A Homeless “Homeless Garden” The future of the Garden is precarious. There is an interest on the part of some of the current city council members, the city manager, and a very small handful of neighbors to subdivide the 2.5 acre parcel into 16 costly, single-family housing units. While the Garden staff originally signed a one-year lease agreeing that the occupancy of the parcel would be temporary only, the desire to continue at the current site is shared by a far greater majority than those who want development. The staff, workers, CSA members, and neighbors are meeting to discuss ways in which the Garden can gain security for long-term planning. While many understand the city’s budgetary crisis, they do not see the sale of this asset as sound or appropriate. The long-term benefits of preserving the land and maintaining the Homeless Garden Project outweigh the short-term monetary gains from sale of the land. It is probable that if the garden had to leave the highly accessible Pelton St. location, it wouldn’t disband, just relocate. However, since all of the other possible locations for the Garden exist on the city’s periphery, moving would make access harder and limit the kind of exchange between homeless workers and neighbors that has been so vital to its success. Most importantly, moving threatens an important project which serves as a model for an entire country in need. With 4,000 to 5,000 acres of prime agricultural land being lost each day to suburban development, and the number of homeless and jobless growing at a similarly alarming rate , there is a serious need for projects that preserve land for local food production, and that employ marginalized people. Within our densely populated urban areas the numerous vacant lots could be utilized to provide jobs, food, beauty, and a sense of community. The Garden demonstrates that ecologically sound, socially just, and economically viable projects are possible. What’s needed now is the motivation, determination and commitment of individuals who recognize the potential in people, and the land, to heal, take root and grow. Michael Walla of the Homeless Garden Project says “the Garden is showing we’re people with pride, people willing to struggle ... We don’t need someone who will carry us. We need someone who’s willing to help get us on our feet.” This article is dedicated to Manuel Gutierrez who recently passed away from the pain the world placed in his spirit. He sought solace in alcohol, which eventually took his life. And he gave the Garden so much. I love you and will miss you Manny. Jered Lawson wrote his thesis on Community Supported Agriculture and the Homeless Garden Project. He also compiled about all the articles available on the subjects into two valuable readers. The author and the Homeless Garden Project may be contacted at the addresses listed at the end of the resource list. RAIN Spring 1993 Volume XIV, Number 3 Page 7
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