In 2019, I began volunteering with the Homeless Garden Project (HGP) in Santa Cruz, a nonprofit that provides job training, transitional employment, and community support to people experiencing homelessness. My contributions spanned the farm, the kitchen, and HGP’s cornerstone fundraising events, giving me a front-row view of how dignity, food, and community can intersect to create real change.

On the farm, I worked alongside staff and trainees on the 3.5-acre organic site, planting, harvesting, and preparing produce that supported both CSA members and community programs. In the kitchen, I assisted chefs and staff in preparing meals for events and outreach, helping to transform the farm’s harvest into nourishing dishes. These hands-on roles reinforced HGP’s mission: that meaningful work and healthy food can build confidence and foster renewal.

One highlight of my time with HGP was serving at the Sustain Supper, a farm-to-table fundraising dinner held under the stars. I welcomed donors, coordinated dietary needs, introduced locally sourced dishes prepared by partner chefs, and helped maintain a smooth, warm guest experience. Beyond hospitality, I supported behind-the-scenes logistics, from setting up the farm space to assisting with clean-up after the event. The evening not only raised vital funds but also connected guests directly to the place where HGP’s mission takes root.

Through months of volunteering, I witnessed how HGP’s programs bring together trainees, volunteers, donors, and the community in powerful ways. For me, it was a reminder that service is both process and presence: every harvested crop, plated dish, or shared meal becomes part of a larger system of care.