A community at the beginning of self-sufficient living
by Marlin Yard Foundation
The communal living project at Vicky's Keys, inspired by the collective farming and homesteading model, aims to create a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving community in Sint Maarten. By promoting shared responsibility, environmental stewardship, and social engagement, we offer a unique and enriching living experience for individuals and couples seeking a meaningful way of life.
Join us at Vicky's Keys, where every day is an opportunity to live harmoniously with nature and each other!
The concept explained
Difference between Communal living and Co-Living
The main difference between communal living and co-living lies in the depth of shared responsibilities, purpose, and lifestyle:
1. Communal Living:
- Purpose and Philosophy: Communal living is often centered around a shared ideology or common goal, such as sustainability, self-sufficiency, or spiritual development. Communities are more intentional, meaning residents work together toward a collective purpose beyond just sharing space.
- Shared Responsibilities: Members typically share not only living spaces but also tasks like cooking, cleaning, gardening, or even decision-making. There's a stronger emphasis on collaboration and building a long-term community.
- Lifestyle Integration: Communal living often involves shared resources (like food or energy), and there may be communal meals, meetings, and projects that everyone participates in.
Examples: Eco-villages, intentional communities, and cooperatives where members work closely to create a shared lifestyle.
2. Co-living:
- Convenience and Flexibility: Co-living is often more about convenience, providing residents with shared living spaces like kitchens and common areas while maintaining individual private spaces. It’s a flexible and affordable housing option, often aimed at urban professionals, students, or digital nomads.
- Less Commitment: Co-living tends to focus on ease of living rather than a collective lifestyle. It allows residents to share amenities and reduce costs without necessarily requiring a deep level of personal involvement or shared values.
- Shared Space, Independent Living: Co-living spaces typically have a mix of shared spaces (living rooms, kitchens) and private rooms, but without the same level of communal responsibility or common goal.
Examples: Urban co-living spaces, short-term rental models, or student housing where people live independently but share certain facilities.
In essence, communal living is more about shared values and responsibilities, creating a close-knit, intentional community, whereas co-living is about convenience and affordability, providing shared spaces for independent individuals with fewer shared responsibilities.
Vicky's Keys Concept
Until 2023, Vicky’s Keys operated as an eco-focused hostel. We have since transitioned into a community dedicated to collective farming, homesteading, and serving as a volunteer center for agriculture. At Vicky's Keys, we grow our own vegetables, herbs, bush teas, and fruits, and we also cultivate freshwater fish for consumption or sale within our neighborhood.
Our communal living pilot is set for a ten-year span (2025 – 2035). During this period, we aim to make Vicky’s Keys a self-sufficient concept by incorporating renewable energy sources and water recycling methods. Future residents at Vicky's Keys will embrace a lifestyle that includes using solar power, recycling water for garden irrigation, creating biogas for cooking, and growing their own food on-site. This is all part of our commitment to self-sufficient living.
Community Member Expectations at Vicky's Keys
At Vicky's Keys, our location is designed to support permaculture and aquaponics gardens, making it an ideal setting for both residents and visitors participating in development projects. Communal residents are expected to actively maintain and care for Vicky’s Keys, share responsibilities, and engage in planned development projects while contributing to the community's sustainability.
Shared Responsibilities for Members at Vicky's Keys
By sharing these responsibilities, members of Vicky's Keys contribute to a self-sustaining, eco-friendly community while fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual support.
Agricultural and Farming Duties:
1. Crop Cultivation:
- Planting, watering, and harvesting vegetables, herbs, fruits, and bush teas.
- Maintaining soil health through composting and sustainable farming practices.
2. Aquaculture Management:
- Raising and caring for freshwater fish.
- Maintaining fish tanks and ensuring optimal living conditions.
Sustainable Living Practices:
3. Energy Management:
- Managing and maintaining solar power systems.
- Ensuring efficient use of renewable energy.
4. Water Conservation:
- Implementing and maintaining water recycling systems for garden irrigation.
- Monitoring water usage and promoting conservation practices.
5. Biogas Production: (pending)
- Creating and managing biogas for cooking.
- Ensuring the biogas systems are functioning effectively.
Community Engagement and Development
6. Community Projects:
- Participating in development projects aimed at improving the local community.
- Organizing and leading workshops on sustainable living practices.
7. Education and Outreach:
- Conducting educational programs for visitors and volunteers.
- Promoting the principles of self-sufficient living within and beyond the community.
