At Eagle’s Landing, a transitional housing program for veterans experiencing homelessness, every day is about more than providing a place to stay—it’s about creating a pathway forward. Veterans arrive carrying a wide range of experiences, often navigating the challenges of transition, stability, and rebuilding a sense of purpose. At VOA Southeast, the goal is not only to meet immediate needs like housing and support services, but to create an environment where healing, growth, and connection can take root in meaningful and lasting ways.
One of the most powerful expressions of that approach can be found just outside the buildings—in a garden that has become a cornerstone of the Eagle’s Landing community. What began as a grant-funded initiative has grown into a thriving, seasonal garden that is planted once—and often twice—a year.
But this garden is about far more than fruits and vegetables. It represents something deeper: a place where veterans can reconnect with themselves, contribute to something tangible, and experience the steady, rewarding process of growth.
A Garden That Gives Back
This year’s planting day brought together veterans and staff side by side, working the land with intention and care. Together, they:
- Spread 25 bags of organic fertilizer to enrich the soil
- Planted a wide variety of crops including:
- Broccoli, squash, and beets
- Four beds of tomatoes
- Four types of peppers—banana, yellow, hot, and more
- Continued cultivating fruits like blueberries, pears, figs, and strawberries
The garden also reflects thoughtful, sustainable practices. Marigolds were planted around tomato beds to naturally deter pests, and designated flower areas invite bees and hummingbirds—supporting pollination and a healthy ecosystem. The goal is simple: grow as much as possible with minimal chemicals.
Built by Veterans, Sustained by Veterans
One of the most meaningful elements of the garden is the ownership veterans take in it. Recently, a veteran helped rebuild a trellis, now supporting climbing crops like pole beans and cucumbers—a visible symbol of both growth and contribution.
Veterans are actively responsible for maintaining the garden, including:
- Watering and daily care
- Pulling weeds and managing grass
- Monitoring for pests and plant health
This hands-on involvement fosters responsibility, teamwork, and pride.
A Place for Peace and Purpose
For many veterans, the transition into stable housing can be challenging. The garden offers something uniquely valuable—a quiet, grounding space to reflect and reconnect.
As Deborah Murph, Director of Eagle’s Landing, shares:
“Veterans have difficulty adjusting to transitional housing. They find a peaceful place in the garden—not only to feel useful, but to find a quiet area where they can meditate and connect with nature.”
In a world that often moves too fast, the garden invites veterans to slow down, breathe, and rediscover a sense of calm.
Cultivating What Matters Most
The Eagle’s Landing garden supplements meals with fresh, nutritious produce—but its impact goes far beyond the plate. It nurtures mental well-being, builds community, and restores a sense of purpose.
At VOA Southeast, we believe that healing happens in many forms. Sometimes, it looks like a shared meal. And sometimes, it looks like hands in the soil, planting seeds for a better tomorrow.
