Homeless Garden Project

Organization Description

The Homeless Garden Project (HGP) founded in 1990 provides job training, transitional employment, and support services to people who are homeless. HGP's vibrant community education and volunteer program for the broad community blends formal, experiential, and service-learning. The programs take place in our 3-acre organic farm and related enterprises.

Our Mission: In the soil of our urban farm and garden, people find the tools they need to build a home in the world.

Our Vision: We envision a thriving and inclusive community, workforce, and local food system.

We Value: The capacity of every individual for growth and renewal. The joy that comes from growing and sharing healthy food. And the well-being created by vibrant social and natural ecosystems.

Program Information

Service Learning Opportunities are flexible to allow for varied interests and schedules. We have opportunities to learn about gardening or to work at special events. We have a Downtown Holiday Store that is set up each holiday season in downtown Santa Cruz to raise awareness and funds for our job training and transitional employment program. You could work on the farm, where you will visit, meet the crew, learn more about the farm, and join in that day's activities which may include weeding, harvest, planting, building compost, and more. We also opportunities to work in the kitchen, every week Tuesday through Friday we cook and serve a delicious, organic meal in our rustic farm kitchen and we often need help with harvest, wash, prep, and cooking.