" The trainees are not the only ones whose lives are touched by the connection to the seeds and soil. HGP affects the lives of all who pass through it. "
- Rosalie Evans, Former HGP Intern
Available Staff Positions
Internships & Volunteer Openings
Our volunteer program is flexible to allow for varied interests and schedules.
Learn more about our current volunteer needs here or contact us if you'd like more information about our volunteer openings.
Office Assistant Volunteer
Schedule: 4-12 hours/week
Salary: This is a volunteer, unpaid role.
To apply: Please send a resume with relevant experience. Send to pranavp@homelessgardenproject.org and include the position for which you’re applying for in the subject line.
Description
The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), founded in 1990 and based in Santa Cruz, California, provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people experiencing homelessness. In addition, HGP operates a thriving community education and volunteer program. Our programs take place on our 3.5 acre organic farm and related social enterprises. We are preparing for a time of growth, as we are in the process of purchasing our farm as a permanent, consolidated site; with the growth of acreage, our goal is to serve even more people each year.
The Office Assistant Volunteer will support the Executive Director in maintaining accurate and organized records, connecting to the broader community through digital outreach, and providing assistance with a variety of clerical tasks. Joining HGP as an Office Assistant Volunteer means contributing directly to our mission while gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, and helping us during this process of growth.
The Homeless Garden Project is deeply grateful for the service provided by the Office Assistant Volunteer. There is flexibility in the responsibilities of the role as it can be tailored based on the needs of the volunteer.
Responsibilities
- Support Executive Director with daily clerical tasks.
- Assist the Executive Director in organization, management and implementation of agency business including, but not limited to, records, bookkeeping and reports.
- Assist Executive Director and Finance Manager with bookkeeping, including receipt of deposits, maintaining clear financial records, and the timely payment of bills.
- Assist in preparation for Board and committee meetings.
- Assist in maintenance of and collection of names for all mailing lists.
- Assist in production of newsletter, event and other mailings.
- Assist in promotional activities, including media relations.
- Ensure timely and accurate data entry necessary for reports and contracts.
- Support with out-of-office errands.
- Other duties as requested.
Qualifications
- Organizational and time management skills
- Microsoft Office & Google Suite knowledge and English proficiency
- Demonstrated experience in office management systems and procedures
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to work with direction and independently
- Confidentiality and discretion
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
The Homeless Garden Project is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, transgender and gender-nonconforming people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Schedule: 8-12 hours/week
Duration: 3-6 months
Salary: This is a volunteer, unpaid internship. If you are using this internship to gain course credit or seek out grants with your college, please include this information in your cover letter.
Location: Santa Cruz, CA (hybrid/remote flexible)
To apply: Along with your resume, please send us a brief cover letter highlighting why you’re interested in the program. Send to paulg@homelessgardenproject.org and include the internship position for which you’re applying for in the subject line. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
About the Homeless Garden Project
The Homeless Garden Project (HGP) is a nationally recognized nonprofit based in Santa Cruz that provides job training, transitional employment, and support services to people experiencing homelessness. Integrated with these programs, HGP operates a vibrant community volunteer and education program.
All programs take place on an organic farm and through related enterprises, creating a unique model that connects social impact, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.
HGP is currently in a pivotal moment of growth as we work toward purchasing our farm land and establishing a permanent, secure site. We are hoping to find new sources of funding to deepen the impact of our programs.
Our Big Question
We are working to answer a critical strategic question:
What is the scale at which HGP can maximize impact—and what business model, program strategy, organizational structure, and financial plan will support that growth sustainably?
Position Overview
The Grant Research Intern will play an important role in helping HGP expand its funding pipeline to support this next phase of growth. This position is ideal for someone interested in nonprofit development, social impact, sustainable agriculture, or housing and homelessness solutions.
