Growing Purpose & Cultivating Inclusion in Nature’s Classroom

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 raising autism, our organization has truly evolved into a nurturing community where people of all abilities thrive, finding purpose and belonging in nature's classroom. 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 the Community Farm.

Everyone is welcome at the Farm.

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 the Community Center. Embrace the inclusive spirit of our farm and witness our mission in action by visiting the Farm Store & Café and joining us at one of our vibrant events.

Two males standing on either side of a Kubota utility vehicle that is full of flowers.

Where Every Heart Finds a Home…

Joining the Homesteads Membership community is your gateway to a deeper connection with our farm and its promising future. We offer a three-tier membership that grants you access to the vibrant daily life of the farm and its incredible potential. No matter which membership tier you choose, you'll enjoy: 7-day access to the farm for daily recreation, priority volunteer opportunities, weekly gatherings every Thursday, facilitated clubs for kids and young adults, invitations to exclusive member-only events, and access to free or discounted community events, rentals, and classes.

2024 Blue Jean Ball a Success!

On Friday, September 27, 2024, we celebrated our 8th season with the annual Blue Jean Ball, raising over $100,000 in support of our programs! The event was made possible by the incredible generosity of more than 40 sponsors and was attended by 360 guests. This year, we added exciting new activities like a photo booth, mechanical bull, RTV rides, goat feeding, and more!

Check out the video that was showcased at the event, and mark your calendars for next year’s Blue Jean Ball on Friday, September 26, 2025—we can't wait to see you there!

Thanksgiving Food Share

Everything but the Turkey! Stock Up for the Holidays with the *Everything "but" the Turkey* - Thanksgiving Food Share - Only $50 for over 20 lbs of organically grown produce, including:

  • Butternut Squash

  • Potatoes

  • Carrots

  • Garlic

  • Onions

  • Greens & More!

Pick-Up Dates:
Thursday, 11/21, or Tuesday, 11/26, from 3 PM to 6 PM at Homesteads for Hope Community Farm.

Join the Homesteads Membership & Farm Family Today

  • Membership Rochester NY

    $150 / Year

    Includes daily social recreation at the farm, free or discounted clubs, classes and events. All members have weekly gatherings on Thursdays!

  • Membership Rochester NY

    $350 / Year

    Includes ALL Social Perks + Exclusive Community Co-Op Garden with Hands on Activities with U-Pick of Vegetables, Fruit, Herbs & Flowers.

  • CSA Membership Rochester NY

    $350 - $650 / Year

    Includes ALL Social Perks + 20 week CSA Food Share picked-up weekly or bi-weekly from June to October.

See Membership Options

Many Ways to Get Involved!

  • Flower Farmer with a person with disabilities learning in a flower field.

    Ready! Set! Programs

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

    *Supported by Self Direction.

    Open Enrollment
  • 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

    Every Thursday, from June through November, our farm becomes a vibrant hub of organic gatherings. Open to all, these events are an opportunity to experience our mission in action, inviting you to enjoy live music, food, and new friendships, all set against the backdrop of the Historic Erie Canal.

    See Music Line-up
  • A Homesteads for Hope tote bag surrounded by various vegetables and flowers on a wooden surface showing the contents of our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Food Share

    CSA Food Share

    Our Premier Membership offers 20 weeks of organically grown vegetables, herbs & flowers. By joining, you become a pillar of support for our Mission-Based Programs, championing equal employment opportunities for individuals of all abilities. Together, we're not just growing food; we're cultivating a world where everyone has the chance to thrive.

    Purchase a CSA
  • Girl blowing bubbles surrounded by other kids playing cornhole along the canal during a Field Trip.

    Field Trip Fridays

    Fridays from May to November at our farm are all about FUN for everyone! No matter your age or ability, you're invited to dive into the full experience our farm has to offer. Come join us and create lasting memories in a place where every visit is an adventure and every moment becomes a core memory.

    Sign-Up
  • Large group of corporate volunteers stading and sitting in front of the community center after having volunteered landscaping around house

    Corporate Volunteering

    Join us on Mondays & Wednesdays for an opportunity to learn, grow, and experience true inclusion. To stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our dedicated growers. They're not just showing you the ropes; they're sharing their passion and the real work that goes into nurturing our farm.

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

    Visit the Farm

    We're proud to be an inclusive and welcoming spot for all, open to the public. Whether you're popping into our Farm Store, grabbing a bite at the Café, or joining one of our Events, there's always something to see and do. So, why not swing by? Witness our mission in action and feel right at home with us.

    Learn More
  • 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.

    Ways to Give
  • dozens of people sitting at picnic tables along the canal enjoying a community event. Live Music and Inclusive Community programming.

    Community Events

    As a public venue, we host a variety of Community Events featuring live music, food trucks, and more! There's something for everyone, so be sure to check out our event calendar for upcoming activities and entertainment.

    Event Calendar
We offer Live Music Events on the Waterfront of the Erie Canal in Rochester NY, Spencerport NY. We offer Food for purchase.

Thursdays at the Farm

Join us every Thursday, June through November from 5pm to 8 pm for unforgettable gatherings at the farm. Experience the warmth of the community, accompanied by live music, canal-side seating, breathtaking sunset views, and an abundance of games and fun! Indulge in delicious fare at Homesteads' very own Harvest Pizza & Grill, or explore the offerings at our Farm Store.

Bring your lawn chair, gather your family, and get ready to make new friends amidst the charming ambiance of Homesteads for Hope Community Farm. See you there!

  • "Having a membership has taught my kids invaluable lessons about where their food comes from. it also allows my children to see all people as equal.

    -Jennifer W.

  • "Homesteads is a truly inclusive setting. People of all abilities are welcome. I love that it is a place where people can grow, learn, and eventually, live! "

    -Janet B.

  • "It's more than a community farm, It's a place for people with autism to not only fit in, but to grow and shine, and the best CSA in the County"

    -Amy J.

  • "A true working farm and many of those helping are disabled adults. We subscribed to their CSA membership and look forward to our organically grown veggie & herbs each week! Plus, they have many fantastic social events throughout the year! Great setting on the Erie Canal wide waters too."

    -David P.

  • "Homesteads for Hope is the Magical Unicorn of Services in this area, there is truly nothing like it"

    -Stephanie C.

  • "When he first started his garden, he was afraid of bugs, bees, getting dirty... sometimes he never left the car. Today he hopped out of the car and started picking his tomatoes and weeding his gardens. Its possible!"

    -Debbie R.

  • "At our community farm, there's a special joy in getting your hands dirty alongside friends. They say many hands make light work, and that's exactly what our farm embodies: a place where community comes together to share in the joy of cultivating the land and building lasting friendships."

    -Jennyrae Brongo, Founder & CEO