Support Lower Hamlet

Our Challenge

Since the 1980s, the dilapidated farm buildings of Plum Village have been bootstrapped and self-built with the loving hands of volunteers and residents.

As we continue to offer spiritual sanctuary to more people every year, our shared home and land are taking the strain.

Today, monastic housing and facilities in Lower Hamlet no longer meet the new, strict European code requirements. The authorities are requiring us to upgrade our electric and water infrastructure. And we have had to dismantle the converted, asbestos-roofed tobacco shed where the monastics were living.

Our Immediate Needs

Build high-density accommodation and community training facilities for 60-75 monastics and aspirants from 12 nationalities, to include dorms, a zendo, library, communal areas and classrooms

And so make immediately available 60 building code-compliant beds for guests onsite, including a yoga hall, library, laundry facilities and common spaces

Create ponds, prairie land, a food forest and dry river beds, as well as all-weather paths and plantings of more than 1,000 trees.

Redesign water flow, electricity, and energy use across the site to efficiently meet growing demands.