The journey of living here has been so much more of an experience then language could ever define.

Since moving in, the roots of my soul have been uplifted and replanted in many different ways and over countless times. It has become very difficult for me to speak in an unadorned manner. At times I have felt like a tiny weed growing amidst a beautifully orchestrated garden. There have also been moments when the spread of my leaves may have provided others with shade from the sun’s burning rays - just as others have protected me.

If Atangard were a garden: all who have and still do live here, as well as those who are a part of our essential extended family, began as little seeds and have grown like the trees, upwards and onwards. Momentarily some have reached greater heights, while others have struggled to bloom. But just like any other ecosystem, we grow together. And just as a garden does, this community has grown with time and changed with the seasons. Yet still together we yearn for the warmth of the sun, reaching out for life and comfort. And as we stretch out our roots, we begin filling our veins with the nutrients of a home. For some residents our community might be more of a social undertaking and for others a personal endeavour. But I believe we all have the potential to make it both and everything in between.

The question of what sets this place apart from other communities has always been asked. Part of the answer, I believe, can be found in what connects us. We have our traditions, rituals, and expectations - eating together probably being the most obvious. But what truly binds us, regardless of how much or how little we may actually know of one another, is the love we share. That we can recognize the good in everyone. Though it may be unseen at times, it is a love which transcends these old walls and creates a maze of bridges we are all free to cross. The bridges are built on the fact that we cherish and care about each other, even if at times just through our own silent thoughts and prayers. Sometimes, the depth of our words and actions may not always run as deep as our intentions. Yet honour exists in our ability to love one another, which gifts us the opportunity to grow in this place. Though this home of ours stands as a unique model to the outside, many find themselves not recognizing any difference after a time spent here.

By living in close quarters with one another, I have learned that within all the inspiration, conflict and instances which occur, we have the ability to partake in a healing process. That by living in this particular community, the lasting changes we endure as individuals allow us to flourish in the world we join hereafter. We are all products of our experiences: the millions of moments, thoughts and conversations we have make us who we are. We all impact one another more than we could really realize or fully understand. This experience has significantly made my life better... made me better. Though I am not always able to understand or express my love, or my keen admiration, I am overwhelmed by it always. I count myself blessed and honoured to be among such inspiring and remarkable people. Living together is an experience that demands each one of us to be challenged and forgiving. It also enables us to share in the intricacies, complexities and profound depths of our human existence with others.

The only regret has been my own inability to cross over some of these bridges. You could say that I have a fear of heights. While I’ve suffered in wondering how to love those who surround me better and deeper, I’ve simultaneously failed to yet fully accept the love and acceptance that has been present the entire time.  Sometimes openness can be a matter of pealing skin off the heart. Old wounds, however, make for many thick layers which take longer to uncover. I fear there is no real way I can express my gratitude for the forgiveness, patience and understanding of where I lack and fall behind.
For me Directorship has been a journey wrapped in humility. In fact, probably most of my experience here has been that of humility. Being the weed I am at times, I take great pleasure in the beauty that I am surrounded by in this garden. Despite some frustration evoked by personal challenges, along with some trying moments during Director Meetings, it has always been striking to witness the creativity, care and endurance put forth in making this place work. I love and admire everyone here so deeply. I only hope that I can do half of what I see and feel others doing for this place, Directors and Residents.

I look forward to what is to come, though the loss of those moving on can feel almost too significant. This summer comes with many anticipated fears, dreams, hopes and expectations. For many others the same could be said I am sure. So I’m sending out my good energies in loving form. I deeply believe that everything and everyone is interconnected through the One we live and breathe in. As long as we continue to keep our hearts and thoughts directed towards one another and let grace be our rule, the Atangard will continue to produce so many fruits of the soul. The eternal gratitude of those who worked these soils, planted us, and bled willingly for this place to flourish, must always be realized in our hearts. I owe so much to the creators, the builders, and the faces that have given me a space to be free and loved. Let us always be deeply rooted in the floor of this place because just like the earth, it is trustworthy. But let us also employ a strong spirit in our tribe, which for many may be gazing upon one another with the eyes of God’s heart.

