We are a group of volunteers who are committed to creating a “garden of healing” in Hamden. 

 

The planned garden, legally titled The Hamden Homicide Memorial Botanical Garden of Healing (H.H.M.B.G.H.), will address one of the most tragic realities of our time: the senseless loss of young lives due to homicide and its ravishing effects. According to Hamden’s Police Department, at least 68 Hamden residents, mostly youth, have died from homicide since 1981.

 

The idea for the garden originated with a group of families who lost children or other family members in this brutal way.  The group, People Reunited Over Untimely Death (P.R.O.U.D.), has benefited from the guidance of Pamela Jaynez, who lost a son in New Haven and a nephew in Hamden, and from others who created The New Haven Botanical Garden of Healing Dedicated to Victims of Gun Violence, the award-winning park at the base of West Rock.  

 

P.R.O.U.D. partnered with Henry Candido, President of The People’s Coalition of Connecticut, and other volunteers to carry this meaningful project forward.

 

Pamela has described our mission: “We are creating a garden to serve as a memorial to the loved ones tragically lost and as a sanctuary for healing and hope and a place for the community to find comfort through the beauty of nature.”

 

The garden will be located at Eli Whitney Park, 1111 Whitney Avenue, a plot of land deeded to the Town by Eli Whitney.  In May, 2023, Hamden’s Mayor Lauren Garrett and Hamden’s Legislative Council formally approved our use of this park for this purpose. 

 

OUR FUNDRAISING GOALS

 

One important fact: We will raise all the funds needed for the garden so that no burden will be placed on the Town of Hamden budget.  As Hamden residents, we are aware of the Town’s financial challenges.

 

Our immediate goal is to raise $30,000 through our fundraising efforts, after which we will apply for grants and sponsorships. We have sponsored a few events so far but are now embarking on a campaign involving a direct appeal to businesses, organizations and individuals requesting contributions.

 

All tax-deductible donations will be recognized in a special way, with donors acknowledged on permanent signage at the Garden and/or permanently acknowledged on our website.

 

Our sign will list sponsors this way:

 

• Platinum Sponsor: $1,000

• Gold Sponsor: $500

• Silver Sponsor: $250

• Bronze Sponsor: $100

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Everyone who donates, including those who donate less than $100,

 will be permanently acknowledged on our website.

 

To contribute, click on our DONATE button at the top of this page.

Or write checks to H.H.M.B.G.H., and send to:

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H.H.M.B.G.H.,  P.O. Box 4515, Hamden, CT 06514

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