Leeks and chard growing at the Su Casa Garden

Growing Home is an organic agriculture business providing job training for homeless and low-income people. In addition to a farm in La Salle County, Illinois, Growing Home operates two growing sites in Chicago: the Su Casa Garden in the Back of the Yards neighborhood and the Wood Street Farm in Englewood. Growing Home’s fresh produce and honey are available at their Wood Street farm stand, local farmers’ markets, restaurants, and through the Growing Home CSA.

Since 2003, the Learning Center has worked with Growing Home to develop the Su Casa site and teach organic food production techniques to employees-in-training in the program. In 2006, the Learning Center helped plan and install the Wood Street Farm on 5/8 acres of vacant industrial land. The site will eventually boast four hoop houses, a farm stand, and classroom/office facilities. Growing Home trainees make seasonal visits to Angelic Organics Learning Center for special work days on the farm.

Trainees who express interest in becoming farmers often pursue training opportunities offered through our Farmer Training Initiative.