Question 1

What is co-op housing?

Accepted Answer

Non-profit housing co-ops are a form of shared ownership which provides homes to its members who purchase a share and pay a monthly housing charge.

Question 2

How long will I have to wait to get into a co-op?

Accepted Answer

After applying, it takes three months to three years to get into most co-ops. Some co-ops are not accepting applications, due to their long waiting list.

Question 3

What is a monthly housing charge?

Accepted Answer

A monthly housing charge is like rent. It’s what the members pay each month to live in the co-op.

Question 4

Are co-ops low income housing?

Accepted Answer

No, co-ops are mixed income communities for people of all income levels. Generally, co-ops house people of low and moderate incomes.

Question 5

What are my other obligations as a Co-op Member?

Accepted Answer

Other obligations include: following the Winona Co-op’s Bylaws and rules; mandatory attendance at the General Meetings (usually 3x a year with the possibility of more) paying housing charge on time keeping your unit well maintained reporting any deficiencies or needed repairs to the office by submitting work orders as they occur

Question 6

How many hours per month do I need to volunteer?

Accepted Answer

The minimum number of hours required per month are four.  However, this may vary depending on the committee you choose to join.  For example, during the spring and summer months those who are part of the Garden Committee will spend more time outdoors working on the gardens. You can inquire with each committee to find out more about expectations around time commitments.

Question 7

Do we get to choose how we volunteer our hours?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We encourage our members to select a committee that they feel would be the right fit for them. Choose a committee that you feel passionate about and know that you will be able to contribute with your expertise and skill set. Each committee consensually determines that committee’s schedule and the amount of hours each volunteer will be required to give.

Question 8

May I have pets?

Accepted Answer

Each unit can have up to two cats or dogs, subject to the Pet Policy.

Question 9

Are there laundry facilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Each floor has one shared washer and one dryer.

Question 10

Is there storage?

Accepted Answer

Each unit has a storage closet inside the unit. There is no other storage available at the co-op.

Question 11

May I have a parking space? Two parking spaces?

Accepted Answer

There is a waiting list for a parking space.  There is also street parking.

Question 12

May I have a 2-bedroom if I’m just one person?

Accepted Answer

No. Our policies for housing allocation use the following general guidelines: 1 bedroom: 1 or 2 people 2 bedroom: 2 to 3 people

Question 13

What do the unit floorplans look like?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

I've applied to your co-op in the past and never heard anything. Is my application still on file?

Accepted Answer

If you are on the Waiting List, you will be contacted annually to determine if your interest in living at Winona is still relevant.  If you have not heard anything from us in over a year, we ask that you contact us.  You are required to keep us updated on address, telephone number and email address changes.  When a unit you requested becomes available, you will be contacted.  If we do not hear from you within one week of that communication, we will deem it as a refusal.  You are allowed two denials before you are placed at the bottom of the Wait List.