Our Story
Built from a Longing for Something Better
Porchaven™ began with a simple question: why is it so hard to feel truly at home in a neighborhood? We believe the answer isn't just better houses — it's better community.
The Porchaven™ Seed - Our Big WHY
The moment life falls apart should never be the moment a family discovers they have no one nearby to trust, lean on, or turn to for help. When our mom passed away at only 40, our family learned that truth the hard way.
She left six children behind. I was 19. Michele was only 4. Between us were four more siblings, each one trying to understand a loss too large to comprehend. We had just moved from Illinois, where family was close enough to lean on, to New Orleans, where we knew no one.
That loss taught us something we have never forgotten: when life falls apart, what holds you together is not a program or a policy — it is people. Neighbors who show up. Friends who stay. A community that refuses to let you disappear into your grief alone.
After more than 20 years of helping three generations of families make housing decisions, I have seen the same need again and again: families overwhelmed by major transitions, seniors targeted by scammers, parents searching for dependable help, and people of every age longing to feel safe and supported.
Porchaven™ is our answer. It's a new kind of multigenerational, front-porch community designed to help neighbors get to know one another, build trusted support over time, share daily life in nature and wellness, and help people of every age feel at home.
"We believe "home" is more than a house & amenities - it is the place where trusted people are close enough to notice, care enough to step in, and willing to help when life gets hard."
The family behind the dream — the heart of Porchaven™
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
— Commonly Attributed to Mahatma Gandhi
We are building communities we long to live in. Every donation helps bring us closer to creating a place where neighbors look out for one another, daily life feels safer and warmer, and people of every age have room to thrive.
Our Core Values
A community built on purpose, connection, and wellbeing.
COMMUNITY
We bring people together through meaningful relationships, shared experiences, and a culture of trust.
Porchaven is designed for neighbors who know each other, support one another, and enjoy life side by side.
EMPOWERMENT
We create beautiful, healthy environments that inspire growth, contribution, and the freedom to live life fully.
From wellness‑focused design to opportunities for personal development, Porchaven helps every resident thrive.
INTEGRITY
We lead with transparency, reliability, and care — strengthening every relationship and every decision.
Our commitment to honesty and stewardship guides how we build, operate, and serve our community.
What We Believe
Connection by Design
Meaningful community doesn't happen by accident. We design every element of Porchaven™ — from front porches to shared commons — to make connection a natural part of daily life.
Belonging for Every Season
Whether you are raising children, building a career, navigating an empty nest, or aging gracefully, Porchaven™ is designed to welcome you exactly where you are.
Rooted in Nature
We believe access to green space, gardens, trails, and natural beauty is not a luxury — it is essential to human wellbeing. Nature is woven into every Haven.
Whole-Person Wellness
Physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing are all part of a flourishing life. Porchaven™ creates space for all of them.
Intergenerational Life
We believe every generation has something to offer and something to receive. Porchaven™ is designed to bring ages together, not separate them.
Purpose & Contribution
People thrive when they feel useful. Porchaven™ creates pathways for every resident to contribute their gifts, skills, and wisdom to the community.
The People Behind Porchaven™
Porchaven™ is being built by a small, passionate founding team who believe deeply in the power of intentional community.
Cathy Waidelich
Founder & Visionary
Cathy brings together real estate experience, counselor education, wellness leadership, trusted service networks, and a deep commitment to helping people feel supported through life's transitions. Her work has consistently centered on connection, guidance, practical support, and creating environments where people feel seen, valued, and at home.
- •Master's-level counselor education professional with deep experience in communication, guidance, trust-building, and helping people navigate life transitions.
- •Real estate professional since 2003 with broad experience in residential sales, brokerage, rentals, property flipping, and new-home communities.
- •Founder of LegacyCaring, a Seattle-area trusted resource network connecting clients with carefully vetted service providers.
- •Helped build the nation's #1 model university wellness center through collaborative leadership, client-centered programming, and whole-person support.
- •Led professional education and industry engagement initiatives for the country's largest homebuilding association, including Built Green programming for sustainable, energy-efficient homebuilding.
- •Certified Jack Canfield Success Principles Trainer, helping individuals clarify goals, strengthen confidence, and take meaningful action.
Michele Lamb
Co-Founder & Growth Director
(Michele and Cathy are sisters.)
- •Provider of a wide range of services for seniors, supporting daily living, wellness, and long‑term stability.
- •Assisted with housing and wellness services for individuals experiencing homelessness, connecting vulnerable community members with essential resources.
- •Long‑time Board Member for NAMI Contra Costa County (National Alliance on Mental Illness), including service as Vice President, contributing to advocacy, program development, and community mental‑health initiatives.
- •Certified Hypnotherapist, offering supportive, therapeutic techniques to promote emotional well‑being and personal growth.
Thank You to Our Special Contributors
Don Fedor · Chris Grove · Tina Mitchell
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