About three years ago, Erik Running, a Woodland Park resident,  had a dream to start an organization that would help support the effort to grow more food locally. It has been said that our food travels an average of 1500 miles before it reaches our plate. He knew that a time would come when many of us would  not be able to afford fresh food. Who would have guessed that fuel prices would make this idea more relevant today than ever?

Erik has worked tirelessly in growing SOH into a well respected resource for those that want to join in on his dream.

Below are a few of Solidarity of Hopes' projects. 

The garden at the Pikes Peak Justice- Peace Commission

Garden at Gwen's  house. She is a local Colorado Springs resident that has opened her backyard for others to enjoy.

 Permaculture Garden at Venetucci Farm that was funded and installed by SOH.

SOH was instrumental in getting the gardens started at Buena Vista Elementary School in Colorado Springs. Parents are seen here digging the holes for the fence that will surround the future gardens. 

 Erik Running helping prepare the greenhouse planting beds for the community of Cripple Creek.

One of  the Junior Master Gardener students inspecting his tomato plant. It is growing in the Cripple Creek greenhouse. A joint project of the Cripple Creek Parks and Rec, Pikes Peak Community Foundation, Teller County Extension Office and Solidarity of Hope.

The garden at Wildflower Park in Colorado Springs. This garden space was later adopted by the local neighbors. 

SOH  members  at the annual Horticultural Art Society Plant Sale in the spring of 2007.

The Holy Theophany Orothodox Church opened up their back property for a community garden. PPUG and SOH have been helping the gardeners get started.