A new fence is giving a Santa Cruz, California, nonprofit room to grow.
On Aug. 6, volunteers from the equipment and event rental industries spent the day upgrading the grounds at the Homeless Garden Project, an organization that provides transitional employment through an organic farm and related retail operation.
The volunteer project was organized by The Toro Company Foundation and the American Rental Association (ARA), in collaboration with the ARA of California, as part of their Community Impact Project program.
From an Unfenced Site to a Working Farm
One of the biggest changes came at a piece of land that had previously been left open.
Without a fence, crops planned for the site could be vulnerable to deer. Volunteers installed new fence posts and fencing materials, helping prepare the property for future planting.
Crews also cleared and tore down an existing greenhouse, moved mulch and compost and completed other hands-on improvements around the site.
Equipment and volunteers were provided by A Tool Shed, Alexis Party Rental, Caterpillar, Expo Event Productions, Pac West Group, Placer Sales, The Toro Company and Wirant Sales.
For the Homeless Garden Project, the work means more than a cleaner and more secure site. The organization uses its farm to train people experiencing homelessness in organic agriculture while helping participants prepare for the workforce.
$20,000 Grant Adds to the Impact
The project also included a $20,000 grant from the ARA Foundation, presented to Homeless Garden Project Executive Director Darrie Ganzhorn.
The organization was founded in 1990 and combines farm work with a value-added workshop that produces more than 60 products using items grown on the farm. Participants gain experience in agriculture and other job skills while working toward employment.
Ganzhorn said the new fence allows the organization to begin planting and creates opportunities to expand the program and provide more fresh, organic produce to the community.
The project is part of the Community Impact Project program operated by The Toro Company Foundation and ARA Foundation. The program brings together companies, volunteers and equipment from the rental industry to complete improvement projects for community organizations across the country.
