Downtown Streets Team, West Sacramento


 

Cameron Cullen, Project Manager at the Downtown Streets Team of West Sacramento stands before the thriving Melvin Brookin's Community Garden. 

"We serve individuals learning skills and attitudes needed to transition to permanent housing, explains Cullen. Originally from the Boston area, he relishes the future prospects connected to the garden initiative. 

"The work around the garden provides an opportunity to promote vocational skills," says Cullen. In fact, the carefully constructed raised beds utilize masonry cornerstones instead of miter joints or nails which create an attractive appearance as well as flexibility if the garden beds need to be relocated.

"We are looking forward to planting water melons in the next few weeks," Cullen relates with a good bit of enthusiasm.

Nicole, who works for the nonprofit West Sacramento Mercy Coalition explains that she has pulled out lettuce and squash from the garden in order to demonstrate cooking skills to clients making the transition from homeless status to enthusiastic homeowner.

Next year, mentions Cullen, the Community Garden volunteers hope to play a larger role in West Sacramento's commitment to urban agriculture. "Perhaps next spring, produce from the garden will flow directly to the current Mobile Market which provides healthy food to low income individuals and families"

The possibilities for the garden project seem both motivating and a key component in raising aspirations toward attaining permanent domicile for those in transition away from homelessness or intermittent homelessness.

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