HARBOR HILLS PUBLIC HOUSING COMMUNITY GARDEN REOPENS

County Plants the Seed for Community Wellness and Growth

Lomita, CA, July 15, 2021 – Yesterday, the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) celebrated the reopening of the Harbor Hills public housing Community Garden, welcoming residents to explore the outdoor space with activities and plant their own produce.  The Harbor Hills public housing community is located in Lomita and is the third largest public housing community in Los Angeles County, operated by the LACDA.

“This garden is a special part of the Harbor Hills community and it is something that residents missed,” said Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn. “With this garden reopened, I hope it will again be a place where residents can enjoy themselves and spend some time outdoors.”

The event featured an arts and crafts station, courtesy of the Boys & Girls Club of the Los Angeles Harbor, a food demonstration by the Office of Samoan Affairs, a non-profit organization of social services, and a tour of the garden. The community garden provides 20 garden plots, each measuring 40 ½-in W x 85 ½-in L,  allowing residents to select, maintain, and grow fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers at no cost.  In addition to providing access to fresh foods for residents, the community garden is expected to help create social ties, which positively influence mental health wellness, community involvement, and reduce crime.

“The reopening of the Harbor Hills Community Garden will help address food insecurities and encourage residents to build a stronger sense of community,” said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. “The garden will also provide an added benefit to the environment as well as health and wellbeing to those around it.”

For more information about the Harbor Hills Community Garden, please contact Ebony Jones, Harbor Hills and South County Resident Services Coordinator, at (626) 233-6414.