Seeking like-minded individuals.

Hello fellow homesteaders,

    My name's Matthew. I'm a framing carpenter and auto/diesel technician, and free-energy enthusiast. It has long-since been apparent that my generation (I'll be 43 in May) would have to seek a different form of "retirement." Building an energy-independent homestead, to me, simply seems like the "best case scenario" concerning safety and/or longevity. With the advent of a Tesla's Powerwall technology, I'm absolutely convinced that the oppportunity is now there. Even with a 1kW/hour return from a single unit, multiple "tiny homes" could be powered (sharing a single "mess hall" unit on the property,) with nothing more than a relatively simple gravity-powered set up. Imagine how we used to power clock towers - hoisting a heavy weight, and using gear reduction to produce rotational torque (that would in turn, spin a small generator/alternator motor.) Depending on the application, what I intend to build as an infrastructure will likely be predominantly DCV, with inverters to provide AC power where it's needed. Between water cisterns and a self-sustaining electrical grid, I do not intend give up any modern technologies for the sake of freedom. I intend to have both.

I enjoy a sober, active lifestyle. At 5'10' and 140lbs., I eat healthy, sleep well, and would like to meet a group of similarly-minded individuals. The simple fact of the matter is, a homestead's odds of success drop dramatically with less than 4-5 people, and as a life-long bachelor, I don't even so much as have a dog at the moment. My odds of succeeding alone are almost non-existent. Turns out that just "chasing work" doesn't really lead a man to much of genuine value in life.  

I'm not looking for "care takers." I'd sincerely like to find a motivated group of people with a wide range of talents and skills. It is not enough for me to simply survive, I intend to thrive (and to return to assisting others to do the same.) I spent a good number of years helping homesteaders out in WNC develop their properties in various aspects. In all my travels, I haven't found another group of people that matched my morals and values as well as theirs did. I was born and raised a Southern Conservative Christian, although I never really considered myself to be a "religious" man. I love freedom, peace, and this country.

Hopefully, someone can help point me in the right direction to potentially find some people that are trying to walk the same path as I am. I look forward to meeting new people.

GOOD LUCK

Seems like intentional community might be what you're looking for....check out ic.org....the premier website for communities worldwide.  Searchable by map and keyword.  The very best way to check this lifestyle out is to arrange to visit and/or volunteer at a few and see how you like the vibe.  They differ dramatically one from another much as individual people do; but larger, longer-functioning communities tend to have some things in common.

Matthew McElveen wrote:Hello fellow homesteaders,

    My name's Matthew. I'm a framing carpenter and auto/diesel technician, and free-energy enthusiast. It has long-since been apparent that my generation (I'll be 43 in May) would have to seek a different form of "retirement." Building an energy-independent homestead, to me, simply seems like the "best case scenario" concerning safety and/or longevity. With the advent of a Tesla's Powerwall technology, I'm absolutely convinced that the oppportunity is now there. Even with a 1kW/hour return from a single unit, multiple "tiny homes" could be powered (sharing a single "mess hall" unit on the property,) with nothing more than a relatively simple gravity-powered set up. Imagine how we used to power clock towers - hoisting a heavy weight, and using gear reduction to produce rotational torque (that would in turn, spin a small generator/alternator motor.) Depending on the application, what I intend to build as an infrastructure will likely be predominantly DCV, with inverters to provide AC power where it's needed. Between water cisterns and a self-sustaining electrical grid, I do not intend give up any modern technologies for the sake of freedom. I intend to have both.

I enjoy a sober, active lifestyle. At 5'10' and 140lbs., I eat healthy, sleep well, and would like to meet a group of similarly-minded individuals. The simple fact of the matter is, a homestead's odds of success drop dramatically with less than 4-5 people, and as a life-long bachelor, I don't even so much as have a dog at the moment. My odds of succeeding alone are almost non-existent. Turns out that just "chasing work" doesn't really lead a man to much of genuine value in life.  

I'm not looking for "care takers." I'd sincerely like to find a motivated group of people with a wide range of talents and skills. It is not enough for me to simply survive, I intend to thrive (and to return to assisting others to do the same.) I spent a good number of years helping homesteaders out in WNC develop their properties in various aspects. In all my travels, I haven't found another group of people that matched my morals and values as well as theirs did. I was born and raised a Southern Conservative Christian, although I never really considered myself to be a "religious" man. I love freedom, peace, and this country.

Hopefully, someone can help point me in the right direction to potentially find some people that are trying to walk the same path as I am. I look forward to meeting new people.

Welcome to Permies!
I would second the words above and say check out the intentional community world. Also check out any kind of alternative energy, gardening or environmental workshop and get together in your area. Like minded people who want to "DO" are usually out there doing already so you have to go find them where they are.
Cheers and good luck.
David

Consider going for a stint at Wheaton Labs, who started this website.

Matthew McElveen wrote:The simple fact of the matter is, a homestead's odds of success drop dramatically with less than 4-5 people, and as a life-long bachelor, I don't even so much as have a dog at the moment. My odds of succeeding alone are almost non-existent.

Hello Matthew!
I tried to go it alone for years.  I think you are correct that we need each other.  

Matthew McElveen wrote:I'd sincerely like to find a motivated group of people with a wide range of talents and skills.
Hopefully, someone can help point me in the right direction to potentially find some people that are trying to walk the same path as I am. I look forward to meeting new people.

Wheaton Labs in Montana is an awesome community.  There are lots of opportunities there and I think they would appreciate your skills.  You could join the bootcamp and work on natural building projects, permaculture gardening and all kinds of other fun stuff.  

Here is a tour of Wheaton Labs!  You can scroll down and watch the trailer for free or get the movie for $5
https://permies.com/w/tour

This is the website where you can sign up:
https://wheaton-labs.com/bootcamp/

This is the permies thread where you can learn more and ask questions:
https://permies.com/wiki/bootcamp

Here is the link for long and short term rentals.  You can even rent an acre of land long term if you want to build your own dream place and be part of the community!

Chengwatana Community Farm in northern Minnesota is looking for collaborators. Chengwatanacommunity.com

Hi Matthew! Looks like we think exactly alike. Going off grid is the best retirement plan. Lets stay connected in your search, there are great groups in oregon and Washington. I had some land then decided to look for something more suitable. Keep my name! Liza

Hi Mathew, where are you at and where are you hoping to locate?  I'm in Southern Oregon and was just searching on here looking for the like minds that might be located near me for the exact kind of things you are talking about.