Our Mission
Building longer, healthier lives through urban farming, nutrition, education, and social opportunities.
Our Vision
To create an environment where people are less likely to suffer from malnutrition, food insecurity, chronic diseases, and social deprivation
Our goals:
- Provide social services in the community to persons 62+ and/ or disabled of low income
- Utilize the urban farm and nutritious meals to support the basic nutritional needs of low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities and extend nutritional support to the members of the Santa Barbara community with high quality produce and local eco-friendly farming practices
- Afford every opportunity through empathy, grace, education, and awareness of the available resources and services offered in our community
- Encourage, social activities, healthy nutrition, and stimulation
- Offer our facility and our nonprofit as a luminous to all nonprofits and volunteers in our community
Our Values
At Pilgrim Terrace, our values reflect our deep commitment to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable community.
- Equitable Access to Nutrition – Everyone deserves high-quality, nutritious food that supports health and well-being.
- Sustainability & Eco-Consciousness – We are dedicated to responsible, eco-friendly practices that nurture both people and the planet.
- Supportive & Inclusive Community – We create environments where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered.
- Engagement & Collaboration – A strong community is built through active involvement and meaningful connections.
- Lifelong Learning & Awareness – Education is key to empowerment, and we strive to provide knowledge and resources that enhance lives.
Pilgrim Terrace Co-Op Homes
The program was designed for a non-profit to hold the property in trust. Pilgrim Terrace Cooperative Homes (DBA) was the non-profit that served as a management oversight entity. PTCH has always been governed by resident volunteers and selected members of the Santa Barbara Community who serve on the Board of Directors.
In order to facilitate the rehabilitation and to provide for the 55-year preservation of low-income housing, PTCH entered into a partnership with Reiner Communities.
The partnership secured tax-exempt bonds and tax credits to pay off the existing HUD mortgage, acquire the property, and perform the rehabilitation. Reiner Communities now manages the housing element allowing PTCH the freedom to offer full-time social services to our residents and the entire Santa Barbara Community through networking with other non-profits.
Pilgrim Terrace Urban Farm
We operate 3 farming systems at Pilgrim Terrace Cooperative Homes property. These include:
- Regenative Soil Farm: We focus on soil reclamation and regeneration, employing organic and sustainable practices to enhance the fertility and health of the soil. This ensures the production of nutrient-rich crops for the residents, along with the members of our Community Supported Agriculture Program.
- Micro Green Greenhouse: We grow micro greens without soil, maximizing space and resources to provide a diverse range of fresh produce to the community, along with reducing water consumption. Micro Greens are over 9-40x more nutrient-dense than their mature counterparts.
- Aeroponic Tower Farm: By embracing aeroponic technology, we grow crops consistently and efficiently, using less water and space than traditional farming methods, making fresh and nutritious produce more accessible to the residents, along with restaurants including Birnam Wood Golf Club, Cafe La Fonda, and Jack’s Bagels.