Darrie Ganzhorn, Executive Director

Darrie supervises the direction and day-to-day operations of a five member staff and has primary responsibility for vision and planning, fundraising, program direction, financial and staff management, public relations and staff support of HGP Board of Directors. Darrie has been with the Homeless Garden Project since 1991 when she began working one-on-one with Project trainees to help them identify and monitor their goals to move out of homelessness.

Forrest Cook, Farm Manager

Forrest manages the Homeless Garden Project's 3 acre organic farm, overseeing the farm's planning, production and maintenance. Working with the Farm Supervisor, he seeks to create an outstanding small urban farm that not only educates and employs our trainees, but in multiple ways serves the local community as well. With a history both as a farmer and chef , he tries to have fresh sustainable healthy food play a vital role in helping people get back on their feet, find meaningful employment and a home.

David Stockhausen, Farm Supervisor

David assists our trainees in achieving personal and professional resilience through our agriculture based training program.  He envisions a strong community built upon the foundations of care for people, care for our environment, and a commitment to sharing the bounty that life can offer.  David brings 10 years of combined experience in Organic Farming, Social Work, Environmental Education and Urban Permaculture both in the United States and Australia.  As a recent transplant from San Francisco, he is excited to call Santa Cruz and the Homeless Garden Project his new home.

Matthew Skaarup, Development Coordinator

Kelly Mercer, Volunteer Coordinator (Americorps Position)

Kelly is our Volunteer Coordinator since August 2010 through Americorps, a national service organization. Her main duties include recruitment, developing a sustainable volunteer program, facilitating our internship program and outreach within the community. Kelly is originally from New Hampshire and has gained experience through her research around the world studying the effects of globalization, her work with Equality California in San Francisco and her involvement with numerous political campaigns.

Francis Krebs, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Francis Krebs MSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, an Instructor at San Jose State University and is the Faculty Field Instructor for students from SJSU who are completing a field placement as part of their Masters in Social Work degree.  Francis has worked in social services and mental health for over 35 years and recently retired from working for Santa Cruz County in Children’s Mental Health and Child Welfare.  He maintains a private psychotherapy practice in Aptos.