Both People and Plants Are Thriving at This Santa Cruz Garden | Eater
"A Santa Cruz nonprofit that transforms lives through year-long job training, transitional employment, and support services centered at a working farm; trainees develop practical skills like communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, professionalism, and time management, receive regular manager check-ins and weekly social-worker meetings, and often secure housing and steady employment after the program. Participants grow seasonal produce—strawberries, kale, and pumpkins—and the operation includes a retail storefront selling artisanal items such as lavender soap, herbal sleep tea, and beeswax candles. Recognized with a $20,000 grant and named a 2025 Small Business Hero by Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp, the organization will use the award to fund 68 subscription boxes for its Feed Two Birds program, part of a broader effort to expand access to fresh food while scaling carefully, building a committed team and resilient operations." - Vox Creative
Volunteering here is easy, fun, and grounding. Simply show up during hours, sign a waiver, and you're good to go. Its so peaceful and beautiful here. It's honestly a great idea for a date to volunteer here together. I love going on the weekends just to weed for a couple hours with my partner and friends.
Scott B.
Google
Long-time successful gardening program serving people experiencing homelessness. Garden products--strawberry jam, bath products, art--for sale at the Garden and downtown on Pacific Avenue.
Rebecca R
Google
Magical place, noble mission, beautiful people. A wonderful place to volunteer and recharge your spirit.
SC V.
Google
HGP is one of the best programs providing essential assistance to those who need it. The farm itself is a wonderfully organic and healing environment that facilitates learning and growing (pun intended!) while also providing delicious organic produce for local businesses and folks within the community. I highly recommend volunteering for a day. You won't regret it! :)
Jonathan S.
Google
Came here today for the first Time, although I am well aware of it, and have been in the downtown shop.
I came here for a music event that my friend was playing at for project pollinate. The garden is really cool, it is in a beautiful part of town and the purpose of the garden is for a wonderful cause. The homeless garden project is great for this town and I hope they continue to to do good!
Rachel Maryam S.
Google
What a beautiful open space and service provided by these hard working and dedicated people.
david B.
Google
Justin seems like a cool guy. It's really hard work and I have a lot of respect for doing what they do. They start at 10am on certain days and serve lunch at 12. I hope to continue volunteering in the near future.
Nicholas S.
Google
Love this place, every time we come to Santa Cruz we come here pick our own fruit and veggies and head over to the beach. Great conversation and an awesome cause.