Guest Blog: Community Food Security–What’s it all about?

Posted on May 11, 2013 by admin

As HGP gears up for a screening of A Place at the Table, we want to give you some background information on the Community Food Security movement and its origins.

Andy Fisher created and publicized the concept of community food security and played a key role in building the community food movement. From 1994 to 2011, he led the Community Food Security Coalition (CFSC), a national alliance of groups working on access to local food. Below, is a very small excerpt from his essay in the companion book to A Place at the Table.

“…Hunger is the result of both a failure of the political will to resolve an entrenched problem and a failure of the marketplace to meet the needs of the poor. Why can’t we donate our way out of hunger? Forty-nine million people are at risk of hunger, based on the fact that they qualify for food stamps. The charitable food sector would have to increase in size more than sixfold to even feed all of these persons for a week every month. Second, even if we could manage this feat, the impacts on society and individuals are less than desirable. Charity, subject to the continued interest and ability of donors, is inherently unsustainable…

Going back twenty years or so, the unsustainability of the emergency food system was front and center in the minds of a small cadre of anti-hunger dissidents working on food and nutrition projects in low-income neighborhoods across the country. As a graduate student in urban planning at UCLA, I was part of a team that completed a comprehensive study of the food situation in inner-city Los Angeles in 1993. My colleagues and I saw that the food banks’ “medical model” of solving hunger through providing doses of food, as if hunger were a disease carried by an individual, was a humane but inadequate way to address a more systematic problem. We believed that hunger could be prevented from happening in the first place by taking a public health approach that included public education, policy advocacy, and the other interventions that addressed the root causes of hunger and poverty.

We saw plenty of problems in the way food was produced and retailed: too few sources of healthy and affordable food in low-income neighborhoods; small farmers going out of business because they couldn’t get a fair price for their crops; subdivisions replacing food as the primary “crop” on some of the nation’s best farmland; rampant pollution from overuse of agrichemicals; and increasing concentration of the ownership of the nation’s food supply into the hands of a few massive multinational companies. As a result, consumers were getting further and further alienated from the source of their food. Diet-related diseases among persons of color were on the rise, and they were higher than rates for whites. At the same time, we also saw potential of alternative food production and distribution projects as tools for widespread social change. We knew that urban farming could increase access to healthy food and provide economic opportunity.

Using the framework of a food system–the set of activities that lead to the production of food, its distribution, its consumption, and the handling of waste–we soon realized that the same food system that harmed low-income consumers also marginalized family farmers. We developed a conceptual framework that we called “community food security,” which held that the transformation of the food system through reorienting food production and distribution around the needs and assets of communities and family members was a pathway to creating a healthier, more ecological, and more democratic society….

Although community food projects often seek to improve the nutritional status of low-income households, they are not anti-hunger projects. They aim to improve the food security of their participants, but within a broader context of transforming an inequitable and unsustainable food system. They typically engage individuals at a more intensive level than food pantries, but the number of people they reach is much smaller.

CFPs cannot solve the massive and entrenched problem of hunger in the United States. They can, however, provide a glimpse of a very different approach to the same problem…

This new framework should focus on the root causes of hunger, such as ending poverty, and on health, since hunger and obesity are flip sides of the same malnutrition coin. Like the community food projects, the new framework must also embrace innovation and transformation at the community level.

–Find Andy Fisher’s entire essay, Getting Off the Anti-Hunger Treadmill in http://www.takepart.com/place-at-the-table/book

Reserve your tickets to the film screening, Wednesday, May 15, 7-10 PM at the Del Mar Theater: http://www.tugg.com/events/4045

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Guest Blog: Tackling The Structural Sources of Homelessness

Posted on April 24, 2013 by admin

In recent months, public concern about safety has increasingly zeroed in on Santa Cruz’s homeless population. Sadly, this attention has focused on reducing support for vulnerable groups and pushing unhoused people out of community spaces rather than addressing the root causes of homelessness – low wages, unemployment and underemployment, a chronic shortage of affordable housing, complex and often untreated health and mental health issues, and domestic violence.