The intern will identify, research, and organize prospective grant opportunities that align with HGP’s mission, geographic focus, and long-term sustainability goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Research and identify new grant opportunities from foundations, government agencies, and other funding sources
- Focus on funding aligned with:
- Workforce development and homelessness services
- Sustainable and regenerative agriculture
- Environmental stewardship and climate resilience
- Volunteer and community engagement programs
- Develop and maintain a grant prospect database with key details (deadlines, requirements, funding priorities, award sizes)
- Analyze funder priorities and assess alignment with HGP programs and strategic goals
- Prepare concise research briefs and recommendations for staff
- Track trends in philanthropic funding relevant to HGP’s mission and growth
- (Optional, depending on experience) Assist with drafting letters of inquiry or supporting grant applications
Learning Opportunities
This internship offers hands-on experience in nonprofit development and strategy, including:
- Understanding how funding aligns with organizational growth and impact
- Exposure to social enterprise and sustainable agriculture models
- Insight into capital campaigns and land acquisition funding
- Experience working with a mission-driven organization addressing homelessness
Qualifications
- Strong research, analytical, and organizational skills
- Interest in nonprofit work, philanthropy, or social impact
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
- Familiarity with Google Workspace or similar tools
- Experience with grant research tools/databases is a plus (but not required)
Ideal Candidate
You are curious, detail-oriented, and motivated by mission-driven work. You’re excited about helping an organization grow its impact in a way that is both financially and environmentally sustainable.
The Homeless Garden Project is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, transgender and gender-nonconforming people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Details
Schedule: 20 hours per week, from May 2026 to October 2026
Salary: $17 / hour, for the duration of 6/15 - 8/21. This is a paid internship through the Center for Economic Justice and Action at UCSC. If you are using this internship to gain course credit or seek out grants with your college, please include this information in your cover letter.
To apply: Along with your resume, please send us a brief cover letter highlighting why you’re interested in the program. Send your materials to pranavp@homelessgardenproject.org and include the internship position for which you’re applying in the subject line. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Description
The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), founded in 1990 and based in Santa Cruz, California, provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people experiencing homelessness. In addition, HGP operates a thriving community education and volunteer program. Our programs take place on our 3.5 acre organic farm and related social enterprises.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and hardworking intern who will support our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in the Spring and Summer. The CSA Intern will lead member pick-up and u-pick hours and will develop the weekly newsletter to members.
CSA: CSA members provide crucial support to HGP by investing in the farm by making a commitment to buy produce from HGP each week during the harvest season and paying in advance for the produce. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture and transitional jobs enhances HGP's planning and financial stability and creates a community of people who are deeply committed to HGP's success. In return, we seek to provide CSA members with quality and diverse organic produce, tips and recipes for using the produce, and news and stories about the farm, trainees and our programs that enhance their community experience. HGP also operates its Feed 2 Birds program which donates CSA shares to local agencies serving individuals who may not otherwise have access to fresh organic produce.
Responsibilities
Farm
- Manage and check off CSA customer pick-up and u-pick
- Manage and check off Feed 2 Birds agency pick-ups
- Welcome and engage CSA members and visitors at the farm
- Assist in harvest, wash/pack, and quality control of produce
- Perform farm work as needed to support farm and CSA production
- Manage any additional farm stand purchases during CSA pick-up and u-pick hours
Administrative
- Create a weekly CSA newsletter (interview staff/trainees, write farm narratives, take regular photos of the farm and the work, promote HGP events, research recipes, etc.)
- Support CSA record keeping using Excel and Google sheets.