Lia

Change is in the air

Summer is coming, maybe that's a little optimistic. Let's just say that winter is coming to an end.

With that change is coming. People are getting married, people are moving, going to school, grad school, tree planting, on tour etc.

All that to say we have some rooms available. New house-mates are always exciting. If you are interested please email:

atangard @gmail .com

Christmas at the Atangard

It's been quite festive here this holiday season. We've had more charlie brown tree's than you could hope to wish for, a retro movie night, a gift exchange and stocking sweatshop. Not to mention a christmas recital for our parents where the mens sextet battled the atangard family band. In the end they were equal in entertainment and charm. The evening was packed with music, readings, carols, parents, and friends. Thanks for sharing the evening with us. Thanks to Joanne for the photos.

The Christmas Marshamoo

Written by Daniel Bryce

Some people say that Christmas has lost all of its charm

And commercialist consumption does LESS good than harm

The concept of gift giving has gone right out of the door

Gift getting is the only thing people think of anymore

The food is rich and fatty and unhealthy at its core

While hanging out with family is either fights or being bored.

And then there’s global warming to wipe White Christmas from the Earth

And no one seems to recall that we’re celebrating birth.

Well all this Christmas un-cheer tends to put us in a bind

And plant anti-Christmas sentiment deep within our minds

BUT WAIT! Hold on a minute what about positive things

All the Cheer and Joy and Warmth and Love that Christmas often brings?

So before you give up on Christmas, before Christmas concedes defeat

There is some one very special that I think you all should meet

I am the Christmas Marshamoo A-Kalawalla Parsen Loo

And I am here to entreat you to not give up on Christmas

May head is made of turkey the most Christmasy of birds.

It’s stuffed with garlic, onion, bread and butter mixed with herbs

One leg is a Christmas tree with presents underneath

The other is a winter sleigh festooned with Christmas wreaths

My right arm’s tattoo’d with Wisemen following a bright and morning star

While my left is full of flutes and drums and a choir with Guitars.

I have a Poinsettia on my head and big white Santa beard

But my ugly Christmas sweater makes me look quite weird.

My heart it is a fireplace and always burning bright

It keeps you warm and toasty on those long cold Christmas Nights

(Except of course for those who live in the southern half of the hemisphere…)

I am the Christmas Marshamoo A-Kalawalla Parsen Loo

And I am here to entreat you to not give up on Christmas

When Timmy was a little boy

Christmas always brought him joy

It wasn’t just the clothes and toys

It was something much more special

When Tessa was a little girl

She valued Christmas more than pearls

And wouldn’t trade it for the world

It was something very special

When Ash was just a little pup

He hoped that Christmas wouldn’t stop

Wait dogs don’t understand that stuff

But then again Christmas is Magic

And I am the Christmas Marshamoo A-Kalawalla Parsen Loo

And I am here to entreat you to not give up on Christmas

So with last things last and first things first

Christmas can not come out worse

In fact it is the time of year

When we should all be filled with cheer

With friends and family drawing near

And gifts are given, songs are sung

Heartfelt caring things are done

Christmas can be so much fun

When we remember why we’re here.

So the last thing I have to say to you

Is remember what is tried and true

And keep me in your thoughts this Chirstmas

I am the Christmas Marshamoo A-Kalawalla Parsen Loo

And I am here to entreat you to not give up on Christmas

The night before Christmas at Atangard

Adapted by Sophia Suderman

Twas the night before Christmas, all through the hotel

Not a creature was stirring, not even Yunal.

And downstairs at Airfair the lights were down low,

Not a person on Essendene, not even a hoe.

And the fireplace - what fireplace? We didn't even have heat,

But we sat at the table to drink and to eat.

Mark came out in his snuggy and Chad joined along,

And we all warmed our hearts with a Christmassy song.

Until up on the roof there arose such a clatter,

That gave Len a call to see what was the matter.

Chad ran to his window nose pressed to the pane,

When dropped into the atrium our familiar friend Shane.

