The Appalachian mountains and the rolling foothills around them have always held stories of resilience. Generations built their lives here with what they had — tending soil, raising families, sharing food, and leaning on neighbors when times grew hard. It was never perfect, but it was rooted. And in those roots, communities rose strong.

Today, much of that way of life feels distant. Many of our towns face economic hardship, young people leave in search of opportunity, and housing is either too scarce or too costly. The sense of belonging — of truly being “at home” in a place where neighbors know your name — is harder to find.

But across Appalachia, something is stirring. From Pennsylvania hills to West Virginia hollows and beyond, new villages are taking shape. They may look different than the ones our ancestors knew, but their spirit is the same: communities built on care for one another and the land we live on.

These are intentional communities, land trusts, co-ops, and homesteads — people daring to say that housing, food, and community can be more than commodities. They can be the foundation for futures that rise.

Be Part of the Story

Our network exists to connect these efforts into something greater than the sum of their parts. We want to amplify the stories of those already building, and offer support and inspiration for those just beginning. Together, we can weave a tapestry of rooted, resilient communities across the mountains.

The Appalachian Village Network is growing from ridge to ridge, connecting communities, cooperatives, and neighbors who believe in the power of belonging. This is only the beginning. Our roots run deep — and from them, we rise.

Add your name and be part of weaving the future.