The American Homesteading Foundation (AHF) is the founding organization and developer of a unique intentional community, Melbourne Village, in Brevard County, Florida. The AHF is a not-for-profit corporation chartered first under the laws of the State of Ohio in 1946 and more recently in Florida in 1977.
The founding members of the organization had an idealistic vision of a community which would share resources, barter with one another, and engage in productive enterprises.
In the late 1940s ranch land was bought and subdivided in generous residential lots with winding streets and many parks. Lots and memberships were sold. Today there are about 300 member homesteads in the Village.
Today, the AHF functions much like a homeowners association. It manages a recreation hall, swimming pool, offices and about 40 acres of parkland. It sponsors recreation and social events including 4th of July parade, Halloween party, Easter egg hunt, game nights, Christmas dinner, and flea market.
The AHF works closely with the Town of Melbourne Village. The latter provides security with a 24/7 police department, issues building permits, and maintains the roads and drainage infra structure.