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 the place grew a bit bigger and there were more employees. Some of the employees I knew. I talked to a lady that was working at the Garden. She told me if I wanted to work, I could get a job there. At this time in my life, I was in my early twenties. I had a new baby at the time. I applied to the Homeless Garden Project and got the job. I only worked for two weeks because I found myself too busy taking care of my child.
Fast forward 18 years had gone by with some ups and downs. Several times during those years, I had ended up homeless. Also during those years I had been found to be mentally disabled because of depression and struggled with addiction.
I came to a point within the past two years that I found stable housing through County Mental Health. The event that encouraged me back to the Homeless Garden Project was an event that almost led me back into homelessness. There had been a mistake made by social security and I, which led them to overpay me. I ended up owing thousands of dollars. The only place I could think of that would help me out by hiring me was the Homeless Garden Project.
I found that even though I was unsure about being able to work, the important part was I tried. You never know till you try. So far, I have surpassed what I thought my capabilities were.
I showed up on a Monday at the old workshop and met Evan. I got on the list and followed up. Eventually, I got called in to do a 2-week trial to see if I was up to it. I showed up everyday questioning, “Can I really do this?” I really didn’t know if I was even capable. However, I showed up every day on time for those two weeks. Then I got interviewed and hired. I thought that if I told them anything about myself, they would turn me away. I was honest and opened up a bit. I was hired. I was a little surprised.
It was good for me to be accepted even though I wasn’t perfect. I didn’t expect it. I was relieved and excited. The money has helped me to pay my bill to Social Security.
I also have been working on other goals with the Homeless Garden Project’s help. I recently signed up for school. I paid off the rest of my probation fee from 14 years ago. Now I have applied to Clean Slate to have my record expunged. I have been working on getting my driver’s license. I’m also staying clean.
The Homeless Garden Project has had a very positive impact on my life.
I also have learned so much about organic farming. I’m really grateful to be part of this Garden community that has accepted me with open arms from day one.
I found that even though I was unsure about being able to work, the important part was I tried. You never know till you try. So far, I have surpassed what I thought my capabilities were. I found that I am a diligent worker. I’m always ready to learn. When I do a task, I’m focused. I make sure to do the task right and if I’m unsure about what I’m doing, I ask questions.
I enjoy farming. Plants are wonderful. Growing food is very important work, I think. Being part of organic farming has been a self-esteem booster. I feel that it is a very sacred thing to put my hands in the dirt, be next to nature and grow food with a community of people that accept me.
Aimee Vasseur
Aimee is a trainee at the Homeless Garden Project and gave this talk at HGP’s Cesar Chavez Day of Service, 4/5/2025.
