Welcome to the Farm

Growing Purpose & Cultivating Inclusion in Nature’s Classroom

Welcome to the Farm!

Homesteads for Hope is a 501c3 non-profit Community Farm and Future Housing Village nestled on 55 acres along the wide waters of Historic Erie Canal in Rochester, NY. Founded by a mother and daughter team with a mission to support other families; our organization has truly evolved into a nurturing community where people of all abilities thrive, finding purpose and belonging in nature's classroom.

At Homesteads, we are committed to redefining the boundaries of inclusion, promoting a society where differences are celebrated and where each person is recognized for the valuable role they play at our Community Farm.

Everyone is welcome at Homesteads for Hope!
Our farm is open to the public for all sorts of things — no membership required. You can shop at our Farm Store, attend concerts and seasonal events, take part in community classes, volunteer during posted hours, and pick your own flowers during U-Pick times. Whether you're here once a year or every week, we're happy to have you.

Everyone is Welcome

Experience the heart of our inclusive farm as students, members, and volunteers join hands to cultivate skills, build lifelong bonds, and nurture our community. From sowing seeds in the greenhouse to tending our lush gardens and fields, each day is filled with purposeful activities like harvesting vegetables, tending to our chickens and goats, crafting flower bouquets, and culinary adventures in our learning kitchen.

Embrace the inclusive spirit of our farm and witness our mission in action by visiting the Farm Store or joining us at one of our educational workshops, or vibrant events.

Together For Choice Logo. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) network

Proud National Members of Together for Choice, To unite to protect and advance the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live, work, and thrive in a community or setting of their choice.

Care Farming Network Logo. Therapeutic farming network

The Care Farming Network advances the therapeutic use of farming practices by connecting new and established agricultural-based programs to build capacity, increase quality, and provide technical support.

  • Ariel view of the parking lot full of cars. Busy Farm inviting the community to one of our public events. c

    Visit the Farm

    Plan your visit to Homesteads for Hope! Explore our u-pick fields, farm store, live music, and seasonal events. Volunteer, take a class, or book a guided tour in advance. Open to the public during farm store hours or special events. Come grow with us—just minutes from downtown Rochester!

    Outside of events and classes, we are open to the public during our farm store hours: Closed for the Season

    Although we LOVE visitors, if you’re seeking a tour or to speak to someone please make an appointment! Otherwise, join us in the store and at events - anytime!

    Learn More
  • Many people seated at picnic tables and camp chair watching live music behind the red barn on a Thursday night at the farm.

    Thursdays at the Farm

    CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

    Spend your Thursday evenings with us on the farm — live music, canal-side views, lawn games, good food, and great company. Bring a chair or blanket, pack a cooler, and enjoy a relaxed evening outdoors.

    There's plenty of space to explore, play, or just unwind. All are welcome — come as you are.

    See Music Line-up
  • Volunteering

    Volunteering

    CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

    At Homesteads for Hope, volunteers of all abilities are an essential part of what makes this place thrive. Whether you’re helping in the gardens, working alongside students and staff, or supporting special events, there’s always something to do — and your time makes a real difference.

    We welcome individuals, families, community groups, and corporate teams. You can join us for a single day or make volunteering a regular part of your routine.

    No experience needed — just a willingness to show up, g et your hands dirty, and be part of something meaningful.

    Learn More
  • People with disabilities learning in the drum circle

    Workshops and Classes

    ENROLLMENT HOLD UNTIL NEW YEAR

    Embark on a journey of growth with us! Our inclusive class options, available 5 days / week, invite you to immerse yourself in the Community Farm Experience—where you’ll nurture your purpose in nature’s classroom.

    Hands-On Learning for Adults of All Abilities
    At Homesteads for Hope, adults 18+ can build skills, confidence, and community through hands-on learning at our working farm. From growing vegetables and caring for animals to making products, helping in the store, and cooking in our teaching kitchen — every activity is real, meaningful, and rooted in daily farm life.

    Our inclusive programs focus on what people can do — helping each person grow at their own pace in a supportive, welcoming environment.

    *Supported by Self Direction.

    Open Enrollment
  • 12 people kneeling and standing around a Kubota utility vehicle in a farm field holding a big check from Kubota and Celebrating the donation.

    Donate

    As a heart-driven, private 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our lifeline is the generous support from people like you. With every donation, grant, and visit to our farm, you help us keep our doors open wide to over 600 families. Your support means everything to us—it's the reason we can continue to serve, grow, and thrive together.

    Join our Mission and Vision for Supporting People with Disabilities in Nature’s Classroom

    We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of hundreds of donations since our inception in 2013. Giving to Homesteads for Hope, Inc. you can see your donation in action through our people, families, and a canvas of innovation on the Farm. Your support keeps the lights on, supports our program experience, and moves mountains for families seeking more…

    Currently, our goal is to make our operations sustainable at the Farm through our programs, enterprises, and farming operations.

    Ways to Give
  • Flower UPick Flower Flyer

    Flower UPick

    CLOSED FOR SEASON

    Immerse yourself in the beauty of our flower fields at Homesteads for Hope, a Community Farm, just minutes from Rochester, NY. Our U-Pick Flower Garden is open to everyone—whether you're looking for a peaceful outing, craving some beautiful buds for your home, or in need of the perfect blooms for an upcoming celebration.

    uPick Flowers
  • farm store mix of items in a handmade basket

    Rowdy Rooster Farm Store

    CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

    Tucked right in the heart of Homesteads for Hope, our charming little farm store is bursting with fresh-picked flavor, handmade treasures, and the spirit of community.

    Click Here
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  • "Working in the gardens has been such an incredible experience for me. I absolutely love flowers—they’re so beautiful and delicate, each one unique in its own way. It’s amazing to see how nature works together, especially watching the bees busy pollinating and the butterflies fluttering everywhere. Being surrounded by all this beauty makes me feel so peaceful and connected to the world around me."

  • "I’ve always loved coming to the farm store to grab a beautiful, fresh bouquet, but now that I can come weekly alongside my CSA Food Share pickup, I’m thrilled! I get to choose my own floral arrangement and pick all the colors I love. I’m so excited for this new experience—it’s going to be the highlight of my week!"

  • "My son, who uses a wheelchair, loves participating in activities all over the farm, but there’s something truly special about the flower fields. While he may not be able to clip each flower himself, with the support of his staff, he gets to make choices and decisions—and the farm staff are absolutely wonderful. I encourage all families to consider this opportunity for their child. If we can do it—and we absolutely can—so can you. Just go for it, you won’t regret it!"

  • "We are so excited to bring this incredible experience to our community here at Homesteads and beyond! Everyone loves flowers, and while we often find ourselves at stores like Wegmans debating if a bouquet is a need or a want, here at Homesteads, you’re the one harvesting it fresh. As a participant, you’ll enjoy longer-lasting blooms, a creative opportunity to design your bouquet, and the support you need every single pick! When you create an experience around a WANT, it’s a no-brainer—get out here in nature’s classroom and get involved! I’m so proud of my team for making this happen—it’s going to be a smashing success!"
    – Jenny, CEO