Jon Kersey Photography
on the farm
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.” —RosalieThe 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