New Greenhouse Bolsters Meals for Shelter and Housing

Shelter and supportive housing programs at Homeward Bound of Marin will serve more just-picked vegetables in the coming months, thanks to a new greenhouse donated by Bank of America employees.

The surprise gift got its first seeds this week. Bank employees donated the greenhouse after a recent day of volunteering in the nonprofit’s 26-row garden, where they learned the existing greenhouse had outlived its life span.

More than 1,500 seeds can be incubated at a time in the new greenhouse. Produce from the garden saves an estimated $300 per week on food costs for Homeward Bound of Marin, the county’s chief provider of shelter and support services for homeless families and adults.

“The unveiling of Homeward Bound of Marin’s greenhouse shows the power of community connections and volunteerism,” said Jason Foster, president, Bank of America North Bay. “Not only will Homeward Bound soon be able to produce more fruits and vegetables for Marin County residents who utilize their services, they’ll save money doing it– this is a win-win for everyone.”

“The connection with our Bank of America volunteers has been really strong. They picked up on the need for a greenhouse and responded with a totally amazing donation that promises many harvests to come,” said Mary Kay Sweeney, co-Chief Executive Officer for Homeward Bound of Marin. “We are so grateful for this support and their concern for our community.”

The garden was founded in 2000, when Homeward Bound of Marin opened an adjacent 80-bed shelter at the former Hamilton Army Airfield in Novato. A full-time garden supervisor works with volunteers to maintain the garden year-round.

Donations of seeds and young plants sustain the garden, but using seeds became difficult as the existing greenhouse fell into disrepair after more than a decade of use. 

The produce goes into meals made onsite by staff and graduates of Homeward Bound’s Fresh Starts Culinary Academy, which are delivered to shelter and housing programs around the county. Vegetables from the garden include kale, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, green beans, peppers and herbs.

Trainees in the 10-week culinary program also use the vegetables in their lessons and some goes into dishes made for The Key Room, an onsite event venue that operates as a social enterprise.

With a gift of $1,800, you can cover the cost for a full week of nutritious meals, accommodation and compassionate support services for someone making a new start with Homeward Bound of Marin. Please contact Development Director Corry Kanzenberg at ckanzenberg@hbofm.org or (415) 382-3363 ext. 216 with questions about other ways to support our programs.