Construction company Skanska USA and Atlanta Mission, an organization that aids homeless men in the city, have joined forces to create the Atlanta Urban Garden.

Located on a two acre plot at 377 Centennial Olympic Park Drive in Downtown, the garden is designed to provide healthy food options, vocational training and therapy to more than 500 homeless and recovering men served daily through Atlanta Mission’s men’s facility.

Atlanta Mission president and CEO Jim Reese said the idea for the garden came about last fall and came to fruition quickly because of Skanska and assistance from the Integral Group, which manages the garden property, and Long Engineering.

The garden consists of 24 raised beds, planted and supported by community partners. Reese said since last month’s inaugural planting, there has been interest from the community.

“Projects like these bring the community together,” Reese said. “There’s an excitement among the men and volunteers at Atlanta Mission, who are very proud of the garden.”

The garden will be tended by Atlanta Mission clients, offering vocational training to help homeless men prepare to return to the workforce. It is expected the gardening will also provide a therapeutic avenue for men recovering from long-term life controlling issues and addiction.”

Atlanta Mission is accepting corporate sponsorships for the garden and the community is also invited to donate and participate. Visit  AtlantaMission.org for more information.

- Collin Kelley