Homesteads for Hope

Growing Purpose & Cultivating Inclusion in Nature’s Classroom

Welcome to the farm.

Homesteads for Hope is a nonprofit community farm created with and for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Here, people of all abilities come together to learn, work, and grow as part of a welcoming farm community.

Our 55-acre farm along the Historic Erie Canal in Rochester, NY provides opportunities for meaningful work, skill-building, creativity, and connection through agriculture, classes, events, and shared experiences.

We believe everyone has something valuable to contribute, and everyone deserves a place where they are known, respected, and included. Here, in what we lovingly call Nature’s Classroom, our farm grounds provide a place for learning, growth, and connection every day.

And the farm is for everyone. Come take a class, explore the grounds, shop the farm store, pick flowers, join an event, volunteer, fish, hike, or simply spend some time here. There are plenty of ways to experience Homesteads for Hope.

Our farm is open to the community, with special perks for sustaining members. Want to learn more about who we are? Check out Our Story.

How to Experience the Farm

Barn Venue Rentals

Weddings - Graduations - Corporate Events & More

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Together For Choice Logo. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) network

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.

Care Farming Network Logo. Therapeutic farming network

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.

 Homesteads for Hope, Inc. is listed on the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities’ EmployAbility Honor Roll, which highlights New York companies and organizations that have committed to embracing a philosophy of inclusion.

“I don't know where I would be without Autism. It’s like someone gave me a mission in life to be a voice for those who didn't have one. My brother Chucky is a non-verbal hero. His story is paving the way.”

— Jennyrae Brongo, Founder & CEO - TEDx Rochester 2018

Membership offers a meaningful way to engage with the farm.

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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