On a daily basis, excellent programs like the Homeless Garden Project and those at the Coral Street complex work to connect people with much needed services and resources so that individuals and families can get back on their feet. If we want to “get tough” on homelessness, we should commit ourselves fully to tackling the structural sources of homelessness, not “get tough” on programs that serve those in need or by trying to push “the problem” out of sight.

One unfortunate response to fear and uncertainty – whether as a result of violence, economic uncertainty, or conflict, more generally – is to blame or scapegoat less powerful groups. In the United States and other individualistic societies, low-income groups, including people who are homeless are easy targets.

The widely shared belief in the U.S. that economic “success” is the outcome of individual effort means that poverty and homelessness are widely seen as a reflection of personal failure. Low-income groups are stereotyped as thankless “takers” who are disinterested in work or improving their economic situation, but anyone who has personally struggled to make ends meet, or has interacted personally or professionally with low-income individuals and families knows that nothing could be further from the truth.

In reality, economically fragile individuals and families find themselves working harder and facing longer hours to avoid the impossible dilemma of choosing between feeding their families, paying rent, and being able to keep a doctor’s appointment. According to the Insight Center, a family of three (one adult with one preschool and one school-aged child) in 2011 living in Santa Cruz needed to earn $73,068 ($34.60 an hour) to meet basic expenses – essentially more than four full-time minimum wage jobs! For those of us who have not faced these hardships, it is easier (and reassuring) to imagine “this could never happen to me” than to recognize that we are only a few paychecks away from losing our homes. A national survey found that 1 in 3 Americans would be unable to pay their mortgage or rent beyond one month if they lost their job (PR Newswire, 2011).

In the wake of the Great Recession, more of us are struggling financially. Recovery is slow at best and resources need to be deployed wisely. Successful housing and economic development programs across the country can provide useful models for increasing economic security and safety. This is the very time when we need to enhance and support community resources, not fall into the stereotype trap or pit needs against each other. We owe Santa Cruz, the community we all love nothing less.

–Heather Bullock, Ph.D., Professor and Department Chair, Psychology Department, UCSC

 

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What our trainees say was accomplished in 2012

Posted on April 1, 2013 by admin

Probably the most inspiring and meaningful achievements at Homeless Garden Project are from our trainees. Here is a listing from our trainees about what they personally accomplished by participating in HGP’s transitional employment program in 2012.

I’m now living indoors. I’m renting a room in a house, as of January 2013.

I started a second job at a nonprofit in March 2012.

I have gained a very strong wonderful network of friends.

My diet changed a lot during 2012 and I believe that has affected my ability to deal with challenges quite a bit. I get frustrated less easily.

My quality of life has increased at least three times over in the past year. I’ve gained independence, new residency, and a huge improvement in diet.

I completed an up-to-date resume and have begun looking for gainful employment.

I’m not able to save money here, but have improved my frugality.

I applied for food stamps in March when I started volunteering at the Farm, which led to my trainee position.

My support system has changed by an ever-changing set of friends and by utilizing the support of our social work interns. I feel a stronger sense of community.

Today I look at challenges as opportunities for personal growth. A positive attitude and a sense of humor can overcome just about any obstacle.

My sense of well-being or happiness is one of my greatest character assets. I’m astounded by its resilience despite outward appearance or conditions. My attention right now is self-confidence.

Being present by learning to not dwell on the past nor trip on the future brings peace of mind. Realizing that I can be my own worst enemy is huge. Helping others is a huge priority.

I’ve achieved a reconnection to my real self, reestablished my creative side, embraced my natural abilities and nourished my self esteem. In a sense, I’ve been reborn.

I’m indoors in a room with common bath. It was a long hard year, but I’m indoors.

I’m still a walker and bus rider. I’ve been a walker and bus rider my whole life.

I now have a resume and was able to get two short term dog and house sitting jobs, as well as caretaking jobs.

My health and well-being have improved. My choice in friends and relationships with others are different.

I can talk to my social worker now. I know people who can I do something with when I’m not working.

I am happier now. I have a reason to get up in the morning, a place to go and some income. I spend a lot of off-hours time at the farm. It is kind of like a yard for me.

