Backyard Chickens for Port Huron

In March 2020, I walked into a grocery store in Port Huron and found the shelves nearly empty—no produce, no eggs, and only a few bags of rice left. That moment made me realize how fragile our food system can be, especially for families in a city where 22% of people live in poverty. My husband, Brian, soon brought home a box of baby chickens from Tractor Supply. At first, I was overwhelmed and unsure, but he told me he wanted to give me something to care for, to help us both keep going during uncertain times. Raising those chickens changed our lives. We learned how to provide for ourselves, and it brought our family closer together. It also made us realize how important it is for everyone in our community to have the chance to grow their own food and support each other.

Unfortunately, current city rules in Port Huron make it difficult or impossible for families to keep backyard chickens. When we started, we had to tell our neighbors we were building a bunny hut just to avoid trouble. After our neighbor passed away, we became even more concerned about being reported to the city. To avoid any issues, we made the difficult decision to give our chickens to a farm family who could legally keep them. But the truth is, backyard chickens can help families become more self-sufficient, teach children valuable skills, and bring neighborhoods together. Allowing chickens would help lower food costs, encourage trading and sharing, and help us raise our kids as a true community.

We’re launching this fundraiser to get a ballot proposal on the local ballot to allow backyard chickens in Port Huron. The funds will help cover the costs of printing and promoting the proposal, paying workers to gather signatures, renting booths at local events, and creating educational materials and advertising. By supporting this effort, you’re helping families in Port Huron become more resilient, connected, and self-reliant. Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more supportive community for everyone.