Qualifications
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented individual
- Ability to prioritize, multi-task and meet deadlines
- Dependability, flexibility and ability to maintain confidentiality
- Superb communication skills, both written and verbal
- Interest in sustainable agriculture and social justice
- Ability to work independently and with others, including staff, volunteers, donors and vendors
- A demonstrated commitment to HGP’s mission and values
- Excellent ethical standards and personal integrity
- Completed or working toward a college degree, preferred
Intern Will Gain:
- Diverse skills and hands-on experience for a growing nonprofit organization
- Experience supporting Homeless Garden Project CSA coordination and communications
- Education around sustainable agriculture and Organic crop production
- Experience building relationships with a wide range of community members
- Opportunities to contribute and implement creative insights and feedback regarding CSA and value-added enterprises
- Opportunities to interact with professionals in both nonprofit and for-profit sector
Work Schedule/Time Commitment
Start Date: May 17th, 2026
End Date: October 18th, 2026
Commitment: ~20 hours per week
CSA U-Pick/Pick-Up Hours
Location: HGP Farm
Tuesday: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Friday: 10:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 4 PM
Newsletter
Location: Remote
~ 2-4 hours each week
The Homeless Garden Project is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, transgender and gender-nonconforming people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Details
Schedule: 10 - 15 hours per week
Salary: This is a volunteer, unpaid internship. If you are using this internship to gain course credit or seek out grants with your college, please include this information in your cover letter.
To apply: Along with your resume, please send us a brief cover letter highlighting why you’re interested in the program. Send to carlyd@homelessgardenproject.org and include the internship position for which you’re applying in the subject line. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Description
The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), founded in 1990 and based in Santa Cruz, California, provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people experiencing homelessness. In addition, HGP operates a thriving community education and volunteer program. Our programs take place on our 3.5 acre organic farm and related social enterprises.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and hardworking intern who will support our development team throughout the summer. The Farm Intern will work directly under the supervision of the Farm Manager and Crop Production Manager as a member of the farm crew. This is physically demanding farm work that involves all aspects of our farm’s production.
Responsibilities
- Field work: seeding, planting, weeding, harvesting, irrigation and pest management
- Lead small groups of volunteers in various farm activities
- Assist in managing a crop production schedule, including seeding and greenhouse maintenance
- Assist in harvest, wash/pack, and quality control of produce
Qualifications
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented individual
- Ability to prioritize, multi-task and meet deadlines
- Dependability, flexibility and ability to maintain confidentiality
- Interest in sustainable agriculture and social justice
- Ability to work independently and with others, including staff, volunteers, donors and vendors
- A demonstrated commitment to HGP’s mission and values
- Excellent ethical standards and personal integrity
- Previous agricultural work, preferred
Intern Will Gain:
- Diverse skills and hands-on experience for a growing nonprofit organization
- Experience supporting Homeless Garden Project 3.5 acre farm
- Education around sustainable agriculture and Organic crop production
- Opportunities to interact with professionals in both nonprofit and for-profit sector
The Homeless Garden Project is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, transgender and gender-nonconforming people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Details
Schedule: 10-15 hours per week
Salary: This is a volunteer, unpaid internship. If you are using this internship to gain course credit or seek out grants with your college, please include this information in your cover letter.
To apply: Along with your resume, please send us a brief cover letter highlighting why you’re interested in the program. Send your materials to omarg@homelessgardenproject.org and include the internship position for which you’re applying in the subject line. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Description
The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), founded in 1990 and based in Santa Cruz, California, provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people experiencing homelessness. In addition, HGP operates a thriving community education and volunteer program. Our programs take place on our 3.5 acre organic farm and related social enterprises.
Proceeds from the Value-Added Enterprise benefit our programs! We provide job training, transitional employment and support services to people experiencing homelessness. Integrated with our employment and training program, we operate a community education and volunteer program that serves 2,500 people in a typical year. Our programs take place in our organic farm and in related enterprises.
Business, Marketing, & Social Media Internship Layout
The Value-Added Enterprise aspect of HGP involves several key components:
- Vocational Training: Participants gain hands-on experience in farming, gardening, and various aspects of production of retail goods. This training helps them develop skills that are transferable to other jobs.
- Production of Goods: The project often produces a range of products, such as organic produce, flowers, and value-added items like jams, sauces, and herbal products. These goods are sold to local markets, out two retail locations, and through the project’s farm stand, generating revenue and providing participants with work experience.
- Community Engagement: The project fosters a sense of community by involving volunteers, donors, and local businesses. This engagement helps raise awareness about homelessness and supports the project’s mission.
