Mercy Housing Lakefront residents hold succulent plants they potted in a behavioral health group while proudly showing off their new community garden.

There are regular opportunities for residents to have their voices heard at Mercy Housing Lakefront properties — and that brings meaningful change.

Earlier this year, residents at the Johnston Center, a community serving people who are disabled and/or formerly homeless, suggested something beautiful: “The residents asked for a garden in our Community Connect meeting in January,” says resident Luberta Wilks. “We got it in June.”

Residents, with the help of a volunteer transformed the existing garden with large, galvanized steel beds. They were so excited when the time came to sow the seeds and selected a variety of plants including tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, lettuce, eggplant, cucumbers, broccoli, cilantro, and marigolds.

Delicious produce and cheerful flowers were enjoyed all season, as was the opportunity to come together as neighbors.

“I love being able to have fresh produce right in my own backyard! I eat a lot of tomatoes and peppers.” – Ricky Billings, Johnston Center resident