The Green Acres Story...
Green Acres opened in the early 1970s and has grown up over the years into a 32-site, resident-owned manufactured home community. But that transition didn't happen overnight. We began the move toward controlling our own destiny in 2010. That's when, with the help of NeighborWorks® Montana and ROC USA®, we formed the Green Acres Cooperative, Inc. that would, on July 26, 2010, purchase and take control of our community.
Now, Green Acres is not only a successful business, but also a thriving neighborhood. The process of the cooperative buying the land beneath our homes brought this community closer together. Not only do we know far more of our neighbors than ever before, but we look out for one another, too. And with no outside landlord to report to, we're the envy of other nearby manufactured home communities.
Our member households elect our board of directors, which works with a property management firm and also appoints various volunteer committees to help with special projects, celebrations, community improvements and more. The board submits a budget every year, and the entire membership votes on it and any changes to the rent before the budget becomes official. Our rent has stabilized since becoming a ROC – something about which we're not only happy, but also proud. We're running the multi-million dollar business that is our cooperative on our terms, by our rules, for the betterment of ourselves and our neighbors.
Green Acres couldn't be better situated. Most people have to take a vacation to see the beauty that we call home. Kalispell is surrounded by a majestic landscape of mountains and lakes. Among these is the Glacier National Park, a very popular spot for both locals and people from all parts of the world to visit each year. The many area lakes and rivers provide fishing rafting, swimming and water skiing. Nearby Big Fork is known for its artists and many quaint eateries and shops. We're just minutes from great schools, all kinds of shopping, restaurants, entertainment, churches and more. There's something for everyone!
Since we voted to become a resident-owned community, we have worked hard to improve our community. Our first projects included infrastructure improvements, like establishing newly connected city water and sewer services. We are now planning more community events and activities.
Ask anyone who lives in Green Acres Cooperative, and we're sure they'll tell you it's a little slice of heaven.
Now, Green Acres is not only a successful business, but also a thriving neighborhood. The process of the cooperative buying the land beneath our homes brought this community closer together. Not only do we know far more of our neighbors than ever before, but we look out for one another, too. And with no outside landlord to report to, we're the envy of other nearby manufactured home communities.
Our member households elect our board of directors, which works with a property management firm and also appoints various volunteer committees to help with special projects, celebrations, community improvements and more. The board submits a budget every year, and the entire membership votes on it and any changes to the rent before the budget becomes official. Our rent has stabilized since becoming a ROC – something about which we're not only happy, but also proud. We're running the multi-million dollar business that is our cooperative on our terms, by our rules, for the betterment of ourselves and our neighbors.
Green Acres couldn't be better situated. Most people have to take a vacation to see the beauty that we call home. Kalispell is surrounded by a majestic landscape of mountains and lakes. Among these is the Glacier National Park, a very popular spot for both locals and people from all parts of the world to visit each year. The many area lakes and rivers provide fishing rafting, swimming and water skiing. Nearby Big Fork is known for its artists and many quaint eateries and shops. We're just minutes from great schools, all kinds of shopping, restaurants, entertainment, churches and more. There's something for everyone!
Since we voted to become a resident-owned community, we have worked hard to improve our community. Our first projects included infrastructure improvements, like establishing newly connected city water and sewer services. We are now planning more community events and activities.
Ask anyone who lives in Green Acres Cooperative, and we're sure they'll tell you it's a little slice of heaven.