The changes resulting from HGP that mean the most to me are having an income and hearing that someone values my work.

This past year I have transitioned from an S.L.E. to a mobile home where I now have my own room.

I am now looking for more work as I have just updated my resume.

I deal with challenges with a much more serene attitude- slowly and mindfully!

My sense of happiness has changed increasingly over the past 10 months because of my sobriety, which has been a challenge yet a joy.

The most important and meaningful change that has happened recently is with my mind; the change of my mind has come through my retreats, and this wonderful opportunity here at the HGP has been so beneficial.

By being in the training program at HGP, I have received tremendous help with my sobriety and self-worth and confidence.

Some changes I have been tracking include feeling less stressed while working, getting used to working with others, and learning to relate to management in a more positive way.

By working with HGP I have learned farming skills.

I have learned to be more realistic and set clearer goals for myself, and I have become more patient and feel better about my goals.

In the training program I have gained a better ability to deal with others.

Regarding my education, I am now on track to getting my GED.

In 2012, my sense of happiness has changed in that I feel I have a greater sense of purpose.

Thanks to HGP staff, I am able to get my GED and my driver’s license.

I have learned that I love greenhouse work, nutritious food, and cooking.

This past year, 2012, I have transitioned from homelessness and living outdoors to living inside.

I have been able to manage my money effectively and pay my rent.

I have received a lot of support from HGP and HPHP.

Housing, my lifestyle, my money, and my friends are among the most meaningful and important changes I have seen in my life recently.

I remember working here around the holidays last year on some crafty things and some wreaths. A couple, Mike and Mary, had their beautiful baby boy with them. He was crawling and playing, and then there was a cheering crowd for him as we all watched him take his first few steps from a table to his mother’s arms. I reflected and thought to myself, “Wow” as I gasped in a bittersweet moment.  I felt such joy knowing that I am also taking my own first few steps toward my new views and way of life, my new journey. Life is good, be happy!

Mike using wheel hoe

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Growth: What does it mean to you?

Posted on March 13, 2013 by admin

Every day, we are reminded that our work at the Homeless Garden Project is about growth.  One of our core values is, “We value the capacity of every individual for growth and renewal.”  It’s a tiny word packed with meaning. Below are some thoughts about growth—from famous and less well-known thinkers. We’d like to hear from you: what does “Growth” mean to you?

Growth: The process of growing; the gradual increase of an animal or a vegetable body; the development from a seed, germ, or root, to full size or maturity; increase in size, number, frequency, strength, etc.; augmentation; advancement; production; prevalence or influence; as, the growth of trade; the growth of power; the growth of intemperance. “Idle weeds are fast in growth.”

“All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward.” -Ellen Glasgow

“People are like dirt. They can either nourish you and help you grow as a person or they can stunt your growth and make you wilt and die.” -Plato

“We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.”  Virginia Satir

Thoughts about growth from HGP Participants

“HGP has been my family, income, inspiration and I am able to grow my present-day adult self to a well-rounded human being.”

“Each of us are at different stages of our lives. We vary in age, ethnicity, gender and political views. It is safe to say that the reason we are sitting in this room is because we all desire growth in some way. We may hope to grow within ourselves or help inspire personal growth in someone else. We may also simply want to grow food.”

“My awareness is haphazard at best, I tend to wear blinders but that’s because my focus is tight–goal oriented. The hardest thing for me to realize is that I don’t have to fly solo. Involving other people can ease the burden but clear communication is required that is a constant learning process or growth.”

“Achieving by doing more than what I thought I could for more than I can understand. Happiness is ultimately what we are moving toward.”

We look forward to hearing from you!

 

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2012 Volunteering Annual Report

Posted on February 26, 2013 by admin

Who we worked with:

• We worked with over 1544 volunteers at the farm, workshop, retail store, events and office with over 16,586 hours (at $10/hour, a value of $165,860)

At the Downtown Holiday Store:

• For five weeks from November 19th-December 24th 2012, we had over 80 volunteers donate 1,382 hours of service to our Holiday Store on Pacific Avenue (at $10/hour, a value of $13,820).

