Jon Kersey Photography

on the farm

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  • On the Farm

    I've been a volunteer photographer at the Homeless Garden Project for well over ten years. Every single time I go to the farm I learn something new. I learn about organic farming and food, about people and ideas. I learn how the Homeless Garden Project community works. It's really an amazing organization.

    The sense of community has always intrigued and attracted me. In Fall 2011, I decided to work on a photo project of my own at the farm. After talking with Darrie Ganzhorn and presenting the idea to the trainees and staff at a Tuesday "Circle Meeting", I began photographing the people and the place.

    Driving out Delaware Street, past Antonelli's Pond in the early morning there's a bit of mist in the air. The light is soft and the shadows are long. This is one of my favorite times at the Homeless Garden Project Farm. When I arrive, a group of trainees are already there, talking, joking and making plans for the day's work. I know I'm going to have a good morning, even if I don't snap one successful photo.

    I hope the people and the scenes in these photographs will inspire you to visit the farm and see for yourself what I'm talking about.

  • “The Homeless Garden Project attracts a different homeless population. It attracts people who have a motivation to work and a readiness to change. The Homeless Garden Project serves that population, it's nice there is something like this. The strongest aspect of the program is a positive community of people that come together around growing food.” —Marna, SJ State Intern
  • “It's meditative…. especially when you're trimming.”
  • “This is the first bed I've done from start to finish.” —Danny
  • Dawn's Hand
  • "I'm a farmer, call me a farmer"
  • “Being accepted by the program because of who I am and being encouraged to be who I am. HGP welcomes me. HGP allows people to make mistakes and still continue to participate. Because of that support and love I'm proud to say I'm homeless and a part of the Homeless Garden Project.” —Danny
  • “Joan, Mary and Mike. I love the garden, being in the fields, doing the work. I've never had friends like I've had at the HGP. It's like a bonus, the community, you get to grow things and you learn. Plus, we laugh a lot.” —Janet

    I didn't think my "serious portrait" reflected who Janet is. After talking with her at length one morning, I think it's pretty right on. She's independent, out spoken, a serious advocate for the Santa Cruz homeless community and a tough, capable woman.
  • Radishes
  • Joan
  • "I'm learning something new here everyday"
  • Chris Spreading Compost
  • Checking Seedlings
  • “A year ago I was picking cans out of the trash to get money to eat. Now, I'm paying rent, a car payment, and phone bill….A lot of good things have happened in a year.” —Mark
  • “As soon as I stepped foot on the farm I knew how lucky I was to have found the Homeless Garden Project. The thing about HGP is that it is more than just a farm or a program for transitional employment, it is a supportive and healing place that affects everyone that works, plays, or volunteers there. Through my internship I have learned so much about farming, sustainability, harvesting and drying flowers, and a population of people that really cannot be described or defined by their relationship to homelessness. Everyone I have met has uniquely impacted my life and time in Santa Cruz, and I am deeply thankful for that.” —Rosalie
  • The Homeless Garden Project Mission

    • To bring together people from throughout the community in the beauty and security of our certified organic garden.

    • Practice and teach principles of economic and ecological sustainability through classes and hands on experience.

    • Provide homeless men and women job training and transitional employment.


    Support the Homeless Garden Project

    • Shop at their Retail Store and Nursery

    • Join the Homeless Garden Project Organic CSA

    • Volunteer

    • Visit their website: www.HomelessGardenProject.org

images © Jon Kersey