When you shop at the Homeless Garden Project Store—whether in person or online—you’re doing far more than buying a thoughtful gift or a handmade good. You’re investing directly in people working hard to rebuild their lives. Every dollar you spend goes toward paid job training, employment, and career mentorship for individuals transitioning out of homelessness in Santa Cruz. Where Your …
Gifts That Bloom with Purpose
Spring Gifts That Give Back: Thoughtful Finds from the Homeless Garden Project Store Spring is a season of renewal—a time to reconnect, celebrate, and give. At the Homeless Garden Project Store, every item tells a story of transformation and possibility. Whether you’re searching for a meaningful birthday gift, a thoughtful Easter token, or something special for Mother’s Day, our handcrafted …
Honoring the Legacy of César Chávez
The following talk was delivered by Gabriela Triguiero at HGP’s Day of Service in Honor of Cesar Chavez on April 5th, 2025 at Natural Bridges Farm. Gabriela is Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County and a member of the Santa Cruz City Council. Good afternoon, everyone. It’s an honor to join you today at the Homeless …
The Importance of Trying
In 1995, I was a teenager. I was homeless with my boyfriend. I was camping out at Antonelli Pond when I came across the Homeless Garden Project. There were a few employees. I went there for water. It felt like a safe place. They seemed to welcome the homeless. I remember visiting often. Later on in the years, I noticed …
Meet the Makers: Carrie Young’s Journey at the Homeless Garden Project
When you purchase a candle, bar of soap, or any handcrafted item from the Homeless Garden Project Store, you’re not just buying a product—you’re supporting a story of resilience, transformation, and hope. Behind each handmade gift is a person who has poured their time, effort, and heart into its creation. One of those individuals is Carrie Young. A Fresh Start …
Why Shopping with a Purpose Matters: How Your Purchase Changes Lives
The Power of Shopping with a Purpose In a world where gift-giving can sometimes feel routine, choosing a gift that gives back brings a deeper meaning. At the Homeless Garden Project, every item sold supports our mission to empower individuals experiencing homelessness through job training, skill-building, and transitional employment. Our products are crafted with care, but even more importantly, they …
Cultivating the Beloved Community
My name is Alison Alkon and I’m a professor in the community studies program at UCSC. I do research and write and teach about food justice, meaning the ways that inequalities like race, class and gender affect who gets access to healthy food, so clearly an organization like the Homeless Garden Project, that helps folks who are struggling to both …
Growing Together: Volunteer Spotlights
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! …
A Mountain of Gratitude
On November 23, 2024, HGP hosted its annual Holiday Celebration, screening the documentary film Food, Inc. 2 and a talk by author Eric Schlosser at the 418 Project in downtown Santa Cruz. Before the event, HGP welcomed Chris Beresh and Kyle Franks to speak of their experience with the program. Below are their talks: Good evening, My name is Christopher …
From Riches to Rags to One Day at a Time
Hello everyone, my name is Chris and I’m forty-seven years old. Today I’m going to tell you my story – a journey that has taken me from the depths of despair to a place of hope and gratitude. It’s a story shaped by unique experiences across different continents and cultures. I’ve had to leave out many, many details for times …