Maslow Housing Cooperative is founded on the belief that everyone deserves access to safe, affordable, and community focused housing. Inspired by Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, we prioritise creating an environment where residents can meet their fundamental needs for belonging, security, and personal growth. We believe that housing is more than just four walls and a roof; it's the foundation for a thriving life.
At Maslow, we work together to make decisions, share responsibilities, and create a supportive environment for all. This collaborative approach fosters a strong sense of community and empowers residents to actively participate in building the kind of housing they want to live in.
Our commitment extends beyond providing affordable housing. We strive to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community by:
- Fostering a sense of belonging: We organise regular social events, workshops, and shared meals to connect future residents and build lasting relationships.
- Promoting sustainability: We prioritise environmentally friendly practices and encourage future residents to participate in initiatives that benefit both our community and the planet.
- Supporting personal growth: We provide resources and opportunities for future residents to pursue their interests, develop new skills, and achieve their goals.
- Ensuring affordability: We are committed to maintaining affordable housing options for our members, recognising that secure housing is essential for overall wellbeing.
Our community hub serves as an extension of the cooperative, acting as a vital resource for raising awareness about community led housing and the cooperative model. We believe in sharing our experiences and advocating for housing solutions that empower individuals and communities. Through workshops, presentations, and open discussions, we aim to promote the benefits of cooperative living and inspire others to explore alternative housing models.
We believe that Maslow Housing Cooperative is more than just a place to live; it's a place to thrive. We invite you to explore our website and learn more about our community, our values, and how you can become a part of the Maslow community.
About
Us
Nick's
Woodworking
Studio
Nestled within the vibrant Maslow Housing Cooperative's community hub in Hastings town centre, you'll find the rhythmic tap-tap-tap of cooperative member Nick's woodworking studio. Nick, a retired master carpenter and set builder, embodies the cooperative's ethos, drawn from Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Having almost secured his physiological and safety needs through the cooperative's imminent future housing and supportive community, Nick will then be able to focus on belonging, esteem, and self-actualization by dedicating his skills to enriching the lives of others. His current project, a testament to this commitment, involves constructing a ramp, catwalk, and stage for the hub's multi-use venue. This will allow the space to host a wider variety of events, fostering connection and creativity within the community and helping others fulfill their own social and creative needs – a perfect reflection of Maslow's principles in action. The smell of sawdust and the sound of creation emanating from Nick’s workshop are a constant reminder of the cooperative's dedication to building not just homes, but a thriving, interconnected community. If you have ideas and would like to chat to him about anything then please do call in. We are community led and can accommodate most ideas and dreams.
The vibrant pulse of Maslow Housing Cooperative extends beyond woodworking; it beats strong in the colorful designs emanating from Jason's T-shirt screen printing business. Located within the community hub, Jason's workshop is a burst of creativity, mirroring the cooperative's commitment to self-expression and entrepreneurship. Want to design your own unique T-shirt? Jason’s your guy. He offers a personalised design service, and the finished products are proudly displayed and sold in our cooperative shop, providing a platform for residents to share their artistic visions and generate income. Furthering the community spirit, Jason is also keen to collaborate with local bands, helping them create and sell their merchandise right here in the hub. This initiative not only supports local musicians but strengthens the network of creative collaboration within the Maslow community, adding another layer of vibrancy to our shared space.
Jason's
Screenprinting
Babilicious
Cafe
The heart and soul of the Maslow Housing Cooperative's hub, and quite possibly the entire town, is Babilicious and her cafe. A culinary haven, Babilicious has garnered a cult following thanks to her legendary doorstep Cathedral City cheese toasties – a symphony of melted cheese and perfectly crisp bread that has locals and visitors alike lining up for a taste. Her 22-seater cafe isn't just a daytime delight; after 5pm, it transforms into a vibrant platform for budding food pop-ups. This culinary playground perfectly complements our unique "corridor silent discos" – a concept we're eager to share more about. Imagine grooving to your own personalised playlist while savoring delicious food from a rotating roster of local chefs. It's a sensory experience that embodies the Maslow spirit of community, creativity, and good times. Babalicious's cafe isn't just about food; it's about fostering connection and building a shared experience that nourishes both body and soul.
Maslow Housing Cooperative is thrilled to announce the launch of our new Fashion Upcycling Room, a creative hub dedicated to sustainable style! Equipped with donated sewing machines and overflowing with donated clothing, this space is the heart of our exciting summer-long project, "Drab 2 Fab." Learn sewing skills from our talented team of volunteer fashion and sewing enthusiasts and transform pre-loved garments into unique, wearable works of art. "Drab 2 Fab" culminates in a spectacular catwalk event at our grand opening on Monday, October 6th, 2025, showcasing the amazing creations of our participants. Everyone is welcome to join the fun!Starting Wednesday, October 6th, 2025, the Fashion Upcycling Room will be open every Wednesday, morning and evening, for collaborative upcycling sessions. But the creativity doesn't stop there! Throughout the week, the room is available for public use, offering a fantastic opportunity to explore your own upcycling ideas. Whether you're a seasoned sewer or a complete beginner, we can arrange tuition to help you bring your fashion visions to life. Come join us at Maslow Housing Cooperative and be part of a sustainable fashion revolution!
