Radical Living is a Christ-centered cohousing community located in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. We are a multicultural, intergenerational and ecumenical community of artists, workers and students that includes single men and women, a growing family, and one dog.
There are three houses–Hart House, Marcy House and Pulaski House–connected to Radical Living. They are located in a one-block radius and function as one community with 18 members (not counting the dog).
In essence we are dedicated to living a meditative, prophetic and prayerful life, centered in Christ, engaged in our neighborhood, concerned with social justice, and led by the Holy Spirit.
HISTORY
Radical Living was birthed out of a newlywed couple’s longing to be an active participant in the living body of Jesus Christ (i.e. the Church). In 2006 Jason and Vonetta decided to open their brownstone home to other followers of Jesus. Vonetta christened the community Radical Living. “Radical” is a word that means “relating to the root or origin”. The couple sought to return to primitive Christianity and to share their lives with others in a spirit of love and service. By late summer 2007 their brownstone was filled with Christ-followers, and soon thereafter two other houses on the block were converted to community houses. Within a year Radical Living had three community houses, eighteen members and the beginnings of genuine friendships with one another and with their neighbors.
OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Bedford-Stuyvesant is a thriving neighborhood in the heart of Brooklyn. It is currently in the midst of a renaissance and many local, and not-so local, artists and artisans have set up shop here. It is predominantly African American, although there are also many West Indians, Hasidic Jews, hipsters, immigrants, and native born who live here. To keep up to date with neighborhood happenings, check out the Bed-Stuy Blog.
MEMBERS
Alissa Alaine Moore wrote a bio poem for you: Artistically inclined, Alissa studied theatre at Skidmore College and studio Art in Italia. Lover of the Lord, Alissa proclaims his glory first and foremost in her Life. Intensely Interested In Intentional Living, she is Invested in Radical Living. Seattle-lite for the first 18 years of her life, She takes rainy days in Stride. Savoring her independence, she works part-time for a non-profit theatre company and part-time as a photography assistant. An Active Athlete, who longs to one day run marathons, Alissa is often found jogging through the neighborhood. God Bless!
Melinda Born in Seoul, raised in Cincinnati, and currently growing in Brooklyn. I got my MSW in May and now enjoy working with youth as a social worker. Other enjoyments include dancing in place at concerts, reading fiction, engaging in dialogue on race/ethnicity, poverty, and Christ, and learning about people. And I am excited to be part of this community!
Julia switched coasts from California to New York about two and a half years ago. She currently works in the government going after evil corporations. She enjoys reading and takes advantage of the great library system. Like most New Yorkers, she hasn’t been to the Empire State Building, but is planning to go.
Vonetta I’m originally from Guyana in South America, but have lived mostly in Brooklyn, NY since I was a 12 years old. I studied Theatre and Business Management at Stonybrook University. In June, I married my dynamo husband, Jason, and in August we formed this community. It’s amazing to see how God’s Spirit is moving in new ways in our community. Praise Jesus!
Jason I was raised primarily in southern Wisconsin, spent a decade (from the age of 17 to 27 years old) meandering cities, cultures and continents, and finally settled in the County of Kings (i.e. Brooklyn!) where Jesus breathed on me, and even blessed me with Vonetta, my amazing wife. On 8/08/08, we had a daughter. Her name is Chloe Zipporah. (God is awesome.) My current vocation is in the South Bronx at Youth Ministries for Peace & Justice where I’m the Director of Development.
Greg I’m originally from Gallup, NM and Westminster, MD as well as the Christian Reformed Church, United Church of Christ, and Presbyterian USA traditions. I studied Econ and Psych in NC and Latin America, and then worked in grassroots development in rural Bulgaria with the Peace Corps. I’m now excited about Christ’s grassroots faith community, am a first-year 6th grade English-Spanish bilingual teacher here in Brooklyn, and am a part-time grad student.
Sarah: I moved to NYC in 2007 for graduate school. I met the others here when I started walking to Hart House every other week for the book club– I came for the theology discussions but stayed for the people. When I’m not reading or staring into space, I teach English at CUNY or go exploring…
More bios to come…
