BRIDGE Housing Corporation, in partnership with the Potrero Hill Sustainable Living Group is applying for the SFPA Action Grant to continue development of a community farm at the Potrero Terrace and Annex public housing in Potrero Hill, San Francisco. The SFPA Action Grant will leverage work already taking place at the Texas Street Farm by supporting the purchase of tools, plant starts, compost, and mulch for use by community volunteers.
BRIDGE is redeveloping Potrero Terrace and Annex (PT & A) as part of the City’s HOPE SF program, which aims to rebuild San Francisco’s most severely distressed public housing sites, while increasing affordable housing and ownership opportunities and improving the quality of life for existing residents and the surrounding community. Central to BRIDGE’s rebuild process is a focus on creating a healthy and thriving community through strategic community building activities, leadership development, improved programs and services, and ongoing capacity building. The Texas Street Farm (TSF) has become an integral part of the Rebuild Potrero Healthy Living Initiative, which is a long term, holistic approach to improving the lives of residents living in the PT& A public housing. The Healthy Living Initiative includes a focus on exercise, education, exposure to healthier environments, and improving eating habits. Components of this initiative include classes on Meditation, Zumba, and Nutrition, the Walking Club and the Texas Street Farm gardening program.
This grant will provide the tools and materials necessary to continue nurturing this community building. It will help to beautify this open gardening space in one of the bleakest areas of San Francisco. and allow the continued production of fresh, organic produce in a virtual food desert. Eventually, as our seed saving program and other efforts are implemented, the TSF will not be as financially dependent and will become closer to a truly sustainable farm. In the meantime, this funding will allow the engagement of all community volunteers, supplying them with the tools needed to make the Texas Street Farm, with a beautiful view of the Bay, one of the most precious gardens and open spaces in the City.