Volunteer Groups:

On-going at the Farm…

  • We worked alongside Laurel Street on a daily basis year-round; a day center for people with developmental disabilities-participants.
  • We worked with the Bay School on a weekly basis; the year-round school educates students with autism between the ages of three and twenty-one.
  • We also worked alongside two high school groups on a weekly basis. Both Natural Bridges High School & Ponderosa High School.

We hosted the following events and workdays at the farm:

  • Martin Luther King Service Day on January 17th
  • March 31st Caesar Chavez Day
  • April 16th Global Youth Service Day
  • May 7th Human Race
  • October 22nd Make A Difference Day

Here is a sample of some of the groups we hosted at Natural Bridges Farm:

American Conservation Experience (ACE), CALPIRG, Employment & Community Options, Food What?!, Stanford University Urban Agriculture Program, Bel Air Presbyterian Middle & High School, UCSC CASFS Farm & Garden, Rotaract Club of SC, Zen Center & Jr. Explorers

Thanks to all who helped plant seeds of change in our community!

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Interview with Danny Marrah, a trainee at HGP

Posted on January 25, 2013 by admin

I interviewed Danny at HGP’s Natural Bridges Farm last summer. Danny welcomed me to the Farm and explained his work crew and their role on the Farm. His crew prepares and cares for vegetable beds and the animals. As we painted row markers and sifted compost together we talked. After work hours we continued our conversation under a giant pine tree. I felt like I belonged as we conversed and created this interview. Sifting compost with Danny was the best thing to happen to me in awhile!

Below are some excerpts from our conversation followed by an update from Danny written in January 2013.

–Darcy Townsend, HGP volunteer

What happened to you in becoming homeless?

I am the only one of my siblings to graduate high school, despite my father being an eighth grade teacher. My siblings turned to crime and ended up in the justice system. I am from a physically, mentally/emotionally, and sexually abusive family My grandma’s sense of discipline made sense. You knew why you were being punished. She taught me to hold myself accountable for what I do.

What is your experience being homeless like?

There is little dignity in homelessness.  Physically it is HARD to maintain health. There is a lack of routine with bathing and meds. Warmth is a big factor for me in the morning. I maintain a healthy diet, but my weight is down anyway. I feel huge anxiety in not knowing a safe warm bed or sleeping bag… fearing being run off.

Living outside or at the Loft is hugely depressing, being around others without hope is, it takes the inspiration away, right out from under you. I practice yoga for spiritual and physical health. I pray for strength to bring joy and love into my life and the people around me as best I can in difficult conditions.

What does it take to live, survive and to move out of homelessness?

Selflessness, patience, humility. Hope. I’m always with my creator, Mother Earth. Sharing with each other about our experiences…knowing you’re not alone, even though you’re always alone. There is a lack of support and understanding from the broad community. Support IS this farm. It’s a chance to work my way out of this homeless situation.

What message do you have for mainstream society about the reality of homeless experience?

All homeless people get lumped together. Reality is there are ALL kinds.  People who are helping each other, criminals, and mentally ill people.

Since joining the HGP, what’s been your greatest learning and growing opportunity?

Being accepted by the program because of who I am and being encouraged to be who I am. HGP welcomes me. HGP allows people to make mistakes and still continue to participate. Because of that support and love I’m proud to say I’m homeless and part of HGP.

Where are you headed? Today, this year, in life?

I don’t know. Not being homeless, being an asset to society and not making it worse. Getting a second job or another job. Secure housing so I can be productive. Recently I became eligible to be an In Home Health Services provider.

How will you get there?

Maintain this job and my health. Advocate for the homeless situation. Put myself out there by speaking at City Council meetings, doing this interview. Hope the HGP will lead me to find housing. The farm is a solid foundation, a hand up. HGP doesn’t have solutions. It’s a chance of hope to get out of homeless situation. It can work on both ends. I’m a productive employee for the project and working through community has provided every one of us opportunities to go forward.

Describe what is meaningful about working with the HGP.

Meaningful? Laughs… Actually feeling like a productive human that day. At the end of the day, drenched in dry dirt, and feeling joy and CLEAN inside because of the joy shared with fellow homeless people…even though on the outside you are filthy dirty because of the work you just did!

