Cruse Overlook Community Garden

Helena Community Gardens stemmed from what was called the Growing Community Project (GCP) under Working for Equality and Economic Liberation (WEEL). It started as a diverse group of individuals and organizations that shared a vision of community gardens within walking distance of every neighborhood in Helena. GCP’s mission was to build community gardens, with community support, to bring together diverse neighborhoods, creating community while addressing food security and social justice issues. After its inception, the organization’s growth soon outpaced the capacity of its organizational home to support it. In 2012, as an only volunteer effort, HCG obtained its own nonprofit status, created a strategic plan, and re-branded itself. By mid-2013 we were able to hire part time staff.

Helena Community Gardens (HCG) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that manages nine gardens across our community. Each of our community gardens provides participants with an individual plot, tools, water, compost, straw, common space and the knowledge and guidance of Garden Managers and the HCG network. With these resources, and a little bit of persistence and patience gardeners cultivate food for their family, friends, and we encourage donations to Helena Food Share as well!