Hear the moving stories from the people in our programs
The Homeless Garden Project is about growth, learning and starting new life. As a trainee, I’m learning so many valuable tools in gardening, planting and harvesting. Before I started working at the farm, I hadn’t worked in eight years. My self-confidence was low, but my hopes for my future were high. From day one, Lindsay, our Supervisor, made me feel …
My name is Magalí Morales and I have had a really great time volunteering in HGP’s social work program. One of the many reasons why I love this agency is that it’s a place for positive change and empowerment from the grassroots. There is nothing better than teaching someone who’s been hungry how to grow food. And the truth is that it …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