What are your 2 biggest hopes and fears?

My biggest hope for everyone:   Not being excluded for who you are.

My biggest fear for myself:  I live it every day. I feel I’m treated like a criminal. I am discriminated against and excluded for being who I am.

My biggest fear for all of us: HGP may not get the support it needs. We are willing to work for whatever support is offered.  Expanding the program for more trainees would be great.

Please share a personal life truth, belief, or idea.

I believe in healthy wholesome lifestyle that meets the need of every individual as an individual.

If you had a huge broadcast audience, what would you say to bring awareness and education around homelessness and what works – what is working for you?

COME OUT HERE! Come see us and what we do. Meet us, sit with us, eat with us. Let us inspire you….socially and spiritually be aware of human beings who are suffering through the anguish of being homeless.

Danny’s update: January 2013.

Since the time this interview was done, I’ve had two pet-sitting jobs. I also had a caregiving job that didn’t work out.  With support from and continued work at the HGP, I was able to stay on my feet and find another caregiving job.  This caretaking  job helped me to secure affordable housing. I now have safe, warm, secure and wholesome housing.  The security afforded me by this housing will help me improve my involvement with HGP and to maintain and improve my physical and mental health.  Lack of warmth and security is a very big obstacle to achieving health for anyone who finds themselves in a hopeless and homeless situation.

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Volunteer Profile: Photographer Jon Kersey

Posted on December 27, 2012 by admin
Drying shed, Jon Kersey photo

Ever wonder where all the gorgeous photos that document our work come from?

Why are you involved with the HGP?

I got involved when I worked for the Social Sciences Division at UCSC. Some students from my photography workshops thought it would be a good idea to teach photography to trainees and staff at the HGP.  The students have moved on, and I no longer work at the University, but I’ve stayed involved with the HGP. Why? I’ve always found the trainees, staff and volunteers involved with the project interesting and unique people.  Every single time I go to the farm I learn something. I learn about organic farming and food. I learn about people and ideas. I learn how the HGP community works.  It’s really an amazing organization.

What type of projects/activities are you currently involved with for the HGP?

I’ve been a volunteer photographer at the Homeless Garden Project for over ten years.  Most of the work I do is specifically for the quarterly newsletter. Sometimes my photos appear in brochures and social media.

I’m currently working on a personal photo project focusing on the sense of community at the Homeless Garden Project. I’m looking for former staff members, trainees, and volunteers, people with a strong connection to the HGP. I’d like to photograph you and do a short interview.

This photo of Mary is a good example of my current project focusing on the sense of community at HGP.

The project goal is to exhibit the project around Santa Cruz, and on my web site, and draw more attention to the HGP. If you’re interested in participating I can be contacted at jon@jonkerseyphotography or 831.423.6411. You can see a few examples of the project on my photo blog: www.jonkerseyphotography.com/blog/?tag=homeless-garden-project

What’s your favorite experience with the HGP?

One of my favorite times is when I arrive at the farm in the early morning. Mike, Danny, Janet and Francis are usually already there, talking, joking and making plans for the day’s work. The light is soft and the shadows are long (if the sun is out). I know I’m going to have a good morning, even if I don’t snap one successful photo.

I’ve always felt that when I photograph at the HGP farm, I get way more than I give. The people are warm, smart and interesting and the sense of community is extraordinary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sam Farr Visits Homeless Garden Project

Posted on December 27, 2012 by admin

Sam Farr tours HGP, October 2012

Tim Galarneau of the Central Coast School Food Alliance and Food Systems Education & Research Program Specialist, CASFS

We invited Congressman Sam Farr to visit HGP and see how our program has developed and impacts our community, as well as to share some remarks on transitional job efforts from the national and local perspectives.

We wanted to begin a timely conversation–for programs that help people who are homeless increase their self-sufficiency and regain a productive place in our community.

Mayor Don Lane, Vice-mayor Hilary Bryant, Katherine Beiers, Santa Cruz City Council, Donna Murphy, Vice Chancellor of University Relations, and Phil Kramer of 180/180 were among the guests.