- Therapeutic Benefits: Working in a garden environment has therapeutic benefits, providing participants with opportunities for personal growth, mental health support, and a sense of accomplishment.
- Sustainable Practices: The project emphasizes sustainable agriculture practices, which not only benefit the environment but also educate participants and the community about sustainability.
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic intern to contribute to our Value-Added Enterprise program. As an intern, you will design email marketing campaigns you will also work on social media initiatives and report directly to the Value-Added Enterprise Manager.
Responsibilities
- Repurpose content from our organizational newsletter.
- Write and design 2 marketing newsletters a month. The focus here is to increase online sales, and draw locals into our storefronts.
- Create 3 graphics a week (likely in Canva) to post in our social media outlets.
- Creates content for the HGP Store social media accounts
- Brainstorms, pitches and implements ideas for social media campaigns and posts
- Creates content for publication, including taking photos, sourcing photos from HGP staff, developing graphics, and writing engaging photo captions.
- Prepare emails and messages for press, influencers and bloggers to promote HGP Store
- Analyze data and monitor metrics to gauge the success of campaigns and posts and assists in creating performance
- Market segmentation through optimization of marketing efforts, tailored messages, effective allocation of resources, and improvement of customer acquisition and retention
Qualifications
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented individual
- Ability to prioritize, multi-task and meet deadlines
- Superb communication skills, both written and verbal
- Interest in social justice
- Ability to work independently and with others, including staff, volunteers, donors and vendors
- A demonstrated commitment to HGP’s mission and values
- Experience with Canva, Shopify, Google Suite and email software programs are a plus
Intern Will Gain:
- Diverse skills and hands-on experience for a growing nonprofit organization
- Experience supporting Homeless Garden Project marketing coordination and communications
- Experience creating email campaigns and blog posts
- Opportunities to contribute and implement creative insights and feedback regarding value-added enterprises
- Opportunities to interact with professionals in both nonprofit and for-profit sector
The Homeless Garden Project is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, transgender and gender-nonconforming people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Details:
Schedule: 2 hours/week minimum, 3 - 8 hours/week preferred
Duration: 3-6 months
Salary: This is a volunteer, unpaid internship. If you are using this internship to gain course credit or seek out grants with your college, please include this information in your cover letter.
To apply: Along with your resume, please send us a brief cover letter highlighting why you’re interested in the program. Send to pranavp@homelessgardenproject.org and include the internship position for which you’re applying for in the subject line. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Description
The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), founded in 1990 and based in Santa Cruz, California, provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people experiencing homelessness. In addition, HGP operates a thriving community education and volunteer program. Our programs take place on our 3.5 acre organic farm and related social enterprises. Joining HGP as a Finance Intern means contributing directly to our mission while gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit financial operations.
The Database Intern will support the Volunteer, Social Programs, and Value Added Enterprise teams in maintaining accurate and organized records, developing systems that allow the organization to optimize decision making year by year. This role will assist with data entry, analysis, and interpretation, and will provide hands-on experience in nonprofit data systems such as Apricot and Sheets.
Responsibilities
- Input volunteer hours & analyze quarterly metrics.
- Assist with setting up and refining data collection forms.
- Maintain and expand contacts records.
- Create and edit Apricot forms and run reports.
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Provide general database support to each department.
Qualifications
- Current student, recent graduate in a related field, or any persons possessing relevant experience.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the internship, the Database Intern will:
- Gain practical experience in data entry and analysis processes in a nonprofit setting.
- Develop organizational and documentation management skills.
- Build knowledge of internal controls and record-keeping best practices.
- Understand how record keeping supports nonprofit operations and planning.
The Homeless Garden Project is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, transgender and gender-nonconforming people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
*Temporarily Unavailable
Reopening September 2026
Schedule: 2 hours/week, minimum
Duration: 3-6 months
Salary: This is a volunteer, unpaid internship. If you are using this internship to gain course credit or seek out grants with your college, please include this information in your cover letter.
