简体中文
EnglishWhat Is the Homeless Garden Project?
Updated
The Homeless Garden Project is a nonprofit urban farm in Santa Cruz, California, that provides job training, transitional employment, and support services to people experiencing homelessness. It operates Natural Bridges Farm on the West Side of Santa Cruz near Natural Bridges State Park, and it funds its programs through organic produce sales, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, and handmade products. It's relevant to you if you're looking for a Santa Cruz–based organization to support, volunteer with, or buy organic produce and crafts from.
What the organization does
Its stated purpose is captured in its own framing: "In the soil of our urban farm, people find the tools they need to build a home in the world." In practice, that means three connected activities:
- Job training and transitional employment — a paid employment training program focused on stewardship, conservation, and regenerative agricultural principles.
- Support services — assistance for participants working toward a stable, productive place in society.
- Volunteer opportunities — open to the public, including students, families, and groups.
Where the farm is
The current working farm is Natural Bridges Farm, located on the West Side of Santa Cruz near Natural Bridges State Park. This is where the growing, the training program, and much of the volunteering take place.
How to get its produce
Organic, seasonal vegetables, herbs, and flowers grown at the farm are available through three channels:
| Channel | What it is |
|---|---|
| Farm Stand | Direct purchase of fresh organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers |
| CSA membership | A Community Supported Agriculture share during the growing season |
| Select local restaurants | The farm's produce is served at some local restaurants |
CSA memberships are seasonal, and the site notes that 2024 memberships were available at the time of publication — so check current availability before planning around a specific season.
Products that give back
Beyond produce, the project develops gifts and handmade crafts made by people in the employment training program. All proceeds go toward supporting the programs. You can shop online or visit one of its stores; select products are also sold at New Leaf Community Market and other local stores.
Volunteering
Volunteer programs are described as flexible, with both one-time and ongoing opportunities. Roles span a range of interests — farming, retail, special events, social work, and technology — so you don't need a farming background to participate.
How to support it
- Donate — the site offers a "Ways to Give" section and states that gifts directly affect its ability to do the work.
- Shop — buy produce at the Farm Stand, join the CSA, or purchase handmade products online or in stores.
- Volunteer — sign up for a one-time or ongoing role.
- Stay connected — follow its social media and events listings for current happenings.
Quick decision guide
- Want fresh organic produce in Santa Cruz? Go to the Farm Stand or join the CSA during the growing season.
- Want to volunteer without a long commitment? Look at the one-time volunteer options.
- Want to support without visiting? Donate or shop the online store — proceeds fund the training programs.
- Want to understand the model first? The core idea is a working farm that doubles as a job-training and support program for people experiencing homelessness.