Since everyone that responded here is interested in Michigan, I also have an opportunity to share, but in the SW part of the state, 15 minutes from Lake Michigan and 40 minutes to Kalamazoo. I'm offering a room share in exchange for labor. You will be working on a 1200sf, 100 year old farmhouse and tiny 1/3 acre in a rural village surrounded by fruit farms. This will allow you to live inexpensively (with time left to earn cash elsewhere), design/plant/tend to ecoscapes and ancient trees, build habitat, remove invasive species, work independently, build community, engage in meditation, and much more.
The ultimate goals for this property include: growing/studying herbs and creating tinctures for multiple uses; creating habitat for birds, bugs and critters; growing fruit; low/no waste; creating space for a weekly gathering of (lonely) young people in need of old-time community; offering that same space for meditation and a weekly hour of silence (unplugged).
Labor includes a wide variety of tasks, light and heavy. Please be strong and comfortable performing dirty jobs as well as finish work, carpentry, painting, digging, hauling, cleaning, errands, etc. In exchange for 20 hours of work each week (flexible task list provided) you will receive a private/secure bedroom and your own sitting room. You are also welcome to camp outside in a tent or caravan. The kitchen and bath are shared, but large.
You will need to take care of your own food and any other needs besides shelter. I have tools, supplies, a Prius wagon, a small dog, and a kind/open heart. Please, no smoking, drinking, or drug use. I'm not against those, and there's a bar within walking distance, I just want the homestead to remain sacred. Speaking of which, we'll be keeping quiet hours, but you'll also have the place to yourself (other than pets) while I'm at work M-Th.
I look forward to hearing from you and finding the right person (man, woman, or non-binary) for this unique opportunity.