To apply: Along with your resume, please send us a brief cover letter highlighting why you’re interested in the program. Send to volunteer@homelessgardenproject.org and include the internship position for which you’re applying for in the subject line. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Description
The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), founded in 1990 and based in Santa Cruz, California, provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people experiencing homelessness. In addition, HGP operates a thriving community education and volunteer program. Our programs take place on our 3.5 acre organic farm and related social enterprises. Joining HGP as a Finance Intern means contributing directly to our mission while gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit financial operations.
The Finance Intern will support the Business and Finance team in maintaining accurate and organized financial and human resources records. This role will assist with documentation, payroll processing, HR administrative tasks, and accounting support. The internship provides hands-on experience in nonprofit finance and administration, offering valuable exposure to accounting, payroll, and HR operations.
Responsibilities
- Organize, file, and maintain financial and HR documentation (digital and paper).
- Assist with payroll preparation and data entry.
- Support HR administrative tasks, such as onboarding paperwork and personnel file organization.
- Help with accounting functions, including invoice processing, reconciliations, and expense tracking.
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Provide general administrative support to the Finance Department as needed.
Qualifications
- Current student or recent graduate in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) or Google Workspace.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the internship, the Finance Intern will:
- Gain practical experience in payroll, HR, and accounting processes.
- Develop organizational and documentation management skills.
- Understand how finance supports nonprofit operations and compliance.
- Build knowledge of internal controls and record-keeping best practices.
The Homeless Garden Project is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, transgender and gender-nonconforming people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Details
Looking for a fun way to spend your weekends while making a difference in your community? Look no further than our volunteer program at HGP!
We're currently searching for outgoing and friendly individuals who are comfortable using a register and can help us cover the store during our Shift Manager's lunch break. As a Customer Service Volunteer, you'll be responsible for greeting customers, answering their questions, assisting at the register, restocking merchandise, and supporting the Shift Manager as needed. You'll also be able to educate customers about HGP, upcoming events, and how they can get involved!
But before you start your volunteer shift, we'll need you to attend one of our orientation training sessions. Don't worry - they're fun and informative! Once you complete your orientation, we'll add you to our online work scheduler, where you can choose the shifts you'd like to work.
Our orientation sessions take place at our store location on 1338 Pacific Avenue. You only need to attend one orientation session to start volunteering!
Join our team and make a difference while having fun! We can't wait to have you on board.
About our Store: Our Store is where we make a significant amount of our yearly income to support our transitional employment and job training program for folks experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Those who are in the training program make over 40 types of products using materials we grow on the farm, including food products, bath and body products, and dried-flower wreaths. Each year we have a network of over 100 volunteers who support the store. The store is, in part, volunteer-run, meaning that the profit we make goes directly toward supporting our programs and folks transitioning out of homelessness.
Location: 1338 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Saturday or Sunday
12 - 2 pm
2 - 4 pm
4 - 6 pm
The Homeless Garden Project is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, transgender and gender-nonconforming people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Details
Schedule: 10 -15 hours per week, and be willing to hold this volunteer position for 6 months/1
year.
Salary: This is a volunteer, unpaid position. If you are using this volunteer position for internship to gain
course credit or seek out grants with your college, please include this information.
To apply: If you’re interested in volunteering, please email omarg@homelessgardenproject.org and
include the volunteer position for which you’re applying in the subject line. Applications accepted on a
rolling basis until the position is filled.
Description
The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), founded in 1990 and based in Santa Cruz, California, provides job
training, transitional employment and support services to people experiencing homelessness. In addition,
HGP operates a thriving community education and volunteer program. Our programs take place on our
3.5 acre organic farm and related social enterprises.
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer to contribute to our Value-Added Enterprise
program. As volunteer, you will design email marketing campaigns you will also work on social media
initiatives and report directly to the Value-Added Enterprise Manager.
Responsibilities
● Repurpose content from our organizational newsletter.
● Write and design 2 marketing newsletters a month. The focus here is to increase online sales,
and draw locals into our storefronts.
