Toro, ARA Foundation Complete Homeless Garden Project Enhancements

The Toro Company Foundation and the American Rental Association (ARA) Foundation have announced the completion of updates and enhancements on the grounds of the Homeless Garden Project in Santa Cruz, California.

The two companies banded together for the volunteer project on Aug. 6, in collaboration with the ARA of California. The enhancements aim to update the California project, which turns 36 years old in 2026, and focuses on providing “transitional employment” to Golden Staters experiencing homelessness.

Darrie Ganzhorn, executive director of Homeless Garden Project, says the new milestone opens the door for expanded program opportunities. Additionally, the project now has more space and access for fresh, organic produce in Santa Cruz.

“At the start of the day, our new land stood completely unfenced, leaving future crops vulnerable to deer. By the end of the day, we had a fence — and with it, the ability to begin planting,” Ganzhorn says. “We are deeply grateful to the ARA Foundation, The Toro Company Foundation and A Tool Shed for bringing their expertise, equipment and dedicated volunteers to this effort. Their generosity, teamwork and can-do spirit made this transformation possible. Today was a powerful reminder that it truly takes a village.”

As part of the project improvements, crews cleared out and tore down one of the project’s existing greenhouses, installed new fence posts and fencing materials, moved mulch, and performed “additional hands-on work.”

Community Impact Projects

Homeless Garden Project trainees have helped to create more than 60 projects in the area’s value-added workshop, using only items grown on the farm. The project aims to prepare individuals experiencing homelessness for the wider workforce, while also building dignity, self-worth, and self-sufficiency.

Robert H. Pedersen, president and CEO of A Tool Shed, Inc., and current ARA board chair, says the project has had a spot in his heart for a number of years. He says the project is based on community, respect, hope, and dignity, which also helped give Toro and the ARA Foundation the drive to see the project through to completion.

“They help give those in need, who want to do better in life, a purpose, and from there they grow, just like the plants and vegetables they grow on the farm,” Pedersen says. “I’m grateful for the support of the ARA Foundation, The Toro Company Foundation, the ARA of California, our staff and the volunteers that helped complete this project.”

In addition to helping with project improvements themselves, the ARA Foundation also gave a $20,000 grant to the organization.

The event was part of the Toro Company Foundation and the ARA Foundation’s Community Impact Project program, representatives say. The program promotes the equipment and rental industry, while also supporting various community initiatives around the U.S.