Learning from the Best: How the 500 Communities Program Shaped My Path in Cohousing

500 Communities Program Graduates Christina Marshall and Alastair Townsending hosting an Info Session for their new cohousing community, Kinni Cohousing

By: Christina Marshall, 2023-2024 500 Communities Program Graduate

For more than 20 years, I’ve worked in senior living, starting as a nursing assistant and now serving at an executive level, guiding the sales and marketing efforts for senior living developers and operators, including helping perfect sales processes, open new communities, and build high-performing teams. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with thousands of people and families, gaining incredible insights into relationship-based sales and marketing—an approach that focuses on developing authentic connections and understanding what truly motivates people. By refining sales processes, building trust, and fostering meaningful relationships, I’ve learned how to create environments where people don’t just live but truly belong.

Despite the growth and all the advancements in senior living, I saw a gap—many housing models focus on care and amenities but struggle to create the deeper sense of community that makes a place feel like home. That’s what led me to cohousing, a model that intentionally fosters connection, collaboration, and intergenerational living.

500 Communities Program: More Than Just a Training Program

When I discovered the 500 Communities Program, I knew it was exactly what I needed. If I was going to immerse myself in cohousing, I wanted to learn from the Master—Katie McCamant. Katie’s reputation in the industry speaks for itself, and her experience, knowledge, and direct approach made this program an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

Enrolling in 500 Communities Program was both exciting and daunting. The path was filled with moments of apprehension and self-doubt—was there truly a place for me in this space? But through Katie’s guidance and encouragement, I gained clarity. She helped me see that what I bring to cohousing is not only valuable but necessary. My expertise in sales, marketing, and community-building fills a critical need in this industry—cohousing groups need strong strategies to grow membership and bring their vision to life.

The 500 Communities Program curriculum gave me the knowledge and tools to take action, covering everything from development and financing to project management and marketing. But one of the most valuable aspects of 500 Communities Program has been the cohort experience—being surrounded by a network of passionate professionals working toward the same goal. Among them is Alastair Townsend, my fellow 500 Communities Program cohort member and founder of Township, a cohousing development company, with whom I have been collaborating on Kinni Cohousing, a forming community in Western Wisconsin.

Christina and Katie at the 2024 National Cohousing Conference

Kinni Cohousing: Building a Community from Scratch

Kinni Cohousing, located in River Falls, WI—just 30 minutes from Minneapolis/St. Paul—is a unique cohousing effort in that we are truly building the group from scratch. Many forming cohousing communities begin with a handful of dedicated "burning souls" who are already committed to the vision and ready to push it forward. At Kinni, we took a different approach—using our professional expertise to first identify a community poised for cohousing and then investing the time and resources to build membership and drive the project forward.

We recognized that River Falls has the key ingredients for a successful cohousing community—a vibrant and growing population, strong local values around sustainability and connection, and proximity to a major metro area. Rather than waiting for a group to emerge organically, we are using thoughtful strategies to cultivate awareness, generate interest, and build a committed membership base from the ground up.

Since launching in October, we’ve already seen measurable results—our approach is working. Through targeted outreach, engaging virtual and in-person information sessions, and a clear, strategic vision, we are demonstrating that professional expertise can efficiently get groups off the ground and accelerate the path toward making a cohousing project a reality. We believe this model can be replicated in other communities that are ripe for cohousing but lack an initial core group to get started.

In many ways, we are building the airplane as we are flying it, but we aren’t flying blind. With the knowledge and tools gained through 500 Communities Program, along with ongoing support from Katie and the 500 Communities affiliates, we have the confidence to keep pushing forward.

Christina (front center) with other 500 Communities Program graduates at the 2024 National Cohousing Convention in Denver

Coho Collab: Turning 500 Communities Program Lessons into Action

One of the biggest takeaways from 500 Communities Program is that cohousing needs more than vision—it needs strong strategy, marketing, and leadership to make it a reality. That realization led me to launch Coho Collab, my consulting company dedicated to helping forming cohousing groups develop their marketing strategies, grow membership, and build momentum for their projects.

One of the greatest gifts of 500 Communities Program has been the relationships I’ve built with other cohousing professionals. Shelly Parks, in particular, has been a tremendous mentor, offering insight from both her work with forming communities and her own experience living in cohousing.

Through Coho Collab, I apply what I’ve learned in 500 Communities Program every day—helping communities refine their messaging, attract new members, and move from ideas to action. Relationship-based sales and marketing aren’t just theories—they are proven, replicable approaches that help people connect with communities in a meaningful way. Katie’s mentorship has been instrumental in this journey, reminding me that while the path isn’t always clear, persistence and the right support make all the difference.

Looking Ahead

After completing 500 Communities Program in September 2024, I am more dedicated than ever to expanding cohousing across the United States and actively contributing to the development of the next 500 cohousing communities—fulfilling the vision of the 500 Communities Program. This program has provided me with the expertise, confidence, and network to drive real change, and I am eager to use these tools to support forming communities and accelerate the growth of cohousing nationwide.

For anyone considering a future in cohousing, I highly recommend 500 Communities Program. It’s more than just a training program—it’s a launchpad and a true support network for those committed to transforming the way we build community.

If you’re interested in learning more about Kinni Cohousing, please visit www.kinnicoho.com. You can also learn more about Coho Collab at www.cohocollab.com. I encourage anyone thinking about joining the next cohort of the 500 Communities Program to reach out if they have any questions or want to learn more about my experience—I can be reached at christina@cohocollab.com.