At PFH, we are able to offer many comforts that can be difficult to obtain when living in the sometimes isolated or impersonal atmosphere of a typical apartment or boarding house. The Penington’s ample common space and shared meals provide a wonderful opportunity to get to know a wide range of people. Our dinners are simple, but delicious. Our chefs purchase many organic or locally grown ingredients and provide both vegetarian and non-vegetarian entrees.

Everyone shares in the housework, which consists of housekeeping details, dining room chores and bathroom cleaning. Duties total about 1 _ hours a week per resident. Participation in these duties is an integral part of PFH and vital to both its physical existence and spiritual core of sharing, service, and community life. It cannot be emphasized too strongly that residency at PFH depends upon a healthy, responsible attitude of cooperation and contribution.

Residents share seven private bathrooms, but most have their own sinks in their rooms. Rooms are furnished with a twin bed or loft bed, dresser, desk and chair. There is usually not room for other personal furniture.

Acceptance at PFH is on a six month trial basis, so that we can mutually ascertain whether PFH is the appropriate living situation for you. An informal assessment of each resident’s contribution continues throughout his or her maximum five year stay.

Applications may be submitted year round. We maintain a contact list of applicants for our rooms. The rooms vary in price depending on size and where they are located in the building. Our current price range is from $883 to $1479 per month. Because meals are such an important part of the community life here, they are not an optional cost. The average room costs $1100, and the breakdown per month is as follows:

Rent: $725
Food: $300
Utilities and extras: $75
Average total: $1100 / month

Upon acceptance for one of our long-term rooms, we require without exception your first month’s and last month’s rent plus one month security, which is refundable with interest when you leave. We also require a signed statement by you affirming to uphold all house policies and guidelines. We request a minimum of two month’s notice before you move out. An annual rent review occurs each fall, and if there is to be an increase, it takes effect on January 1st.

Persons interested in the possibility of living at PFH are encouraged to fill out an application. As openings become available, we will contact candidates to arrange an interview. In order to get a feel for the house and to meet other residents, we encourage candidates to tour the house and join us for dinner. If you live too far away for a personal visit, we will do as much as we can over the phone. We suggest that you try to plan ahead, if possible, as many more people than we can accommodate tend to apply.

If you have any questions, please call or email us and we’ll be happy to answer them. We look forward to hearing from you.

Application Form