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History of the Project

In May of 1990, the Citizens Committee for the Homeless, a Santa Cruz County non-profit, began a new project by opening the gates of an organic garden on Pelton Avenue. The Homeless Garden Project would provide job-training and meaningful work in a therapeutic environment.

The Project began as a place to provide sanctuary, refuge and meaningful work within the healing environment of the organic farm.

Project Milestones

1990       Homeless Garden Project opens first organic garden on Pelton  Avenue as a program of Citizens Committee for the Homeless

1991       Project begins selling produce to local restaurants and Farmer’s Markets

1992 HGP begins and runs first Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in Santa Cruz county

1994       With the help of Barry Swenson Builder, the Project expanded to include a second garden on a 1.5 acre parcel at Natural Bridges Farm

1994       Women’s Organic Flower Enterprise (WOFE) is established, providing additional work opportunities for homeless women through creating dried flower and herb wreaths from the organic gardens; a WOFE garden is established across the street from HGP's workshop on land loaned by Mike Williams.

1998       Project leaves Pelton Avenue garden to make way for sale of city property and housing development and consolidates at Natural Bridges Farm

1998       Homeless Garden Project established as an independent non-profit organization

1998       First WOFE holiday store opened

2002       Project opens year-round retail store and administrative offices at 30 West Cliff Drive

2010       Homeless Garden Project celebrates 20th anniversary

Future

In 1998, the City of Santa Cruz adopted a Master Plan for a 614-acre open space greenbelt at Pogonip which would include a nine-acre permanent site for the Homeless Garden Project. Necessary management, operation and site plans have begun and once key issues are resolved -- such as determining a source of water -- a capital campaign to fund the gardens and buildings will begin.

 

20 year logoReserve your rightful place at the table. Join us for a 20 year celebration of the Homeless Garden Project.

Reserve Seating Now

 

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