Community Farm project

Self sufficiency is a scam

I have been farming for 25 years and the only true sustainable model for the skills of growing food,raising animals for dairy and meat, if you’re so inclined, require more than one or two people.

True sustainability is community.

Nothing else will change the fact that what we’re doing as a society is not working. I am a single mother at 70 growing my second family.

I have a little farm in the hills above the Pacific Ocean. I purchased this fixer upper 26 years ago with a USDA home loan. I managed to work three jobs and make some progress restoring the infrastructure. The soil,agricultural water and full sun and the previous farmers biodynamic practices were the selling points. Now I give away healthy seasonal produce because let’s be clear. Times are hard. I also provide food for my family. I can sell to local restaurants and do farmers markets although that is impossible now with no reliable transportation.

I took on the job of raising my grandkids fifteen years ago. No regrets as they are beautiful,kind country kids. But with that commitment I became financially dependent on the programs that provide low income families with basics like health care and some food and an even smaller amounts of money. Other programs helped with electric bills and local groups provides scholarships for summer camp and new shoes. Unfortunately there is not a program for home repairs or used trucks in my area. HUD has run out of funds for grants. And USDA has a very strange policy that you can’t make money as a farm to apply for a home improvement loan. I’ve spent over 100 hours researching what’s available for low income seniors. I have no debt except my mortgage and now my new roof that’s fortunately less than any rents. We live on my SSI and a small stipend for River because he was briefly in foster care at nine months old. Our farm brings in about 15 thousand in sales. We live on less than 40 thousand a year. At 70 I find myself excited about my farm and the nonprofit I am creating to provide fresh produce for local pantries and healthy meals for seniors and families dealing with catastrophic illnesses and events. I need your help!

Our truck has finally reached the end of its life and we need reliable transportation. Our pump and water storage is an old redwood tank on a platform that’s literally falling down.

Leaks in our roof have ruined walls and the work to replace the old moldy Sheetrock needs to be hired. As of last week we have a new roof that came with a new monthly bill. I could not access my equity because my income is insufficient. I applied for several jobs away from the farm but agism is a real thing.

Heap (a government program)came to do an energy audit and said they could not help us with new windows and other services till the mold was gone and the water damaged walls repaired.

We are asking our community and extended friends and family to help our family continue to provide amazing food and to provide a safe home for my grandson who is 12. My granddaughter is nearly an adult now and moved away to live with her auntie. I don’t ever want to retire. I love my work and I’m really good at the skills of growing food and medicine for my family and community. The stress of mold and no transportation has led to anxiety and sleepless nights. Any amount helps us reach our goal. Please pass this along. Maybe with your groups and churches and help us move forward. I may be poor but I am

Lucky to live and work in a beautiful place. We would like to raise 50 thousand dollars for a good used truck and to hire the interior contractor. This would also provide a new water storage system. Thanks in advance.

Kate and River

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