Want to live in a cool building near the Pacific Ocean? Think you need to drop millions to have it? Think again. The Haven provides co-living spaces under $1,000 monthly in the Los Angeles area that build a community dedicated to wellness, sustainability and “purpose-driven living.”
Affordable housing is the greatest problem in major American cities right now, said Ben Katz, CEO and a co-founder of Haven. But isolating people in their own units can be another problem.
“At the end of the day, people need human connection,” Katz said. “The idea was to develop a community where people make friends in a supportive environment.”
The first Haven, which opened last year just a few blocks from the beach in Venice, California, features four buildings that house 96 members. The rooms (which can accommodate several people) are furnished with beds, pillows, bedsheets and bath towels and a laundry is on site. The building also features rooftop decks, a courtyard, chef’s kitchen, co-working space, well-appointed common areas, a theater room and — perhaps most importantly — a yoga/meditation room and a gym. Members pay only for what they use. All utilities and full-time cleaning service are included, as well as Hulu and Netflix and high-speed Internet.
It’s quite likely, in fact, that class instructors are neighbors; it’s expected that members give back to the community. Multiple daily events are organized, including beach outings, community dinners and lectures. Potential members fill out a detailed application in which they state plans for personal development and community service (they are required to complete two hours monthly). Members also commit to living sustainably, utilizing ride-sharing and bikes rather than cars, and volunteer in their communities.
In other words, it’s an upscale dormitory that allows young adults the opportunity to live in a major city, network and share wellness-related interests as they begin new lives. While Haven doesn’t restrict by age, the members right now tend to be in their 20s.
More buildings are coming in West Hollywood and Echo Park. As of November, Haven had received 10,000 applications. Different Havens could have other focuses such as fashion, Katz notes.
“We’re destigmatizing affordable housing,” Katz said. “And everyone gets along.”
