My name is Jared, and I’m both an Architectural student at Georgia Tech University, carpenter and farmer. A couple of years ago, my wife and I faced a difficult time when I lost my job due to union strikes. At that time we were in the middle of a home renovation, and ended up building a shed and moving into the back of our property as we worked on our house. For a year and a half, we lived without running water, showering at the YMCA, and making tough choices about our budget—sometimes going without food or fresh produce. That struggle taught me just how important it is to have your basic needs met, and how hard it can be to move forward when you’re worried about your next meal.

During that struggle my father-in-law passed away and left us some money. That support changed everything for us. We decided to paid off our debts and attend college so we could better support ourselves, my wife getting a degree as a material scientist, and I as an architect. As our basic needs became met, I was able to pursue my education and build a better future.

But truly, all of this was not possible without the intervening help of someone else.

Now, I want to pay that kindness forward by helping my neighbors— a single mom on my street, by using my abilities as an architectural student/carpenter and farmer.

With your help, I plan to build a advanced high-tech greenhouse, utilizing geothermal technology and succession planting methods. This greenhouse will provide all the fresh food for the mother and her daughter, at no cost to them. Part of the funds will be invested and held in a trust, ensuring food needs will be covered for life. This will free up their resources for other essentials like medical care, college, or just enjoying life.

I know going hungry seems like a distant problem, but I promise you it's closer to your home than you think and quietly affects the people you love. Hunger has no allegiance to any person, faith, or creed. Please consider donating to help develop a new way of thinking about food, and feeding people in need.