This time he looked different, he did not wear black, but instead dressed in red complete with a hat.

His eyes were not glazed in fact quite the contrary, his beer belly had doubled and he now seemed quite merry

Like deja-vous he opened the door, his heavy black boots footprinted our floor

He walked into the pantry and set down his sack, "Here's a bottle of vinegar I want to give back.

One of balsamic, another of cider, rice vinegar, white vinegar, even one lighter!"

This time he did not come to take he explained. In fact, he very much wanted to bake.

In the kitchen we gathered and Shane went to work, we told him we were sorry we'd called him a jerk.

Jen and Marissa brought gluten free flour, we made gingerbread and constructed a tower.

The evening passed and the clock struck eight, Tess started yawning, it was getting late.

We thanked Shane as he told us he must get back to work, there were plenty more rooftops on which he would lurk.

Then he left in a flash, just as quick as he came, this time we won't call the cops we exclaimed.

And as Shane wandered away out of sight, I'm sure I heard him mutter

"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night..."

Cascade Article

Nick Ubel from the Cascade wrote an article on affordable housing. Click here to view the whole thing.

In Abbotsford, an inspired group of young people are banding together to make the most of the housing crisis.

Atangard residents enjoy a barbeque outside the Fraser Valley Inn

At 10:08 on a brisk, autumn morning, I ring the buzzer at the street-level entrance to the Fraser Valley Inn. The aged redbrick building sits on the main drag of old downtown Abbotsford, a remnant of a bygone era, seemingly immune to the rigors of gentrification. On its north face, the gaudy red and white marquee of the Air Fare Lounge towers over the corner of Essendene and West Railway, while on the east side, there is an ancient and crowded liquor store. Among the building’s other lease-holders are New Passage to India – a cozy little restaurant specializing in traditional Indian cuisine – and upstairs: the Atangard Community Project.

A few moments later, I am ushered inside by one of the project’s directors, Sophie Suderman, who leads me past a rickety stand-up piano and up the stairs. The 18-room single and double occupancy housing project takes up much of the Fraser Valley Inn’s second floor. Each apartment in the Atangard is between 150 and 300 square feet, not including individual bathrooms, one of the conveniences of renovating an old hotel. Indie rock and the dizzying pitch of at least five voices laughing and talking excitedly over each other issues from the kitchen. Sophie takes me on a tour through the two guest rooms, four common rooms, and a bike storage locker that is so full it overflows into the laundry room. A fresh coat of paint covers the uneven surface of the walls and a mishmash of art and photography lines the halls. In another life, the Fraser Valley Inn was a run-down one-star SRO until it was shut down by the city in 2005 because of the social problems it created. The Atangard group has since renovated, pulling up the old carpet to reveal a beautifully-aged plywood floor and stocking the common rooms with thrift store furniture, old pub chairs, bright paint and new kitchen appliances. It still feels a bit musty, but clean and lived-in. “It’s really what you make of it,” Sophie tells me. For the 25 young people who live there, it’s a home.

Since 2009, the Atangard has provided affordable housing in a community setting for students and working people between the ages of 19 and 35. Sophie tells me that she first started working on the project over four years ago in response to what she saw as a great need for reasonably priced, community-based living for this neglected demographic.

“Our society is so driven to achieve and relationships fall to the side,” she says. “A situation like this meets both the relational needs as well as the need for affordability.”

She explains that it can be difficult for young people to split the rent in other community living arrangements because of the instability of this age group. If one roommate decides to move out, everyone else is caught in the lurch. The Atangard Community Project Society manages tenant-lease agreements and could absorb the cost of an empty room for a month if need be. So far, this has not been a problem thanks to a steady waitlist of interested tenants. Sophie told me that this demand has prompted discussions about how to create a similar arrangement elsewhere.

