God calls us to many things, including care for the earth and one another.  Our new urban farm project leads us to do both!  Started in the summer of 2007, we are developing three lots next to our building into an urban farm.  A thorough plan has been established and includes composting, fencing, land preparation, art work, an orchard of small fruit trees, small out buildings including a shed and greenhouse, and a pocket park.  Our methods include building up the soil with raised beds in the lasagna method of gardening and adding massive composting. 

The farm’s goals are many.  First we wish to raise food for our food programs, including food pantry and community kitchen.  Second, we seek to beautify the neighborhood by using land that is otherwise vacant and dormant.  Third, we wish to teach our adults and young people how to raise their own food, a needed skill in our world of higher gas and food prices.  And fourth, we wish to be a place where anyone in the neighborhood can come and work, plan or participate, whether a member of Spirit of Hope or not.  Let this be a place for community to form.

Through the fall season work hours are Wednesdays 4-8 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.  However, additional volunteer days occur so keep in contact with us and project manager Kate Devlin for regular updates!   Thank you for the Godmothers, Detroit Agricultural Network and Greening of Detroit for your continued partnership.  Check out www.detroitagriculture.org or www.myspace.com/spirit_of_hope for more information.