 

Tour members listen as HGP Trainee, Mike Thornley speaks about what brought him to Homeless Garden Project and what his participation at HGP means for his life today

The Tour Demonstrated:

    • How HGP’s enterprises and 3-acre organic farm operates; About our unique mix of therapeutic horticulture, job training, transitional employment and social work programs, and our newest initiative, the Century Certificate Program;
  • How the Santa Cruz community is pitching in to do something about homelessness; and
  • About HGP’s partnership with the National Transitional Jobs Network (NTJN), a coalition of over 5,000 anti-poverty, workforce, human services, reentry, youth, veterans, homelessness and housing non-profit, faith-based organizations and local and state government entities.
  • The NTJN believes that every person deserves the opportunity to work and support themselves and their families and that America is stronger when everyone who wants to work can find a job. The NTJN is dedicated to getting the most vulnerable Americans back to work.

The National Transitional Jobs Network published this blog about Congressman Sam Farr’s visit: “A Beautiful Way to Live”: How One California Farm is Helping Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

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Nourishing Soil: Joan’s story

Posted on December 27, 2012 by admin

Joan tells her story when Michael Pollan tours HGP Farm and programs

Here is the story that Joan shared with Michael Pollan after he toured the farm. She was very brave to write it and speak it, and that courage was palpable when she shared. Later, Raphael, an accomplished  SJSU film student, made a video chronicling the transition of trainees from farm to workshop with Joan’s story narrating. Watch the Video: Nourishing Soil

 

“The development of the individual personality is unthinkable without the nourishing soil of the community…” –Albert Einstein”

About a week ago, Darrie asked me if I’d be willing to give a 5 minute speech “sharing my story”. I agreed to, and over the next few days, I started writing my story down which I found, in itself, to be very therapeutic, but it made me realize how much there was that I wanted to say. It was really difficult for me to condense it into 5 minutes, but here goes.

When I was 19, I started using hard drugs. Prior to that, I had done quite well in my academic and social life, but in September of 2002, that changed. My mom passed-away when I was 25, leaving me with a hefty inheritance, a lot of which I smoked or snorted, but I managed to make a few small investments one of which was a small R.V. I lived in it from the time my childhood home sold in 2010 until I arrived in Santa Cruz last year.

Sometime in the middle of all of that, I found myself in Texas getting arrested for possession of controlled substances and facing prison time and felony charges. Shortly after that incident, I did manage to become sober. To this day, I still can’t put into words the miracle that was taking place when that occurred. I still strongly attribute it to a spiritual presence of my mother, but who’s to really say.

So I ended up in Santa Cruz out on bail with no clue on when I would be called back to Texas to face the courts and serve my time. I had $40 in my pocket, no job, and two of the best friends a person could ask for, Mike and Mary. Mary and I have been friends for years, growing up together in Washington. In fact, it was her and Mike’s pregnancy with Agaricus that brought me to Santa Cruz in the first place. I really wanted to be here for Agi’s birth, and at the time, I was unsure if that would happen, but I just kept moving forward as if my life in Santa Cruz would be something permanent. I was living with Mike and Mary coming into work with them everyday until I finally got hired on in September of last year. Since then, I can say, my life only keeps getting better and better.

Joan sifting quinoa at our Natural Bridges Farm: one of her favorite projects

There are so many ways that the Homeless Garden Project has nourished and nurtured me at a time when I was truly lost and vacant. I didn’t come from a broken home. I came from a home full of love and support, and for me to have chosen the path I did, caused the people who loved me a lot of suffering, and that, in turn, caused me to harbor quite a bit of guilt, shame, and grief. Those feelings nested inside of me creating symptoms of despair that couldn’t be alleviated by talking to a counselor or psychiatrist.

Shortly after I started working here, one of my co-workers said to me that working with the earth is one of the most effective means in which a person can heal themselves from deep emotional scars (such as guilt, shame, and grief). There’s an energy exchange that takes place when a person has their hands in the dirt giving back to the earth and is truly connected to the planet that is immeasurable in value, and it’s just one of the many avenues of healing that this project has offered me.

