You have not heard from us in a while because we have been hard at work with our partners to complete our new design in time to present to the Humboldt County Planning Commission this summer - three months ahead of the original schedule. If we can make this deadline, it will allow us to begin construction of the We Are Up greenhouse that has already been funded by your generous donations! We will also be able to begin applying for funding for construction of the Community Center, commercial kitchen, and 40 units of much needed housing.

We Are Up, like much of Humboldt County has its roots in agriculture. Building an accessible greenhouse, orchard and gardens will allow our future residents to enjoy the outdoors while growing food for themselves and their neighbors. They will be able to produce value-added products in our commercial kitchen, learn job and communication skills at our farm stand, and perhaps most importantly, enjoy the company and contribute to their neighbors and customers.

A few years ago, were gifted “smart pots” and used them for a few years to grow produce to be donated to neighbors and local nonprofits. They proved to be a bit too low and difficult for many to access. We are currently working to build longer-lasting, accessible raised garden beds. The design will provide a little seating while planting, pulling weeds, or harvesting crops. The beds will run along the whole south edge of the orchard. 

Our benefactors, John & Jackie McBeth, have been with us since the beginning and first donated when we planted our apple orchard. They have just donated half the $12,000 cost of construction and materials for these beds, allowing us to begin clearing and construction. We invite you to join them in helping to bring this important project forward with a contribution to We Are Up.

Please join We Are Up in welcoming new board member Sierra Braggs! Sierra has personal experience, as well as decades of professional experience, working with people with autism and developmental disabilities. Most recently, Sierra worked at the Redwood Coast Regional Center coaching service providers on how to proide person-centered community-based services to people with developmental disabilities. Her experience at RCRC, were she advocated strongly for the development of affordable and accessible housing for people with developmental disabilities and supported the development of numerous inclusive housing projects, will be invaluable to We Are Up. ly 7 remaining"!

With Gratitude,

Mary Keehn and the We Are Up Board