Fostering connections among members of the Santa Cruz community
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 …
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: Because …
“As an oral historian, I cultivate stories. I believe recording and passing down stories sustains us. I believe in stories we can find the seeds of a sustainable future, if we listen deeply. Tonight I want to give you a packet containing nine seeds of wisdom I found hidden in the life stories of organic and sustainable farmers, activists, teachers, …
Some people will walk a mile for a Camel, others will walk 220 miles to help people who are homeless. Ian Keeler, a Soquel resident and business owner, fits that second description. Ian will hike 220 miles, including the entire 211 miles of the official John Muir Trail. Why? Ian appreciates the many ways that the Homeless Garden Project helps people …
“Beauty saves. Beauty heals. Beauty motivates. Beauty unites. Beauty returns us to ourorigins, and here lies the ultimate act of saving, of healing, of overcoming dualism.” – Matthew Fox One of the qualities of our farm that engages me and sustains my work at HGP is beauty. In this article, I want to celebrate the farm’s beauty and invite you …
I have been a trainee at the Homeless Garden Project’s Natural Bridges Farm for nearlya year, and what a wondrous year it has been. The wisdom, knowledge, compassion and support, the camaraderie and bonding, as well as understanding and patience that have been showered upon me is without measure, appreciated, and surprisingly now welcomed. It was not always so. For …
A homeless man had walked in with a terrible infection throughout his foot- so bad that if left alone, it would doubtlessly require an amputation. Luckily the man was admitted, and within minutes of his arrival the hospital called all of the staff Podiatrists to attempt to find a doctor who would be willing to come in and help treat …
In celebration of Susie’s life. Please join us at Natural Bridges Farm on Friday, June 24 at 2 PM to pay tribute to Susie MacMillen. There will be opportunities to share remembrances, a small reception will follow. Please feel free to bring food to share, writing, photos. If you need more information, please contact Forrest Cook at forrestc@homelessgardenproject.org Susie began …
As 2009 opened, I was issued a challenge – extended by my youngest sister to each of her six siblings – to make at least 500 pb&j sandwiches for the local soup kitchen or outreach center of my choosing. After strong-arming my Solstice partygoers into a couple of hours of focused sandwich making, my wife Christine and I had a …
Roughly seventeen years ago I first began my training experience making wreaths and working at the WOFE gardens on Washington Street and up at Natural Bridges Farm. Then in the year 2000, I worked at the farm primarily digging and planting beds and harvesting for that year. I also had the creative outlet making bouquets for CSA. Now I work …