● Create 3 graphics a week (likely in Canva) to post in our social media outlets.
● Creates content for the HGP Store social media accounts
● Brainstorms, pitches and implements ideas for social media campaigns and posts
● Creates content for publication, including taking photos, sourcing photos from HGP staff,
developing graphics, and writing engaging photo captions.
● Prepare emails and messages for press, influencers and bloggers to promote HGP Store
● Analyze data to gauge the success of campaigns and posts and assists in creating performance
Qualifications
● Self-motivated, detail-oriented individual
● Ability to prioritize, multi-task and meet deadlines
● Superb communication skills, both written and verbal
● Interest in social justice
● Ability to work independently and with others, including staff, volunteers, donors and vendors
● A demonstrated commitment to HGP’s mission and values
● Experience with Canva, Shopify, Google Suite and email software programs are a plus
The Homeless Garden Project is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, transgender and gender-nonconforming people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Details
Schedule: 2 - 5 hours per week, and be willing to hold this volunteer position for 6 months/1
year.
Salary: This is a volunteer, unpaid position. If you are using this volunteer position for internship to gain
course credit or seek out grants with your college, please include this information.
To apply: If you’re interested in volunteering, please email omarg@homelessgardenproject.org and
include the volunteer position for which you’re applying in the subject line. Applications accepted on a
rolling basis until the position is filled.
Description
The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), founded in 1990 and based in Santa Cruz, California, provides job
training, transitional employment and support services to people experiencing homelessness. In addition,
HGP operates a thriving community education and volunteer program. Our programs take place on our
3.5 acre organic farm and related social enterprises.
We are seeking a dedicated graphic artist volunteer to produce a variety of materials, including event
flyers, product labels, brochures and reports. Materials are needed with irregular frequency, based on HGP
event schedules and program year.
Responsibilities
● Design Event Flyers: Create visually appealing and informative flyers that promote upcoming
HGP events.
● Produce Product Labels: Design product labels that clearly communicate product information,
match HGP’s style, and adhere to any industry-specific regulations or guidelines.
● Develop Brochures and Reports: Design layouts for brochures and reports that are both
engaging and easy to read. Effectively incorporate charts, graphs, or relevant visual date
representations along with clear, concise text blocks.
● Social Media Graphics: Design eye-catching images and templates optimized for various social
media platforms.
Qualifications
● At least 2 years of experience in graphic design
● Self-motivated, detail-oriented individual
● Ability to prioritize, multi-task and meet deadlines
● Dependability, flexibility and ability to maintain confidentiality
● Superb communication skills, both written and verbal
● Interest in sustainable agriculture and social justice
● Ability to work independently and with others, including staff, volunteers, donors and vendors
● A demonstrated commitment to HGP’s mission and values
● Excellent ethical standards and personal integrity
● Completed or working toward a college degree, preferred
The Homeless Garden Project is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, transgender and gender-nonconforming people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Social Work Internship Opportunity
To apply submit resume to evanj@homelessgardenproject.org
In the soil of our urban farm, people find the tools they need to build a home in the world.
The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), founded in 1990, provides job training, transitional employment and supportive services to people who are experiencing homelessness. In addition, HGP operates a thriving community education and volunteer program. HGP's programs take place in a 3.5-acre organic farm and related enterprises. Social Work Interns (SWI) work with HGP's Connecting with Community program. SWI work one-on-one with trainees to promote trainees' full participation in our job training and transitional employment programs by addressing needs such as health care, legal issues, transportation, and shelter. With SWI, trainees identify goals that will create and sustain their own well-being. SWI monitor trainee progress toward goals and supports meaningful engagement in accomplishing goals. SWI foster trainee progress toward unsubsidized employment as a key long-term goal related to a career plan. We look forward to working with you! The Social Work Interns bring so much value and support to the Homeless Garden Project.
