The HELP Foundation is well known for its commitment to empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through programs focused on independence, community inclusion, and meaningful work, they continue to build pathways that enrich lives every day.

One of their most inspiring initiatives, HELP Harvest, takes place inside a commercial scale Arcadia GlassHouse production greenhouse. This year-round hydroponic growing operation does more than supply fresh herbs and greens. It brings together sustainable agriculture, education, and employment training under one bright, glass roof.

A Look Inside the HELP Harvest Greenhouse

The HELP Harvest facility features a full span, production grade Arcadia GlassHouse engineered specifically for controlled environment hydroponics. Designed for consistency, structural strength, and optimal plant performance, the greenhouse provides a stable setting where crops thrive throughout the year.

Greenhouse Specifications

The HELP Foundation selected a Sierra Freestanding Greenhouse, a commercial structure designed for year-round growing, training, and high output production. The greenhouse includes the following features and upgrades:

Structure

  • Freestanding design with one gable attached to an existing building
  • 31’ x 103’ providing 3,300 square feet of interior space
  • Straight eave, tempered glass to a 36” kneewall
  • 4/12 pitch roof
  • Professional engineering rated for 45 lb snow loads and 125 mph wind loads
  • White baked enamel frame finish
  • 7/8” argon filled double pane tempered glass on walls and roof
  • Standard 6 ft commercial doors

Environmental and Ventilation Systems

  • Low E Solar Ban 60 glass upgrades for roof and sidewalls
  • Ventilation is natural through ridge and side vents
  • Circulation fans
  • 440W LED grow lighting
  • Hydrofoggers with humidistat and timer control

Growing Systems

  • Aluminum greenhouse benches providing 864 square feet of surface
  • Potting bench with storage
  • Four zone irrigation system with dribble tube lines
  • Dosatron fertilizer injector
  • High efficiency natural gas heaters

These specifications support the HELP Harvest mission by providing a controlled space that maintains steady light levels, temperature, and airflow for healthy crops, while also creating a clean, accessible environment for training and education.

 

Growing More Than Produce

What makes this project special is its purpose. HELP Harvest is growing far more than fresh greens. It is creating opportunity.

Inside this Arcadia GlassHouse, HELP participants learn:

  • Hydroponic planting and propagation
  • Daily greenhouse operations
  • Harvesting, packaging, and distribution skills
  • Basic environmental controls and production monitoring

The produce grown here is distributed locally, supporting community needs while strengthening HELP’s mission to create meaningful, skill-based employment. Each crop harvested carries a broader impact that reaches far beyond the greenhouse.

A Partnership Rooted in Impact

Arcadia GlassHouse is proud to support the HELP Foundation. Their greenhouse is a strong example of how controlled environment agriculture can promote education, workforce development, and community engagement.

We are honored that the HELP Foundation selected an Arcadia GlassHouse to help carry out this important work. We encourage supporters to learn more about their programs and the difference they make every day.

Learn about HELP’s mission:
https://helpfoundationinc.org/

Explore HELP Harvest:
https://helpfoundationinc.org/help-harvest/