An Update from the Animals at the Yale Street Urban Farm
Upward Bound House’s Yale Street Urban Farm has been thriving in the Santa Monica Summer and its feathered inhabitants have been appreciating the sun too. The farm is home to four hens, who are an integral part of its continued success. These gorgeous birds have lived at the farm for the last several years, laying eggs that help feed homeless families living in UBH’s transitional housing.
UBH’s crisis and transitional housing opportunities are one of many services they provide to homeless families in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. These spaces provide interim housing for families in need and allow them to receive a variety of other services including financial counseling, case management, training and employment, housing search and placement, on-site mental and physical health support services, and other wellness programs. They also run the Yale Street Urban Farm, after Roque & Mark’s donation of the land for use. This community hub provides fresh herbs and vegetables for UBH’s homeless pantry, producing about 100 pounds of produce every two months. Through all of these offerings, UBH is also continually working towards a more sustainable future, and the hens are a huge part of this mission at the farm.
Chickens help accelerate the breakdown of organic matter back into the soil, which aids the Farm’s regenerative growing efforts. Moreover, they help keep pests at bay naturally by free-ranging through the farm every day. They spend their days pecking, scratching, and taking dust baths along the vegetable rows and return to their cozy coop at night–a necessary defense against predators like coyotes and raccoons. Beyond their direct contributions to the farm’s produce supply, the chickens also provide much to the local community.
The birds are considered local celebrities, as many of the children and families who visit the farm get to interact with the animals. In most cases, they have never had this kind of opportunity in their lifetime, due to their living in an urban environment. It opens a whole new world for them to touch, feel, smell, see, and learn how and where their food comes from. This is a peaceful respite for the families who have struggled, providing them with a calming opportunity to interact with nature. Additionally, the Urban Farm houses two bunnies, whose presence also contributes to the education of local children and the farm’s sustainability efforts.
Overall, these animals provide a variety of necessary services to the Urban Farm. Their presence is multilayered and their contributions sustainably support the efforts of all those who care for the land. If you are interested in learning more about the Yale Street Urban Farm and its furry friends visit UBH’s website or the farm’s Instagram.