Planned communities grow in popularity

SOCORRO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) - New Mexico has nearly 50 of them; the U.S. has more than 1600.They’re called intentional communities, planned residences where the people share a common vision and work together as a team.

News 13 toured one in northern Socorro County called Micah Village.

“[It’s] a small community of people who are regrouping their lives or working to develop their future,” founder Samuel James said.

More than a dozen people call Micah Village home.It’s located on 20 acres of land off Highway 60 near Veguita, N.M.

“I think almost everyone of us here would be homeless if it weren't for Micah Village,” James said.

Micah Village is known as an intentional community.

Each one is unique, but it’s common for the communities to grow their own food and share household chores.

Many communities even make decisions as a group, some have leaders and others do not.

Maria Conlon has been a resident at the village for over three years.

“It kind of helped me get back on my feet so this really is a good place to be,” Conlon said.

Micah Village aims at being a safe haven.

“Our purpose is more about people being in a safe place where they can live, where they can either grow from if they've been set back on their heels,” James said.

The community is currently constructing a community center.

On the property they grow fruits and vegetables, and are working on building a green house.

James said he is proud of the community he founded.

“They have a place where they can come to regroup, feel safe [and] If they don't burn their bridges, they can always come back,” James said.