Help Hansel Hill Farm Rebuild After a Devastating Fire

Hansel Hill Farm is a small but mighty urban farm in Millersville, Maryland. Farmers Brian and Vickie, both military veterans and first-generation farmers, describe it as “a gathering place where good food, good people, and good intentions grow side by side.”

Hansel Hill is more than a farm. It’s a community staple where people from across Anne Arundel County come not just for fresh produce, but for connection, celebration, and education. The farm’s mission has always been about sustainability, inclusivity, and creating a safe, welcoming space for all.

Tragically, on Tuesday, November 4th, Hansel Hill Farm suffered a devastating fire that destroyed much of the barnyard, including the chicken coop, hatchery, attached storage shed, irrigation, fencing, and a nearby tractor. In addition to the structural loss, several beloved animals, including chickens, guinea pigs, and a turkey, did not survive.

As Vickie and Brian have shared, first-generation farmers are rare in today’s world. Most farms rely on inherited land, family equipment, and generations of passed-down knowledge to stay productive. When farmers like Vickie and Brian experience a loss of this magnitude, recovery is especially difficult.

The costs ahead are significant: debris removal, rebuilding structures and fencing, replacing lost equipment, and recovering from lost event revenue. Early indications suggest that insurance will cover little, if any, of these expenses.

Despite past challenges Vickie and Brian have always rebuilt with resilience and grace. Their determination has inspired so many of us who have found friendship, food, and belonging at Hansel Hill Farm.

As a neighbor, supporter, and friend, I’ve created this fund for the many community members who have asked how they can help. Every donation will go directly toward rebuilding and recovery, supporting two incredible people who have given so much of themselves to this community.