Sabbatical, Retreat, Remote Workplace, Gardening Opportunity, or Simple Living Adventure!
The Eco-Institute at Pickards Mountain is in a unique position during this time of change to offer a place of rest and restoration to those who are seeking respite and quarantine. We recognize that many people are currently living in situations that are not ideal for sheltering in place. We believe in the power of deep nature connection to clear the mind and nourish the soul. In this spirit, we’re making space available in our yomes for a limited number of people to come enjoy a shelter-in-place retreat at The Eco-Institute.
We have limited the number of spaces available in order to ensure indoor common spaces do not exceed 10 individuals at a given time, and to allow for six feet of distance between occupants at any given time, per CDC recommended guidelines.
Details
Yomes are available as residential retreat spaces for the months of April, May and June 2020. The cost to claim one is:
$1200 Generosity Rate
$1000 Community Rate
$800 Scholarship Rate (approval required)
This rate covers any contiguous period of time from April 12 - June 12, 2020 and includes: single yome, access and use of community space (kitchen with full appliances and utensils, 1 full bathroom, 1 half bathroom, yoga studio, rustic loft, living room, laundry area with washer and dryer, and outdoor showers) wifi, utilities (water, electric and gas) in the community spaces, and a membership to the garden cooperative.
All accepted applicants will be subject to a 14-day trial period starting the day of their arrival. At the end of the trial, there will be a conversation with the Eco-Institute Executive Director to ensure the arrangement is a good fit.
What is a Yome?
The Eco-Institute yomes are yurt/dome hybrids built on raised platforms. They receive their distinction from the geodesic frame supporting their canvas walls. These canvas and wood octagonal structures allow for rustic, yet comfortable living. They do not have electricity, or running water and the nearest bathroom is about a 200 yard walk. Each yome is supplied with two bunk beds (double lower bunk, twin upper bunk), a clothing rack, personal storage bin under each bed, a rug/floor covering, and an assortment of other furnishings which vary between yomes (e.g., desk and chair, dresser, bedside table etc.). The six yomes are nestled in the forest of the Eco-Institute, affectionately referred to as the Yome Village.
Requirements:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and able to provide two references, at least one of which must be able to speak to applicant’s ability to communicate well and uphold high cleanliness standards in communal living situations.
Applicants must agree to current community health protocols* including:
No overnight guests
Use of Indoor Common Areas by Residents & Staff Only
Commitment to high cleanliness standards in all Common Areas
Willingness to self-isolate for 2 weeks prior
Practicing strict social distancing as mandated by the Orange County Stay at Home Order
No physical contact with those outside of the specified quarantine “pod”
Willingness to share community spaces and resources (i.e., bathrooms, kitchen, wifi, private work space, etc.)
Responsibility for your own health and health-care, including quarantining yourself and/or seeking advanced medical care if presenting any of the symptoms of COVID-19, whether or not you have health insurance or feel you are able to afford medical intervention.
Minimizing trips into town via efforts like collaborative grocery shopping
*all protocols are subject to change and develop in response to emergent news/local/regional/national guidelines. Efforts will be made to make decisions collaboratively, but due to the nature of the situation, some guidelines may be made by EIPM staff, to which residents will be expected to adhere.
How to Apply
Please send the following to:
BOTH Megan@eco-institute.org and Host@eco-institute.org:
Statement of Interest
What about this opportunity interests you?
How do you identify? (introduce yourself to us!)
How are you currently responding to the global health crisis?
What is important to you in a living situation?
Are you able and ready to commit to the full two month period? (April 15 - June 15)
Two References (who can speak to your ability to communicate well and uphold high cleanliness standards in communal living situations)
Names, nature of relationship, email addresses & phone numbers
Have you been to The Eco-Institute before? Tell us about your experience. Do you know anyone who currently lives or works here?
Do you feel you can agree to the requirements listed above in the spirit of Community & Public Health?
Application Deadline: April 15
All applications will be reviewed and responded to within five business days of submission. Applicants able to make a 2-month commitment will be given priority review.