Urban Homestead Foundation

Mission

The Urban Homestead Foundation (UHF) is a group of neighbors and concerned citizens who are working to purchase a piece of land across from the largest elementary school in Seattle, Washington, in order to connect the community through an urban gathering center that models, promotes and teaches green building and sustainable food systems.

Description

The Urban Homestead Foundation (UHF) is a group of neighbors and concerned citizens who are purchasing a piece of land across from the largest elementary school in Seattle, Washington, in order to connect the community through an urban gathering center that models, promotes and teaches urban gardening and sustainable food systems. This vacant lot will be turned into the Dakota Homestead - an active green space, demonstration garden and community hub that will benefit people of all ages and backgrounds. The space will also serve as a food hub and seed lending library, connecting neighbors with each other and local farmers. In addition, the land will provide an active open space for schools to use as curriculum enrichment in topics such as edible gardening, urban wildlife, seasonal cooking, crafting and home finances. While Seattle is experiencing exponential residential growth, the purchase of the Dakota Homestead land is an opportunity to preserve rare open space and help make this neighborhood's growth sustainable and perhaps even pleasant, by creating a sanctuary and education center for the domestic arts. We've experienced firsthand how connecting people to active green space through shared urban homesteading skills builds community.

Recognition

Rich Sheibley, Board of Directors
Melissa Anderson, Board of Directors
Vincent Della Pella, Board of Directors
Alex Kanias, Board of Directors