In the fall of last year, two social workers from San Jose State came to the farm to work with the trainees. The woman whom I worked with, Marna, went above and beyond her job description to spearhead a letter writing campaign to the courts in Texas on my behalf testifying to my character and the positive nature of the community I was becoming a part of. We gathered over a dozen letters which led to the ability for me to transfer my probation, with no felony charges or jail time, to California so that I could continue on my upward trajectory in an environment with a plethora of resources.

For instance: In addition to having the access to quality organic food, in November of last year, the project’s trainees were offered a scholarship to attend 6 weeks of nutrition classes from interns at Bauman College along with private sessions with a personal nutritionist. This helped me to gain a new perspective on the food I was eating and helped me to become more aware of how it was affecting me. Just recently on the farm, we were introduced to a book called “The Body Ecology Diet”, which again, is helping me to refine my awareness and strengthen my relationship with the food I eat.

During the holiday season, the trainees migrate to the store down town to make wreaths and other value added products. Last year, when we did this, I discovered that I had a hidden talent I didn’t know existed. The whole process of creative artistic expression had a feeling of importance and seeing my creations become a valued commodity gave me a much needed boost to my self esteem.

But above all of this, I believe that the most valuable thing I have gained from this project is the since of community it offers. It’s almost tribal-like in nature. For a lot of us, this is the closest thing to family we have, at least in this general area, and we truly care about one another.  We share stories about our weekends on Tuesday mornings at circle meeting.

If my car dies, and I’m stranded or if I need a place to just BE while I’m sick and healing, I can call one of my co-workers and chances are, if they have the means, they will be more than happy to help. We even had Thanksgiving dinner on the farm last year. I think feeling that type of biological security has helped calm me and allowed an inner beauty with-in me shine, and I’ve seen the same thing happen in some of my co-workers. It allows us to develop into the creative, radiant individuals we were born to be.

Albert Einstein once said, “The development of the individual personality is unthinkable without the nourishing soil of the community…”

The Homeless Garden Project community, is indeed, a nourishing soil.

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8 Reasons: Interview with HGP Board member, Andre Lafleur

Posted on December 26, 2012 by admin
Board member, Andre Lafleur speaks at HGP Fall SUSTAIN dinner

Board member, Andre Lafleur speaks at HGP Fall SUSTAIN dinner

At the Homeless Garden Project’s Fall SUSTAIN farm dinner, one of our newest board members, Andre Lafleur talked with our dinner guests about why he decided to join HGP’s Board of Directors.

“There were many reasons why I joined HGP’s board—even though I am not certain I have the temperament of a great board member, these reasons added up:

 

1)Because someone I respect (Dear Dr Paul Lee) asked.

2) Because everybody recognizes Santa Cruz has a serious and growing homelessness problem.

3) Because SC is blessed with earth’s best farming climate, and its most fertile land and a viable fresh water supply.

4) Because I have seen the way local people have understood and embraced fresh and local food and farm products.

5) I’ve seen HGP work, I’ve seen it succeed, I see the beautiful farm and kind people and felt their supportive, loving spirit.

6) I’ve heard stories of lives turned around, and of the reunion of parents and children and families.

7) I believe that these elements, collectively, are in a compelling stellar alignment with HGP mission, vision, and values.

And finally, I wanted to find out what it could be like, feel like, and mean, if the community really got behind the HGP to create opportunities for people who are homeless to become self-sufficient, and to find their place as productive members of our community.

In this spirit, I’d like to share this poem from David Whyte:

Everything is Waiting for You

Excerpts below:

“To feel abandoned is to deny
the intimacy of your surroundings. Surely,
even you, at times, have felt the grand array;
the swelling presence, and the chorus, crowding
out your solo voice

“Put down the weight of your aloneness and ease into
the conversation”

“All the birds
and creatures of the world are unutterably
themselves. Everything is waiting for you.

– David Whyte
from Everything is Waiting for You
©2003 Many Rivers Press

–Andre Lafleur has worked with the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County since 2004 and currently serves as Major Gifts Officer. He has homesteaded with alacrity in Bonny Doon since 1999, and could not be bribed to live anywhere else.

 

 

 

 

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