The Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) successfully met 103 percent of their crowdfunding goal to build an earthship-style greenhouse in Norris Square. 

When NSNP announced the project last month, organizers envisioned the project as a “barn raiser” that would bring out both neighborhood youth and older community members in the name of wholesomely grown food. Expenses were projected for the project between $8,000 and $10,000. The crowdfunding campaign aimed low, and ended up securing $8,252. The 104 donors ranged from senior citizens at La Casa Carmen Aponte to weekly patrons at NSNP's community farmstand. 

“As an organization in the Latino community, it's important to us to grow foods that community residents can use in their kitchens,” Justin Trezza, director of the Norris Square Neighborhood, said about the project.

“It is difficult to germinate seeds for ajíces, gandules, and other important produce without a place to do it. A greenhouse would provide a space to teach youth about seed germination and sustainability and help us to grow more culturally relevant produce for our community.”

Construction of the greenhouse will begin once the growing season is complete this fall. Community gardens like Las Parcelas (pictured above) have been promoting a culture of healthy within the Latino community for years now.