Growing and flourishing at Weingart Center
At Weingart Center, we believe that home is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a space to heal, rebuild, and connect.
That’s why some of our interim and permanent supportive housing developments include community gardens. We celebrate how gardens not only benefit the environment but also nurture mental health and strengthen community bonds—something that's vital to our clients living healthy, independent lives.
Studies show that tending to plants can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote mindfulness. According to a study done by the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, “participants who engaged in gardening or interacting with plants experienced significantly lower levels of stress and anxiety compared to those who did not.”
That’s especially true for Ida Burchinal. Since moving into The Weingart Willows, Ida has become a regular out in the garden.
“Every day I go out there, I notice something new,” Ida says. “Like, the plants are just a little taller, a little fuller than the day before. It’s slow, but it’s happening. And that feels really good, you know? When you’re homeless, you don’t really get to be around green things, or nature at all, really. So just getting your hands in the dirt, being part of it—it’s one of the best feelings ever.”
For many residents, like Ida, who have experienced PTSD, anxiety, or depression, the simple act of nurturing a plant provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It’s a reminder that growth—both personal and environmental—takes time, care, and patience.
Senator Kevin Murrary and LA City Council District 2 Supervisor Holly Mitchell viewing The Weingart Willows community garden
Community gardens also foster connection. Residents come together to plant, water, and harvest, creating a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration. In these green spaces, conversations spark, friendships form, and isolation fades.
Weingart Center celebrates not just the green spaces we help cultivate, but the hope and community that grow alongside them.
