November, six residents begin a one-year journey of intentional community, rooted in hospitality, solidarity, and mutual support.
Recently, the new cohort carved out time to get away together at Woodland Gardens in Decatur. This retreat provided the space to envision and embody what living together over the next year might look and feel like. To begin, the cohort read Pablo Neruda’s poem, “Keeping Quiet.” The text describes a moment of quiet, a moment of doing nothing, as “an exotic moment, without rush, without engines.” The poem calls this a time when “we would all be together in a sudden strangeness.” In a culture where quiet and stillness are rare, pausing may feel unusual—or even countercultural—but it can also be deeply rewarding.
In a culture where quiet and stillness are rare, pausing can feel countercultural—but also deeply rewarding.
Following reflection on the poem and conversation around their own experiences of community life, each person shared an object that expressed their hope for the year together. One member chose to bring a small globe, which she said symbolized the ways that each person in the community house is distinct, and her hope to honor those differences while also recognizing shared commonalities across the group. With this in mind, the group outlined their shared values, emphasizing empathy, respect, good communication, positive attitudes, and taking responsibility as some of the foundations of the community they are building together.
Empathy, respect, communication, and accountability form the foundation of the community we are building together.
While much of the retreat day was focused on outlining the details of what life together would look like, the experience also featured time for singing traditional Latin American songs led by one resident who shared his gift for music, taking in the beauty of the fall leaves on a nature walk through the garden, and, of course, breaking bread together.
Having shared hopes and visions, the residents of Casa Alterna also spent time getting specific about how they plan to live well together. From shared chores and responsibilities to quiet hours and pizza nights, the residents are already shaping a year full of connection, care, and community.
by Bernadette Naro, Casa Alterna’s Program Director
AT THE THRESHOLD:
How might you cultivate hospitality, solidarity, and mutual care in your own life through reflection, shared values, or everyday practices?
Casa Alterna 