Just like millions of other Americans, the pandemic forced Holly Harper and her BFF Herrin Hopper to rethink their priorities. In fact, it wound up causing the two mom friends to rethink their entire way of life, which turned out to be the best thing that could’ve happened.
Over the past few years, the women each found themselves divorced, newly-single moms who were burning the candles at both ends. And as if that wasn’t daunting enough, they were really feeling the pressures of rising costs, a lack of childcare options, and everything else the pandemic brought with it. So, along with two other single mom friends, Holly and Herrin decided to take a leap of faith: They bought a house together — and in the process, they created their very own “village.”
The women purchased the four-unit home in Takoma Park, Maryland, just last year
Of course, their children came along for the ride, too — as did two other single moms, who now occupy the other two units under a “rent-to-own” agreement.
Between the four moms, there are five kids, ranging in age from 9 to 14; which means that, at any given time, there could be a LOT of people under one roof.
Yes, it can be messy and loud and chaotic at times; but it’s also kind of awesome. (And not just for the kids.)
“There’s always someone to play a game with,” Harper recently told Today Parents, of why the kids enjoy it. “It’s just the most fun.”
The unique living arrangement has its perks for the moms, too
For one thing, it’s way more affordable than if they each individually rented or purchased a home. Now the mortgage is split four ways, just like all other household expenses.
The stress of homeownership also feels a bit lighter. If anything around the house needs fixing, the women discuss it at one of their regular homeowner’s meetings. Then, they either try to tackle it together, or find a repair person who will.
The perks don’t just end there, though
Whether they want to go on a date or simply get an hour alone to themselves, there’s always someone around to step in and co-parent. (And best of all, it’s someone they can actually trust.)
“From car-sharing and carpooling; potlucks and small favors; built-in babysitting and dog walking; sharing expenses; having friends to ugly-cry with and unlimited, on-demand hugs; and feeling safe, loved, and grounded in the family — I’ve never been happier,” Holly recently shared in an essay for Insider.
They call it the “Siren House” — and claim that it’s changed all of their lives for the better.
“Siren is a form of sort of feminist power, right?” Herrin recently shared. “We’re building a community, we sort of have the siren song, so we bring people together.”
The whole idea “was intended to help us build equity and share the burdens of homeownership,” Holly...
