What Homeless Garden Project does

Homeless Garden Project (HGP) is a Santa Cruz, California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1990 that delivers a one-year paid transitional employment program for individuals experiencing homelessness, anchored by a 3.5-acre CCOF-certified organic farm (Natural Bridges Farm, certified since 1991). The program combines hands-on training in organic farming, floral design, and retail operations with social work support, housing placement (Finding Flatmates), and an Employer Partner Network that has placed graduates at named partners including New Leaf Community Markets and Janus of Santa Cruz. HGP reports 94% of graduates obtain stable employment and housing within 3 months, 19,000 lbs of produce farmed in 2023, 11,400 lbs donated through its Feed 2 Birds program, and 22,000+ paid transitional employment hours in 2024.

HGP monetizes its social mission through a hybrid revenue model. Earned income is generated via a 23-week Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program (~$600-$750 per share, ~25% of organizational income), a farm stand, two retail stores in Downtown Santa Cruz and Capitola Village, a Shopify online store, and wholesale distribution to local retailers. This is supplemented by individual donations, corporate sponsorships, grants, bequests, and ticketed fundraising events such as the Sustain Supper farm-to-table dinner. The Employer Partner Network, partnered universities (San Jose State, CSUMB, Humboldt State), and the City of Santa Cruz form a multi-stakeholder operating ecosystem, supported by 100+ store volunteers and a 2,500-person community education footprint.

The organization is preparing for a capacity step-change via a 20-year lease signed in 2017 with the City of Santa Cruz for 20 acres at Pogonip greenbelt, intended to triple trainee positions from 17 to 50 annually. This expansion was funded in part by a completed $3.5 million capital campaign. Executive Director Darrie Ganzhorn has led HGP since 2008 and with the organization since 1991; Co-Founder Paul Lee's prior founding of the California Conservation Corps and Homeless Services Center anchors institutional credibility. Program operations are supplemented by university-supervised social work interns and recognized via the 2023 UCSC Chancellor's Innovation Impact Award.

Name

Homeless Garden Project

Legal name

Homeless Garden Project

Website

https://homelessgardenproject.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Santa Cruz-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing one-year paid transitional employment to individuals experiencing homelessness through a 3.5-acre CCOF-certified organic farm, CSA program, two retail stores, wholesale, and online store, supported by donations, grants, and an Employer Partner Network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Social Enterprise — Transitional Employment & Organic Agriculture

NAICS

Support Activities for Crop Production (1151), Community Food Services (624210)

SIC

Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC), Vegetable & Herb Garden Installation and Maintenance (HSAIAFAM)

Keywords

• Organic vegetable farming
• Transitional employment programs
• Social enterprise retail
• Community supported agriculture
• Vocational skills training

Headquarters

HQ city

Cliff

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Seasonal CSA memberships where community members purchase shares of the farm's harvest. Members receive weekly boxes of organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers during the 23-week growing season (May-October). A quarter of organizational income comes from CSA purchases.
2. Farm Stand Sales: Direct retail sales of organic seasonal produce, jams, flowers, and value-added products at Natural Bridges Farm. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm.
3. Retail Stores: Two retail stores (Downtown Santa Cruz and Capitola Village) selling handcrafted products made by trainees including bath/body products, candles, baking mixes, jams, dried flower wreaths. Also carries local artists' work.
4. Wholesale: Wholesale products to local retailers including health stores, organic grocery stores, beauty shops, boutiques. Products include value-added gifts and beauty products.
5. Donations and Grants: Individual donations (one-time, recurring, monthly), corporate sponsorships, grants, bequests, IRA charitable donations, matching gifts, and gifts of stock. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
6. Events and Fundraising: Annual events including Sustain Supper farm-to-table dinners, holiday celebrations, and community service days that generate ticket sales and donations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Homeless Garden Project is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) social enterprise that provides paid transitional employment, job training, and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness in Santa Cruz County, operated through a 3.5-acre Certified Organic farm (Natural Bridges Farm) and a network of farm-based and retail enterprises. The organization produces organic vegetables, herbs, flowers, and 40+ value-added handcrafted products (candles, jams, bath/body products, baking mixes, dried-flower wreaths) sold through a Farm Stand, two retail stores, an online Shopify store, a CSA program, and wholesale channels, with all proceeds reinvested into the job training and social work support programs.