Passing by the communal dining area, I am invited by a few tenants to join them for pancakes and coffee. Everyone is in good spirits, decked out in sweatpants and t-shirts. A few laptops are open and everyone seems to linger around the table long after they finish their breakfast. Mark, who is sitting across from me, is tending to a Shirley Temple that he drinks out of a jam jar. “Every time I see him, he has one,” Emily tells me. The scene speaks volumes about the character of this community. It’s like a patchwork quilt: warm, tightly stitched together and possessed of a certain ramshackle charm. I ask my tablemates what it’s like to live at Atangard.

“Practically speaking, it’s very easy to live cheaply, simply here in this space because we have a lot of other things that are not included in a normal person’s rent,” Chad says. For instance, each tenant is expected to cook dinner once or twice a month for the entire group. That way, they can save money by buying ingredients in larger quantities and spend less time worrying about making a healthy meal. Some of Atangard’s other projects include an auto pool and a community garden.

Atangard residents in the kitchen

Although there are many benefits provided by community living, things are far from perfect.

“It’s important to realize it’s not a utopia,” Chad says. “We’re talking in very idealist ways, when in reality this is something we’re striving to achieve.”

Yet Atangard does help fill a significant gap in today’s housing market. It acts as a reprieve for young people struggling to find a decent place to hang their hat. And when I ask Adam where he would be if not Atangard, he tells me bluntly: “probably a shitty basement suite for a couple hundred dollars more.”

shareshareshareshareshare

times are changing

This month marks our two year anniversary. At this point we have now been in operation for the equivalent amount of time that this project was in development. Time flies.

Two years marks many changes for us. Over this last year, and maybe more so the last months, many who have been here since the beginning have decided to move on. Only half of our original residents remain, and even fewer are those who used to meet for that year prior to moving in. Our directorship has changed as well as the introduction of an executive director position. The evolution of these things are what is needed to make this place sustainable and hopefully enable it to serve people beyond the investment of the founders. I believe it is a good place to be in, and yet I cannot help but feel a little nostalgic.

I don't believe that there will ever be people who will care as deeply for this place as those who put their life on hold to see it happen. Those who met weekly for over a year, who prayed and grappled with this concept and the feasibility of it, and those who spent every saturday and a few evenings a week in the summer of 09 doing reno's.

It has been awesome to have new housemates and new directors on board. Fresh energy and ideas to replace our weariness and remind us of the beauty of this place, and new people to learn of and from. I am grateful for the people that live here, for those who have been around since the beginning, those who are new, as well as those who we have loved and have now moved on.

Sophia

Shooter-Scare

We've got Dan's scoots on the road for the summer addition to our auto-share. Ghetto-fabulous scooter dates are all the rage around here. Tessa is in high demand seeing as she's got the second scoot. I think we are officially hooked and trying to scam a fleet if we could only afford it. We're trying out an online booking system in hopes of possibly opening up the autoshare to people outside of our residence. Let us know if you are interested... and watch out for us on the road. Cheers.

Summer in the Forest

Its the beginning of our second summer spent living at atangard. ( Third summer if you count the hand full of us who spent the summer of 2009 renovating the old hotel we now call home). Still, there are plenty of little improvements and custom upgrades being worked on all the time by our handy maintenance crew. Apart from the practical things, there are some subtle (yet...loud) changes in and amongst our some 8000 sf of inhabited space.

Check it out! Sophia had the idea to paint a forest in the laundry room (which, i might add, has had a serious face lift in terms of organization and functionality). Cool right? And, it worked out perfectly, because it just so happens that green and brown are the color of choice for feature walls in atangard. (hence the multiple cans of left over paint).

This was all happening last friday night, while another group of patriotic hockey fans were cheering on the canucks in what turned out to be a 1-0 win for us. (GO CANUCKS GO!!!!!) My camera battery died 20 seconds before the game ended, but I did manage to catch a debatably epic moment.

While were on the subject of improvements, I must mention the third official "bike art" piece composed by our very own Jenny Born. I believe this particular piece articulates very well the jenster adventures some of us have had the privilege of hearing a about/be a part of. (aka. bike tours across vietnam/ local green party bike ride/triathlon/bike to work week..ect.) Jenny B, you never cease to amaze me!