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.

Our Story

Where Every Heart Finds a Home

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.

Want to get even more involved?
Our optional Social Membership is perfect for folks who love spending time at the farm and want to support its ongoing mission. Members enjoy extra perks like daily recreational access to the farm grounds, priority volunteer opportunities, discounts on classes, invitations to members-only events, and access to free or discounted community programs.

It's a simple way to deepen your connection with the land — and help us grow.

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Everyone is Welcome

Homesteads for Hope is a place where people of all abilities come together to learn, grow, and connect. Whether you're a student, volunteer, member, or first-time visitor, there’s always something meaningful to do — from planting seeds in the greenhouse and gathering eggs from the coop to harvesting vegetables, making flower bouquets, or helping to pull weeds and water the gardens.

Stop by the Farm Store, come by on a Thursdays at the Farm, pick flowers during our uPick, or join us for one of our many seasonal events and classes. This is a working farm, but it’s also a place to slow down, get your hands dirty, and be part of something real.

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:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 10AM-6PM
Wednesday: 10AM-3PM
Thursday: 10AM-7ISH*
Friday: 10AM-3PM
Saturday: 10AM-2PM
Sunday: CLOSED
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!

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Thursdays at the Farm

Every Thursday from June 12 to September 25 | 5–8 PM
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.
The Farm Store will be open until 7pm, and public uPick is open from 5-7PM. There's plenty of space to explore, play, or just unwind. All are welcome — come as you are.

See Music Line-up
Bicentennial Jam on the Canal

Homesteads for Hope invites you to join us for the Bicentennial Jam on the Canal, a full-day music festival marking 200 years of the Erie Canal and the 200th anniversary of our historic farmhouse.
This day long festival, on Saturday August 30th, will feature:
Live music from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM on two stages, showcasing a diverse lineup of local and regional artists.
Food trucks offering a variety of meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Craft vendors and other non-profits from across the region.
A curated beer and wine wagon with selections from local breweries and wineries.
All-ages activities throughout the day, designed for families, kids, and community members of all abilities.

Jam on the Canal
Square Roots Art Show

Debuting during this year’s Blue Jean Ball, Square Roots is our very first show — a vibrant collection of small-format artworks. All are welcome to contribute! Whether you're an apprentice, staff member, volunteer, family member, or a supporter from the wider community — we invite you to submit original artwork for inclusion in our debut show for our seed & purpose gallery.
All artwork will be available for online preview ahead of the event, and will be sold in person during the Blue Jean Ball for just $20 each. Every piece purchased supports the Farm’s mission to cultivate purpose, belonging, and opportunity for people of all abilities.
Sept 1: Final deadline to drop off artwork
Sept 4: Exhibit opens to the public (Thursdays at the Farm) & online
Sept 26:Blue Jean Ball: all artwork available for purchase (in-person only)

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Volunteering

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, get your hands dirty, and be part of something meaningful.

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Apprentice Programs

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
Field Trip Fridays

Join us every Friday from May through October for a hands-on, outdoor adventure designed for all ages and abilities! Whether you're a school group, homeschool family, caregiver crew, a senior group, or just curious about farm life, Field Trip Fridays at Homesteads for Hope offer a fun and inclusive way to explore, learn, and connect with nature.
Each week, enjoy a mix of seasonal and sensory-friendly activities in our open-air classroom (the Farm!), including:
- Farm-wide scavenger hunts (designed for all abilities)
- Flower picking & veggie harvesting (seasonal)
- Visits with our chickens, ducks, and goats
- Fishing on the Erie Canal (bring your own pole & worms!)
- Classic barnyard & canal-side games
- Surprise activities and special guests throughout the season

Learn More
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
Blue Jean Ball

We are delighted to invite you to a meaningful and elevated evening of celebration and community at Homesteads for Hope’s Annual Blue Jean Ball — held at our beautiful Community Farm along the scenic Erie Canal. This year’s Blue Jean Ball will be especially memorable as we celebrate the successful completion of our Pave the Way Campaign, and honor the remarkable accomplishments of our apprentices.
Your presence supports more than an event — it helps us grow a movement. Together, we’re creating a world where individuals of all abilities are empowered to live with dignity, purpose, and joy.
Your General Admission ticket includes Dinner, Open Bar, Dessert, Live Music & Dancing, Art & Silent Auction

Tickets & Info
Flower UPick

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.
Hours
Thursdays | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturdays | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Kids Cup
$10
Regular Pick
$20
Party Bucket Pick
$50

uPick Flowers
Rowdy Rooster Farm Store

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. The store is open to the public and we would love to see you!
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 10AM-6PM
Wednesday: 10AM-3PM
Thursday: 10AM-7ISH*
Friday: 10AM-3PM
Saturday: 10AM-2PM
Sunday: CLOSED

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