Maintenance and Upkeep
8. Property Maintenance:
- Regular upkeep of communal areas, gardens, and living quarters.
- Conducting repairs and improvements as needed.
9. Health and Safety:
- Ensuring a safe and healthy living environment for all members.
- Following safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Administrative and Logistical Duties
10. Resource Management:
- Managing communal resources, including tools, supplies, and food stocks.
- Keeping accurate records of resource usage and inventory.
11. Coordination and Communication:
- Participating in regular meetings to discuss community issues and plans.
- Ensuring effective communication among members for smooth operation.
Contribution
Members of Vicky's Keys contribute financially, but not in the form of traditional rent. Instead, they pay a share of communal expenses, such as utilities, maintenance, and food costs. This model fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the community's well-being and sustainability.
Living expenses in Sint Maarten are generally high, with individuals typically paying around US$1300 - US$1800 per month for rent, utilities and maintenance.
However, at Vicky's Keys, these costs are shared, resulting in a much lower monthly cost of living at approximately US$480 per person (indexed as of July 1, 2024). This collective approach makes sustainable living more accessible and affordable for everyone involved.
Additional Income Opportunities at Vicky’s Keys
Offering avenues for additional financial support, there is potential to (re)introduce the following departments:
- Vicky’s Café (Menu Pescatarian, Vegetarian and Vegan orientated)
- Bed & Breakfast Studio’s 8A & 8B
- Crafts shop
- More options can be discussed.
The premises
Vicky's Keys encompasses approximately 1,400m² (15,000 square feet) of premises featuring cultivated gardens with herbs, vegetables, fruits, and fish (Aquaponics). Our property includes four buildings designed to accommodate both volunteers and visitors.
Apartments
Currently the apartments 4A, 4B and 6B are reserved for Communal members. Apartment 6A is reserved for international based volunteering guests.
Unit 4
Both apartments 4A and 4B have a surface of 25m2 / 269ft2, that accommodates a small household of maximum 2 persons. It has a dual kitchen/living room space, bedroom and bathroom, screened windows and air-conditioning in the bedroom. Both accommodations are suited for a couple.
Unit 6
Apartment 6A
This apartment has a surface of 45m2 / 484 ft2. Currently it’s furnished to accommodate a total of 11 persons. It has a kitchen, 3 air-conditioned bedrooms, a bathroom and separate toilet, all screened windows. This accommodation is suited to accommodate international based volunteers and or short term visitors.
- Dorm room 6a1: 2 x bunkbeds – max 4 persons
- Private Room 6a2: 1 double and 1 single bunkbed – max 3 persons
- Private oom 6a3: 2 x bunkbeds – max 4 persons
Apartment 6B
This apartment has a surface of 45m2 / 484 ft2, that accommodates a small household of maximum 4 persons. It has a kitchen, living room, 2 air-conditioned bedrooms, bathroom and toilet, all screened windows.
Members skills and qualifications
Commitment to Sustainable Living
1. Interest in Sustainability:
- Genuine passion for environmental conservation and sustainable living practices.
- Willingness to learn and apply eco-friendly techniques in daily life.
2. Adaptability:
- Ability to adapt to a self-sufficient lifestyle, including the use of renewable energy, water recycling, and biogas systems.
- Flexibility to live in a communal setting with shared responsibilities.
Skills and Experience
3. Agricultural Knowledge:
- Basic understanding of farming and gardening, or a willingness to learn.
- Experience in crop cultivation, aquaculture, or related fields is a plus.
- Experience in teaching cultivation techniques or willing to teach is a plus.
4. Technical Skills:
- Familiarity with solar power systems, water recycling, and biogas production is beneficial.
- Practical skills in maintenance and repair of communal facilities.
Community and Social Skills
5. Team Player:
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with others.
- Willingness to participate in community projects and engage in group activities.
6. Communication Skills:
- Effective communication skills for coordinating with other members and visitors.
- Ability to conduct workshops or educational sessions on sustainable living practices.
Personal Attributes
7. Responsibility and Reliability:
- Dependable and responsible in fulfilling assigned duties and tasks.
- Committed to contributing to the well-being of the community.
8. Open-mindedness:
- Open to new experiences and different ways of living.
- Respectful of diverse perspectives and backgrounds within the community.
Volunteer and Community Engagement
9. Volunteering Experience:
- Previous experience in volunteering or community service is an advantage.
- Willingness to dedicate time and effort to community development projects.
