Giles Blunden is a Carrboro, N.C., architect who does green building and cohousing. He designed the 46-home Pacifica Cohousing, incorporating environmental and community values, also in Carrboro.

The Institute for the Study of Secularism in Society and Culture strives to foster understanding of the role of secular values and the process of secularization in today’s society. The nonpartisan, multidisciplinary institute is based at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., and is part of the college’s Program on Public Values. Barry Kosmin is director.

The ElderSpirit Community for people 55 and older in Abingdon, Va., has a focus on late-life spirituality. Residents also agree to care for one another as they age in a community of mutual support. Dedicated in June 2006, the 38-home community has a core group of former nuns. Catherine Rumschlag is the first resident, Dene […]

Mid-Atlantic Cohousing is a regional clearinghouse for cohousing communities in Washington, D.C., and nearby states. Kevin Oliveau, founder of Catoctin Creek Village in Taylorstown, Va., says a common value for cohousing groups is community. While most cohousing groups are not denominational, many Quakers and Unitarians are drawn to the arrangement.

The Institute for Science and Human Values is committed to scientific inquiry and the enhancement of human values and seeks to combine reason and compassion to achieve ethical wisdom. Toni Van Pelt is director of public policy.

Nubanusit Neighborhood & Farm in Peterborough, N.H., is a 29-unit cohousing community based on environmental values that includes an organic farm.

The Humanist Society certifies humanist celebrants. It’s based in Washington, D.C. Sarah Ameigh is communications and policy assistant.

MetLife Mature Market Institute in Westport, Conn., conducts research for the insurance giant Metropolitan Life, and knows the demographics of people approaching retirement. Contact Christine Bonney in the company’s New York media relations office.

The Humanist Institute explores humanist values and trains future leaders. Its seminars are held primarily in New York City and Washington, D.C. Kendyl R. Gibbons and Carol Wintermute are co-deans of the institute. Contact through the website.