Volunteer with Us
Please find updates about volunteering at this time on our COVID-19 Updates page.
We have a diverse base of volunteers, including students, families, and groups. Our volunteer program is flexible, with one-off, as well as on-going volunteer opportunities. Our volunteer positions cater to a variety of interests, from farming to retail to special events to social work to technology.
The Farm Kitchen
Each week volunteer cooks use our organic produce to cook and serve delicious, healthy meals from our rustic kitchen at Natural Bridges Farm. We are always looking for new volunteers to cook lunch. Please email volunteer@homelessgardenproject.org for more details.
Tuesday - Friday
The Natural Bridges Farm
On the farm you will meet the crew, learn more about the farm, and join that day's activities which may include: weeding, harvesting, planting, building compost and more. Projects are weather dependent and defined by the day's priorities. We often can't tell you exactly what project you'll be working on in advance.
Volunteer Drop-In Hours
See more information about volunteering at this time on our COVID-19 updates page.
February - November
Thursdays and Fridays, 10am - 2pm
Arrive at 10am and join our crew for morning stretch and delegation of tasks for the day.
Volunteers are also invited to join us for lunch at the farm, 12pm - 12:30pm.
General Age Requirements
We operate a production farm and a structured transitional employment and paid job training program. Hence, there are various safety hazards for unsupervised children, including live traps, sharp tools, etc. All children under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while at the farm.
If you would like to bring young children to the farm, we recommend our U-Pick CSA option.
Volunteers under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent/guardian while volunteering at the farm. In addition, a parent/guardian must sign the initial volunteer waiver form for volunteers under 16 years old.
The Downtown Store
Our retail store in downtown Santa Cruz raises awareness of our work and helps fund our programs. Hours vary seasonally. Retail volunteers are key to our success. Volunteering in the store is a great way to practice retail skills, meet new people, and promote the Homeless Garden Project's mission.
Open Wed-Sun, 11am-6pm
Homeless Garden Project Special Events
All of our events need volunteer help in planning, set-up, participation, and breakdown! We hold a variety of events ranging from farm-to-table dinners to gardening workshops and First Friday celebrations in the store.
The Office and Beyond
The Office:
Assist with office operations, including data entry, network administration, website upkeep, and hardware troubleshooting.
Fundraising:
Volunteer Groups
If you are interested in scheduling a volunteer group, please email our Volunteer Coordinator with the following information:
Volunteer groups with volunteers under 16 years old:
" HGP is an incredible resource for the community, both people who are living in homes and those who are experiencing homelessness. Bridging the gap between. Digging in the soil, working the fields and harvesting, builds community, creates new friendships and feeds the soul "
- Betsy, HGP Volunteer
Community Education
Cultivating Community, our educational program, is open to anyone wanting to learn about environmental issues or sustainable agriculture techniques. All ages and abilities can attend lectures and workshops or learn through hands-on experience at our farm through the Century Certificate Program, internships and group visits.
The Century Certificate Program
This program has two major objectives. The first is to provide an avenue for interested participants to experience some benefits of the transitional job training program, even if they are unable to make the full commitment. The Century Certificate is also a good program for volunteers wishing to experience a greater depth and play a more significant role in our organization.
Participants gain hands-on job training with our retail and organic farm and garden professionals and participate in our weekly education and lecture series. They are connected to a supportive network of other volunteers and community resources and receive organic lunches on work days.
Participants in this program commit 100 hours and attend a minimum of four classes in our weekly lecture series within a three month period. At the end of the program, volunteers receive a printed certificate of reference to assist in their job search.
Similar to other volunteer opportunities, Century Certificate volunteers can spend time at one or several of our many locations, and on many different projects. For more information about the work that you might do in the Century Certificate Program, click here.
Weekly lecture series cover a variety of topics including: compost, soil profiles and soil fertility, companion planting, cut flowers and arrangement, job interviews, cooking, tool care and usage, active listening, working with trauma, etc.
School, Youth and Other Groups at the Farm
Youth groups (from classrooms, clubs, and troops) regularly come to Natural Bridges Farm to learn about ecology, nutrition, civics and many other social and environmental issues. We offer a variety of sessions and depths of information. Our lessons are vibrant and memorable because of the direct interaction with the farm.
Internships
We accept interns from several colleges at UCSC and the surrounding area. Past internship projects included managing our CSA program, creating and maintaining a kitchen garden, working with trainees on nutritional issues, and building our newest nursery.
