Hello, My name is Cordia Pugh, Founder & Director of the Englewood Veterans Garden, and a proud veteran mother.

Since 2015, the Englewood Veterans Garden has been a peaceful green space in the heart of Chicago’s Englewood community, a sanctuary where veterans gather for reflection, healing, and a sense of community. This garden has served as a place of meditation, urban agriculture, and veteran support for nearly a decade.

But on Thanksgiving Day, tragedy struck.

A drunk driver crashed through our fence and guardrails in a hit-and-run accident, severely damaging the protective barrier surrounding our beloved campus.

We are devastated, but we are not giving up!

We’re asking for your support to help rebuild the fence and secure the campus so it can continue to serve those who have already given so much to protect us.

Recently volunteers from The Mission Continues and community members have worked tirelessly to rebuild and maintain this space—and now, in the face of this tradegy, we need your help now more than ever.

You are wondering Why This Garden Matters?

Veterans face unique challenges when returning to civilian life physically, mentally, and emotionally. The Englewood Veterans Garden has become a rare, safe place where they can grow food, find peace, and build meaningful connections.

As a Veteran mother, this project is very personal to me and I am committed to restoring this space for those who need it most.

Please consider donating to our GoFundMe today.

Every dollar helps us repair the damage and protect this powerful space for future generations of veterans.

Thank you for standing with us. — Cordia Pugh

Founder

Englewood Veterans Garden