Product overview

The Homeless Garden Project operates a diversified nonprofit social enterprise centered on organic agriculture and transitional employment. The core offering includes Natural Bridges Farm, a 3.5-acre certified organic farm producing vegetables, herbs, and flowers sold through multiple channels: the Farm Stand, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, two retail stores (Downtown Santa Cruz and Capitola), an online Shopify store, and wholesale to local retailers. Trainees in the one-year Job Training & Transitional Employment Program produce over 40 types of value-added products including candles, jams, bath and body products, and dried-flower wreaths. Support services include the Connecting with Community social work program, the Employer Partner Network for job placement, and the Finding Flatmates housing initiative. The Century Certificate Program provides community education and volunteer training, while the Feed 2 Birds program donates produce to food-insecure community members.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Connecting with Community: Social work intern program that builds well-being to support trainees' sustainable transition into employment.
• Natural Bridges Farm
• Women's Organic Flower Enterprise
• Feed 2 Birds
• Pogonip Farm

Products and services

• Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program Weekly produce subscription program where members purchase a share of the farm's harvest and receive seasonal vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Available as Pick-Up shares ($750 for 23-week season) or U-Pick shares ($600 for 23-week season) during the May-October growing season. Approximately a quarter of organizational income is generated from CSA purchases.
• Farm Stand Physical retail location at Natural Bridges Farm (3.5-acre organic farm on Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz) selling fresh organic seasonal vegetables, herbs, flowers, jams, and other value-added products. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM.
• Downtown Santa Cruz Store Year-round retail store in downtown Santa Cruz (1338 Pacific Ave) selling handcrafted gifts, all-natural bath and body products, hand-dipped beeswax candles, organic baking mixes, strawberry jam, dried-flower wreaths, and local artisan goods. Open daily 11 AM - 6 PM. Products are made by trainees in the job training program.
• Capitola Store Retail store located at 222 Esplanade in Capitola Village selling HGP's handcrafted products including value-added goods made from farm-grown herbs and flowers. Open Thursday through Sunday, 12 PM - 4 PM (subject to seasonal change).
• Online Store Shopify-based e-commerce platform at homelessgardenproject.myshopify.com offering HGP's full product catalog including CSA memberships, organic produce, value-added products, crafts, and handmade goods available for nationwide shipping.
• Wholesale Program Wholesale distribution program supplying local retailers with HGP's wholesome gift and beauty products. Products include value-added gifts, handcrafted bath and beauty products made by trainees from farm-grown herbs and flowers. Available through local retailers including health stores, organic grocery stores, beauty shops, and boutiques (e.g., New Leaf Community Markets).
• Job Training & Transitional Employment Program One-year paid transitional employment program providing job skills development in organic farming, floral design, and retail sales to individuals experiencing homelessness in Santa Cruz. Combines hands-on work with formal classes, hot meals, and case management support. 94% of graduates obtain stable employment and housing within 3 months.
• Connecting with Community (Social Work Program) Support services program where trainees work with social work interns to connect with community resources and set short- and long-term goals for sustainable transition into employment. Includes focus areas in housing, employment, and well-being/recovery. Powered by MSW interns from San Jose State University, CSUMB, and Humboldt State University.
• Employer Partner Network Business partnership program connecting HGP graduates with employment opportunities at local businesses. Provides job candidate introductions, employee follow-up services, and ongoing job coaching for up to 6 months. Includes named Employer Partners of the Year (New Leaf Community Markets in 2025, Janus of Santa Cruz in 2026).
• Finding Flatmates (Housing Initiative) Housing placement initiative connecting HGP trainees with landlords and property managers for safe, affordable housing. Includes work-trade housing opportunities for trainees with organic gardening experience.
• Century Certificate Program 100-hour volunteer program offering hands-on job training in retail and organic farming, plus participation in weekly education and lecture series. Participants receive a printed certificate upon completion.
• Feed 2 Birds Program Weekly produce donation program providing CSA shares to local nonprofit agencies serving food-insecure community members. Increased from 45 to 60 shares distributed through partner nonprofits. Donated 11,400 lbs of produce in 2023.