Schedule: HGP offers Social Work Interns a schedule with some flexibility and choice within the structure of our trainees’ work schedule. Meetings with trainees take place during their workday; Tuesday-Friday, 9:00-2:00. Social Work Interns work with trainees to find the best times to meet.
Thursdays are currently required; supervision, social work and staff meetings are held on this day. Meetings take place in person at our 3.5-acre organic farm.
Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
- Assessment: work with trainees to identify current needs.
- Service Planning: collaboratively develop a plan focused on supports, activities, and resources required to achieve personal goals.
- Advocacy and Referrals: help educate and connect trainees to available and appropriate resources.
- Counseling & Goal Setting: provide support and structure for relevant goal setting.
Desired Traits & Skills:
- Good listening skills
- Well organized
- Appreciation of diversity
- Commitment to social justice
Orientation & Training:
- Work under supervision of Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Training in Motivational Interviewing, service planning and evaluation
Benefits to Intern:
- Experience working in nonprofit social service setting
- Familiarity with community resources
- Develop counseling skills
- Gain training in Motivational Interviewing and Positive Psychology
The Homeless Garden Project is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, transgender and gender-nonconforming people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Details
Schedule: 15-20 hours per week, occasional weekends, holidays and evenings
Salary: This is a volunteer, unpaid internship. If you are using this internship to gain course credit or seek
out grants with your college, please include this information in your cover letter.
Reports to: Director of Operations, and Value-Added Enterprise Manager
To apply: Along with your resume, please send us a brief cover letter highlighting why you’re interested in
the program. Send your materials to omarg@homelessgardenproject.org and include the internship
position for which you’re applying in the subject line.
Description
The Homeless Garden Project (HGP), founded in 1990 and based in Santa Cruz, California, provides job
training, transitional employment, and support services to people experiencing homelessness. In addition,
HGP operates a thriving community education and volunteer program. Our programs take place on our
organic farm and related social enterprises.
We are seeking an enterprising professional who is up-to-date on photo/video trends in marketing, and is
driven to creatively capture all that HGP offers, from Farm tours and HGP events, to staff, volunteer and
internship contributions, and trainee transitional employment experiences. Photography and videos will be
used on the HGP website, in print publications, in advertising, in public relations outreach, across social
media platforms, in email communications, and in other media as needs arise.
The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability and eagerness to generate videos and photos from
short clips to long-form storytelling that convey the mission and vision of the Homeless Garden Project in
innovative, authentic, memorable, and captivating ways. This is primarily a Videographer & Photographer
volunteer position. Preference will be given to candidates with photography skills. Additional skills such as
design, social media, marketing, and animation will also be considered.
Responsibilities
● Shoot, edit, and produce video for the HGP website, social media platforms, print publications,
email communications, public relations outreach, advertisements, special events,
meetings/presentations, and other media as needs arise.
● Generate high-quality still images and videos worthy of wide audiences that showcase HGP
programs, people, events, and other offerings
● Contribute to the office's videography needs as video experience/expertise allow. Storyboard
concepts, film and conduct interviews, gather necessary b-roll footage, and edit videos to meet
HGP’s needs
● Brainstorm and suggest ideas for adding a photo or video component to publications, stories, and
other promotional efforts.
Prefered Work Experience and Education:
● 1-3 years of experience in video and digital photography
● Previous experience working with a nonprofit is a plus
Qualifications
● Demonstrated proficiency and passion for modern photography and videography styles.
● Enthusiasm for a variety of image styles and a commitment to quality work across genres.
● Must be dependable, respectful, self-motivated, adaptable, efficient, and personable.
● Must be able to work well with a wide range of people, including trainees, volunteers, customers,
business owners, funders, advisors
● Must be comfortable working both independently and with our collaborative team.
● Must be able to juggle multiple projects, respond to immediate requests, and work in a
high-energy, deadline-driven atmosphere.
● Must be willing to work a flexible schedule.
● Willing to use personal equipment for videography and photography projects and assignments.
The Homeless Garden Project is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, transgender and gender-nonconforming people, women, people with abilities in multiple languages, immigrants, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.