In the spring of 2023, a small but powerful pilot program took root in the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District.
The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, in partnership with Green Our Planet, launched a new initiative aimed at teaching sustainable growing techniques and hydroponics to the unhoused.
This initiative is about more than vegetables and leafy greens. It’s about nourishment, empowerment, and dignity for this underserved community.
A New Chapter: Hydroponics in the Library
Libraries have long been sanctuaries of learning and community support, and this program pushes that mission one step further in Las Vegas.
By introducing hydroponics, which is an efficient and soil-free method of growing food, into the library space, patrons can get hands-on experience cultivating their own fresh produce, regardless of their housing status or income level.
David Tran, Computer Lab Supervisor at East Las Vegas Library, and Brandon Jordan, a library patron, spearheaded the effort.
“We invited Brandon to do the hydroponics program because he’s a great guy,” David said. “Unfortunately, due to life circumstances, he is one of our unhoused patrons.”
When David asked Brandon if he would be interested, there was no question.
“He didn’t hesitate,” David said. “He said yes.”
Meet Brandon: A Patron, A Grower, A New Gardener
Brandon didn’t come to the library expecting to grow vegetables, but he embraced the hydroponics program with curiosity and care.
“I’m basically a newbie,” Brandon quipped.
However, he quickly caught on and found joy in the process. With Green Our Planet, getting started with hydroponics is easy thanks to our simple kits that include everything you need—from grow lights to pumps.
“It was really fun,” Brandon said. “It was super easy. There was nothing hard about it at all.”
Brandon’s enthusiasm showed in his commitment. After planting seeds, he checked on them regularly, monitoring their growth and progress.
For Brandon, the program opened the door to better and more cost-effective nutrition.
“The last time I had a salad was a little over a year ago,” he said.
With high costs and no access to a kitchen, vegetables were often a luxury. But now, with his own small hydroponic setup, that’s changing.
“It benefits me by allowing me to have access to fresh vegetables, which I wouldn’t be able to if I didn’t have a system like this,” he said.
Why Hydroponics for the Unhoused?
At first glance, hydroponics might seem like an unconventional solution for homelessness. But it offers several unique advantages.
As Brandon put it, “A lot of people—especially the unhoused—could benefit from it. Everyone could benefit from hydroponics.”
Space-Saving and Portable
Hydroponic systems require very minimal space and no soil. This makes them ideal for compact, urban environments and allows them to fit in community spaces like libraries or shelters.
Self-Sustaining and Low Maintenance
Once the hydroponic system is set up, very little upkeep is necessary. You just need water, light, and nutrients. This makes it a manageable project for unhoused patrons or facility staff.
Empowering and Educational
Growing your own food builds confidence, routine, and nutritional knowledge. These are valuable assets and life skills for anyone, but especially those facing some sort of instability or adversity.
Nutrition Access
Fresh produce is often out of reach for the unhoused due to cost, storage, and a space to prepare it in. Hydroponics offers a direct line to healthy produce without needing a kitchen or grocery store.
The Bigger Picture: Growing Forward
Programs like this transform community spaces into places of opportunity for patrons. Brandon’s story is only the beginning. And as his seeds continue to sprout, so does the promise of a more inclusive and resilient future where everyone, regardless of circumstances, can experience the pride and nutrition that comes with growing your own food.
Want to see how you can get involved or bring hydroponics to your community? Learn more about Green Our Planet and our accredited HydroConnect Program!
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