Urban Homesteading in Los Angeles

Pasadena’s Urban Homestead: How a 1/10-Acre Farm Feeds 200 Families—and Proves City Sustainability Works

In the heart of Pasadena, California, a family farm has been quietly rewriting the rules of urban agriculture for nearly four decades. Since 1985, the Urban Homestead—a 1/10-acre plot on Cypress Avenue—has supplied fresh produce to 150–200 families weekly, donated over 10,000 pounds of food annually and offered hands-on learning to thousands of students. What began as a radical act of self-sufficiency has become a blueprint for how cities can cultivate both food and community.

The story starts with Jules Dervaes Jr., a theology student who, in 1984, abandoned his 10-acre Florida farm to move to Pasadena with his family. Instead of pursuing academia, he turned his rundown suburban yard into an organic farm—despite neighbors calling him “crazy” for removing concrete to plant vegetables. By 1989, the experiment had scaled: the Dervaes family had transformed their front yard into a thriving farm, proving that even in a city, land could be repurposed for sustenance.

“In our society, growing food yourself has become the most radical of acts,” Jules Dervaes Jr. Wrote in a 2016 reflection. “It is truly the only effective protest—one that can overturn the corporate powers that be.” His words resonate today as urban farming gains traction worldwide, but the Urban Homestead remains one of the oldest and most resilient examples. After Jules’ death in 2016, his three children—Anaïs, Justin, and Jordanne—took over, expanding the mission to include internships, school programs, and a “Farm Box” subscription service that delivers produce to families in need.

How a Backyard Became a Movement

The Urban Homestead’s success hinges on three pillars: regenerative farming, community engagement, and educational outreach. Unlike commercial farms, this operation prioritizes biodiversity—growing over 100 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers using organic methods. “We don’t just grow food,” says Anaïs Dervaes, the eldest sibling. “We grow resilience.”

Key figures from their 2024 impact report highlight the farm’s reach:

• 2,000+ hours of internship experience provided annually.
• Food distributed to 150–200 families via the Farm Box program.
• Over 10,000 lbs of produce donated to local food banks.
• Partnerships with schools, scouts, and student groups for hands-on learning.

The farm’s model has inspired similar projects globally, but its longevity stems from adaptability. During COVID-19, for example, the Dervaes family pivoted to selling produce directly to restaurants and caterers, ensuring no surplus went to waste. “We’ve had to reinvent ourselves constantly,” Justin Dervaes notes. “That’s the beauty of small-scale farming—it’s flexible.”

Why Urban Homesteading Matters in 2026

As cities expand and climate pressures mount, urban agriculture offers a scalable solution to food insecurity. The World Bank highlights how urban farming can reduce waste, create jobs, and strengthen local economies—a trend Urban Homestead embodies. “We’re not just feeding people,” Jordanne Dervaes says. “We’re teaching them how to feed themselves.”

Yet challenges remain. The farm operates from a private residence, limiting public access to scheduled tours and workshops. Zoning laws and water restrictions also pose hurdles, but the Dervaes family advocates for policy changes that support urban farming. “We need cities to see small farms as infrastructure, not nuisances,” Anaïs argues.

A Legacy of Radical Self-Sufficiency

Jules Dervaes Jr.’s vision—”to change the world by changing ourselves”—endures through his children’s work. The Urban Homestead’s story is more than a case study in sustainability; it’s proof that sustainability starts at home. In an era of corporate agriculture and food deserts, their model offers a tangible alternative: food grown with care, shared with purpose, and rooted in community.

Next Steps: The Urban Homestead continues to expand its educational programs, with plans to launch a new apprentice program in 2026. For updates, visit their official website. Interested in volunteering or subscribing to the Farm Box? Contact them via their donation page.

Have you visited an urban farm? Share your experiences in the comments—or tag us on social media with #UrbanHomestead. Together, One can grow the future.