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 like shopping at our Farm Store, attending concerts and seasonal events, taking part in community classes, volunteering during posted hours, and picking your own flowers during U-Pick times. Whether you're here once a year or every week, we're happy to have you!

Check out our Classes!

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.

Please check out our hours of operation, or reach out with any questions you may have about the farm - we’d love to hear from you!

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.

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.

membership offers a meaningful way to engage with the farm.

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

    Visit the Farm

    Homesteads for Hope welcomes visitors for seasonal events, classes, volunteering, and guided farm tours, many of which require advance registration. During the growing season, the public is also invited to visit during farm store hours to explore our u-pick fields, shop the store, and enjoy live music and special events.

    The farm store is currently closed for the season. Outside of scheduled events and programs, tours or meetings with staff are available by appointment only.

    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

    Join us on a journey of growth through the Community Farm Experience. Our inclusive programs, offered five days a week, invite adults to learn, work, and build purpose in nature’s classroom through meaningful, hands-on farm life.

    Hands-On Learning for Adults of All Abilities. At Homesteads for Hope, adults 18+ build skills, confidence, and community on our working farm. From growing vegetables and caring for animals to making products, supporting the farm store, and cooking in our teaching kitchen, every activity is real, purposeful, and rooted in daily farm operations.

    Our programs focus on what people can do—supporting each individual as they grow at their own pace in a welcoming, inclusive 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

    Homesteads for Hope is a heart-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit made possible by the generosity of our community. Donations, grants, and farm visits directly support our mission and help us remain open and accessible to more than 600 families each year. Your support allows us to continue growing meaningful experiences together in nature’s classroom.

    Since our founding in 2013, hundreds of donors have helped shape our farm and programs. When you give, you see your impact through the people we serve, our innovative programming, and the working farm itself. Our goal is to build long-term sustainability through our programs, social enterprises, and farming operations—ensuring Homesteads for Hope thrives for years to come.

    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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  • "First time coming and it was so nice!!! There was also live music too with tons of seating. I would come again next year to pick more flowers!"

    —Aleysha Dominguez

  • "Homesteads for Hope is a great organization. The farm sells locally grown food."

    —David Larter

  • "Homesteads for Hope had me from my first visit! There is so much to be part of and to take part in yet the pace is casual and non-pressured. Truly a place for everyone, Homesteads for Hope is a little slice of heaven right around the corner. Visit once ...you'll be back!"

    —Jeannine DeRoo

  • "The property is beautiful and the staff are the best! I love visiting the cafe’ as well. There are always special treats for me to purchase, including beautiful fresh picked flowers. The Thursday night events are a great place for the whole family to relax and enjoy the property."

    —Jane Moore

  • "Nice stop while biking the Erie Canal Trail with food and music for good causes."

    —Scot Egg

  • "Homesteads for Hope is that special vibe and the summer event spot to hang. IYKYK. Check out the website."em

    —Rhonda SanFilipo

  • "Always a joy to visit, speak with the staff, and even volunteer in the fields. You can't help but walk away with a smile on your face."

    —James Shaw

  • "Adorable, peaceful place for a county style summer evening, complete with a great duo, singing live with a guitar! Name families were enjoying a piece of normal. Very nice food truck, ice creams, and benches next to canal - can't be better!"

    —Mohri Hime

  • "What a great place to go for fresh garden food. A place where the workers are very friendly , and plant and grow the fresh produce themselves . A quiet , nice place in the back with a pond and picnic tables around. Events for people to choose from to attend. Love it there."

    —Cheryl Arnold

  • "Wonderful farming community that assists disabled/challenged adults learn job skills. Has a little store that sells the vegetables they farm and crafts created by the students. A great organization to put your support behind."

    —Linda Short

  • "A beautiful spot adding beauty to the world"

    —Kevin Markman

  • "What an amazing place for people of all abilities! It is so heartwarming to see people thrive in such an welcoming learning environment."

    —Jacqueline Yates

  • "A terrific organization with a very clear mission - and passionate, dedicated staff who are working tirelessly to develop programs and services that center on fostering independence, specialized skills development, and socialization opportunities for folks with developmental disabilities. Beyond this essential aim, there are opportunities abound to explore a working farm, with recreational and other special events throughout the year. As a musical performer for their Harvest BBQs and Fundraising Gala, I have enjoyed not only the beauty of this location, but surely the spirit and sense of community evident with those participating in the activities. Kudos to Jenny and the team at H4H!"

    —Adam Whiting