In 2004, The Harambee House, Inc. / Citizens for Environmental Justice (HH/CFEJ) received an Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJ CPS) grant from EPA. Working with the Hudson Hill community in Savannah and other partners, HH/CFEJ documented the community history and health concerns of Hudson Hill residents. Building on the model developed with Hudson Hill, HH/CFEJ developed the Savannah Community Environmental Collaborative to expand its work to the Woodville community.

In 2007, HH/CFEJ was awarded a CARE Level I grant. The purpose of the CARE Level I project grant was to engage the residents from both the Hudson Hill and Woodville communities in a risk assessment process and to prioritize their action to help restore community confidence in their own ability to reduce harm to their health and neighborhoods. The Hudson Hill and Woodville communities worked with HH/CFEJ, EPA and other stakeholders (i.e. residents, industry, elected officials, governmental agencies) to build partnerships, identify environmental problems and create solutions to environmental problems.

In 2009, HH/CFEJ was awarded a CARE Level II grant. The purpose of the CARE Level II project grant was to mobilize the residents from both the Hudson Hill and Woodville communities in advocacy, education and outreach activities while helping to nurture and support community leaders in Hudson Hill and Woodville. The Hudson Hill and Woodville communities worked with HH/CFEJ, EPA and other stakeholders (i.e. residents, industry, elected officials, governmental agencies) to take action to reduce environmental risks and become self-sustaining.

From the Executive Director of Harambee House

Community Gardening is at the forefront of the Food Security Movement-worldwide. With our small gardening project at the FRC / St. Pius we have taken the first step toward feeding ourselves, creating jobs and restoring our connection with our traditional agricultural legacy. We are a "land based people" with close ties to Mother earth.  Excitement, enthusiasm and energy abound in "It's Growing" garden under the guidance of Mr. Robert Johnson of the Promised Land Farms.  We are creating opportunities to train our citizens, particularly the young on how to grow food, feed a neighborhood and serve a community.  Our goal is to create community gardens throughout Savannah with an emphasis on intergenerational team work -- the elders teaching the youth.  Join us in eliminating food deserts and creating food security.  From a garden to a farm -- "its growing."

Dr. Mildred McClain, Gator Rivers, and Ed Daniels from The Harambee House have taken on the job of getting this urban garden project off the ground and the Food Council will help.  Yes, it's growing very well, not just food but jobs as well.  There are young men and women ready to be trained in the area of farming, marketing and distribution.  Teaching our youth to grow their own food is a goal of Healthy Savannah Nutrition Committee/Savannah Local Food Collaborative.  St Pius garden will be one of many through out the city.  As we identify available lots we will work to turn them into farms.  We started this Project with the help of Victory Seeds and Home Depot.  Dennis Hutton (M.P.C.), Kelly Lockamy and Van Daniels are heading the Community movement to grow food.

"Growing Your Own" -- When You "Grow it, You Know it' Whats In It" , said Mr. Johnson of The Promise Land Farm. "When you grow it you know what's in it." We are excited about all the potential in our local food system, and just like in the garden, if we nurture our seedling system we can expect amazing things to come in good time.  Yep, good things are coming up everyday.