Volunteers are the heart of everything we do at the Homeless Garden Project. Everyone who joins us has their own story, their own reason for showing up. In this series, we’re handing them the mic to share why they volunteer, what they’ve learned, and what this community means to them. Take a read, get inspired, and maybe even join us!
I volunteer at the Homeless Garden Project Store (Capitola and Pacific
Ave. locations). When I interact with customers, I get the opportunity
to spread the word about our program and how buying our products helps
the community. You’re not just buying a bottle of lotion – you’re
getting a high-quality local product while supporting trainees working
toward a more stable life.
Volunteering at the store has also given me the chance to meet people
in the program and to see how much working at the farm or in the
workshop has had a positive impact on their day-to-day experience. The
pride that the trainees have in the products they make is so fun to
see. For example, last holiday season, a trainee came into the store
one evening to see the wreaths she’d made hanging on the walls
downtown. You could tell having her creative work on display, made
with products she’d help grow at the farm, was a special experience.
Representing the program as a volunteer in the stores has made me feel
more connected to the community here in Santa Cruz, both with
customers and with people who benefit from the program’s training and
support.
Want to dig in and make a difference? Reach out to our Coordinator at volunteer@homelessgardenproject.org to get started!