Long before urban dwellers started seeding potted plants on their patio, people came together to plant hope in the ground.
Now, when life seems to be more stressful and uncertain than ever, a community garden in the Hidden Valley neighborhood is bringing people closer together, even when social distancing is keeping us apart.
Today was the groundbreaking for the new Community Hub garden at the Bread of Life Deliverance Church.
The organizer of this garden project is Charles Robinson, the executive director of The Community Hub.
Robinson said the organization is working together toward a common goal, neighbors getting to know each other better, seniors working with the younger generation of Hidden Valley residents, but overall being able to raise spirits in the neighborhood.
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“We’re going to have a playground that is accessible for the kids who live in nearby hotels who don’t have a safe place to play.” he said.
Produce from the garden will help with food insecurity and provide fresh vegetables to seniors and help families supply nutritious meals for their children.
With the affordable housing crisis in Charlotte, there is a large number of families living in hotels along the corridor where this community plan is being developed by these caring Hidden Valley neighbors.
While the stress of living in a motel is difficult for the entire family, the problem is exacerbated for a child.
“Right now, there’s no place to eat. There’s no place to stretch your legs, and there’s no place to be a kid,” he said. “We want to just offer a safe place for kids to be a kid.”
Next week, some of the raised garden beds will be filled with soil and seedlings will be planted.
This Hidden Valley garden will be planted as a tool to put control back in the hands of residents.
“Sharing the blessing of a community garden goes beyond just gardening,” Robinson said. “The benefit of sharing and learning and in a neighborhood’s shared gardening space is the very definition of community."
If you have an inspiring story to share, email Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte public affairs manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.