Homeless Garden Project: Healing, Job Training, and Community Growth in Santa Cruz County

Founded in May 1990 by the Citizens Committee for the Homeless, the Homeless Garden Project is a pioneering nonprofit in Santa Cruz County dedicated to providing job training and meaningful work opportunities for people experiencing homelessness. Located on an organic farm on Pelton Avenue, the project creates a therapeutic environment where individuals find sanctuary, healing, and purpose through hands-on work in sustainable agriculture.

The Homeless Garden Project began as a refuge—a safe space offering more than just shelter by fostering personal transformation through connection to the land and meaningful labor. Over the years, the project has blossomed into a multifaceted initiative that supports the community through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, farm stand, and handmade crafts, all of which are sold locally in Santa Cruz stores and online. These sales help sustain the farm and provide ongoing job training opportunities for our trainees.

Our nonprofit is deeply proud of the profound positive impact our job training program has had on the lives of participants, empowering them to develop skills, regain confidence, and rebuild their lives. We are equally grateful for the unwavering generosity of our donors, volunteers, and CSA members who fuel our mission and help us nurture a healthier community and environment.

The Homeless Garden Project exemplifies the power of combining environmental stewardship, social justice, and community engagement to create lasting change. Together, we continue to cultivate hope, opportunity, and healing for our neighbors in need, making Santa Cruz a stronger, more compassionate community.