Quantifiable outcome

• 94% of graduates obtain stable employment and 94% obtain stable housing within 3 months of leaving the program
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• Janus of Santa CruzcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Named 2026 Employer Partner of the Year. Hired three HGP graduates. Continues to stay engaged, attending job series, participating in practice interviews, and inviting HGP to community outreach events. Supports people in recovery seeking to give back.
• New Leaf Community MarketscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Named 2025 Employer Partner of the Year. Hired five HGP participants. Believes deeply in HGP mission and potential of graduates, welcoming multiple participants to their team. Partnership helps trainees take meaningful steps into employment and build foundation for lasting success.
• City of Santa CruzcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Signed 20-year lease with three 5-year renewable terms for 20 acres at Pogonip greenbelt. Public-private partnership to build permanent farm tripling job training capacity from 17 to 50 positions annually. City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation partnership for farm development.
• The Garden CompanysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal retail partner that has hired HGP graduates through Employer Partner Network. Part of ecosystem of businesses supporting transitional employment outcomes.
• Various Local Nonprofit OrganizationssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerNetwork of local nonprofits that have hired HGP graduates, participated in job series, and supported mission through volunteering and donations.
• Santa Cruz County GovernmentsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as additional partner link on website. Workforce Santa Cruz County referenced for employment assistance programs.
• Palomar AssociatesminorOthersIn-kind donor supporting HGP programs. Part of ecosystem of corporate partners contributing through financial contributions, in-kind donations, employer allies, and corporate volunteer groups.
• San Jose State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerField placement partnership for Masters in Social Work students. Francis Krebs serves as Faculty Field Instructor. Social Work Interns supervised through Connecting with Community program supporting trainee well-being and goal progress.
• California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership providing Social Work interns for Connecting with Community program. Works with Bachelors and Masters level Social Work students.
• Humboldt State University (HSU)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership providing Social Work interns for Connecting with Community program supporting trainee services.
• Corporate Partners (Various)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partnerships through financial contributions, in-kind donations, employer allies, and corporate volunteer groups. Diverse range of local like-minded businesses supporting work and people served.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves13 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Dig Deep Farms: Alameda County-based social enterprise operating urban farms that provide transitional employment and job training for reentry and homeless individuals, with CSA and farm-stand distribution — directly comparable to HGP's integrated farm + job-training model in Northern California.
• The Greening of Detroit: Urban agriculture and tree-planting nonprofit offering workforce development and job training for at-risk Detroit residents, combining agricultural production with employment pathways — closely mirrors HGP's combination of paid transitional work, training, and organic farming.
• Urban Roots: Austin-based nonprofit running paid youth internships on an urban organic farm, with a CSA, farm stand, and value-added product sales funding the training program — analogous structure to HGP with strong outcome measurement and direct-to-consumer retail.
• Green City Force: NYC AmeriCorps program that trains young adults from low-income backgrounds in urban agriculture, energy efficiency, and park stewardship, with structured pathway employment — comparable transitional-employment-plus-agriculture model with national policy exposure.
• Pie Ranch: Coastal California regenerative farm and education center that trains youth and emerging farmers in sustainable agriculture through a farm-based learning environment — directly comparable to HGP's regenerative organic farming and trainee education programs on the California coast.
• Project EATS: New York City nonprofit operating urban farms combined with workforce development and community food programs, including CSA and farm-stand distribution — mirrors HGP's integration of organic production, job training, and food access.
• Chrysalis: Los Angeles-based nonprofit providing transitional employment and job training for people experiencing homelessness and barriers to employment, including an enterprise division (social enterprises) that sells products to fund programs — directly comparable earned-income social enterprise model.
• The Intervale Center: Burlington, Vermont nonprofit operating a network of farm and food businesses that provide job training and support new farmers, with CSA and wholesale revenue — comparable farm-incubator-plus-workforce-development structure, though not exclusively serving homeless populations.

Broad incumbents

• Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO): National nonprofit providing transitional employment and job readiness services primarily for people returning from incarceration — shares HGP's transitional employment model and outcome-tracking approach but operates at much larger national scale and without a farm component.

Others

• New York City Department of Homeless Services Social Services: Municipal-level homelessness services and supportive housing funder — relevant only as the broader regulatory and funding ecosystem in which transitional employment nonprofits like HGP operate; not a direct competitor or partner.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xfacebook.com/homelessgardenproject
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCzuvIkEMbmY8lgR4E9KnrBQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/homelessgardenproject
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/homeless-garden-project

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Homeless Garden Project