10. Health and Safety Awareness:
- Understanding of basic health and safety practices.
- Commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy living environment for all members.
By meeting these qualifications, potential members will be well-equipped to thrive in the self-sustaining, eco-friendly community of Vicky's Keys, contributing to its growth and sustainability.
Members skills and qualifications
The ideal candidate for us will have beneath mentioned interests, skills and qualifications.
Commitment to Sustainable Living
1. Interest in Sustainability:
- Genuine passion for environmental conservation and sustainable living practices.
- Willingness to learn and apply eco-friendly techniques in daily life.
2. Adaptability:
- Ability to adapt to a self-sufficient lifestyle, including the use of renewable energy, water recycling, and biogas systems.
- Flexibility to live in a communal setting with shared responsibilities.
Skills and Experience
3. Agricultural Knowledge:
- Basic understanding of farming and gardening, or a willingness to learn.
- Experience in crop cultivation, aquaculture, or related fields is a plus.
- Experience in teaching cultivation techniques or willing to teach is a plus.
4. Technical Skills:
- Familiarity with solar power systems, water recycling, and biogas production is beneficial.
- Practical skills in maintenance and repair of communal facilities.
Community and Social Skills
5. Team Player:
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with others.
- Willingness to participate in community projects and engage in group activities.
6. Communication Skills:
- Effective communication skills for coordinating with other members and visitors.
- Ability to conduct workshops or educational sessions on sustainable living practices.
Personal Attributes
7. Responsibility and Reliability:
- Dependable and responsible in fulfilling assigned duties and tasks.
- Committed to contributing to the well-being of the community.
8. Open-mindedness:
- Open to new experiences and different ways of living.
- Respectful of diverse perspectives and backgrounds within the community.
Volunteer and Community Engagement
9. Volunteering Experience:
- Previous experience in volunteering or community service is an advantage.
- Willingness to dedicate time and effort to community development projects.
10. Health and Safety Awareness:
- Understanding of basic health and safety practices.
- Commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy living environment for all members.
By meeting these qualifications, potential members will be well-equipped to thrive in the self-sustaining, eco-friendly community of Vicky's Keys, contributing to its growth and sustainability.
Summary of Vicky’s Keys Communal Living Policy
Shared Responsibilities
- Work Hours: Contribute weekly to communal tasks like gardening, cooking, cleaning, and maintenance.
- Chores Rotation: Rotated chores ensure fair distribution of responsibilities.
- Decision-Making: Collective decision-making through regular meetings, with major decisions requiring consensus.
Resource Sharing
- Food: Shared meals and groceries, with surplus produce distributed equally.
- Tools and Equipment: Shared use of tools, machinery, and communal spaces like the kitchen.
- Financial Contributions: Members contribute to communal expenses, including utilities and repairs.
Respect and Communication
- Conflict Resolution: Open and respectful conflict resolution, focusing on active listening and empathy.
- Privacy: Respect for each member's privacy and boundaries.
- Communication Channels: Clear communication through group chats and notice boards.
Sustainability and Agriculture
- Permaculture Practices: Emphasis on sustainable farming, composting, and water conservation.
- Seed Saving: Encouragement of seed-saving to maintain biodiversity.
- Educational Workshops: Regular workshops on agriculture, sustainability, and community building.
Welcoming New Members
- Trial Period: A 6-month trial period to ensure compatibility, with the option for a longer-term contract.
- Orientation: Comprehensive orientation for new members on values, policies, and routines.
Trial Period
During the 6-month trial period, new members have the option to receive a contract for a negotiable longer term. We seek reliable candidates who will fit into our community concept. Available units are reserved and will be made available to our newest members as soon as possible.
Procedure
If you meet the above criteria, you are a potential candidate to view this new home and join the Vicky’s Keys community. Please fill out the form below and upload the required information. This will help us select candidates for interviewing and for viewing and continue the process of becoming a resident at Vicky’s Keys.
Please complete the form below and upload the requested information. Incomplete forms will not be processed and will be considered not eligible for the application process. All provided information will remain highly confidential. If you are not selected, your information will be destroyed immediately.
Contact
Hey there! I'm Cee Marlin, your go-to person and chief volunteer at Vicky's Keys. Have questions before you apply? Feel free to reach out to me directly on WhatsApp at +31850041137, or use our contact form HERE. I'm here to help and will get back to you as soon as possible. Looking forward to connecting with you!
