$550 Worth of Garden Equipment Stolen From HEP

Thieves cut a metal lock, broke into a storage building and stole about $550 worth of gardening equipment at Homeless Emergency Project.

The suspects took a weed whacker and battery-operated backpack garden sprayer that are used by residents to maintain the community garden at the shelter Thursday, Jackie Dryden, director of development, said in a release. 

The thieves also tried to steal a wheelbarrow, but were unable to because of a fence.

Clearwater Police are investigating, Dryden said.

“It is disheartening that people are so callous that they are willing to steal from a charity like HEP,” said Jeff Ziecheck, facility supervisor. “The items were given to HEP from generous donors in the community who wanted to help our residents grow a garden. The theft will set the program back, especially as we head into planting season.”

The 3,000 square foot community garden on the north end of the shelter's North Greenwood campus is a gathering space for single residents and families.

Boys and girls in the Children’s Learning Center tend plants, including cabbage, broccoli, and kale.

Some of the vegetables are used as the resident food supply, other plants are sold to local retailers and through the HEP Thrift Store. Proceeds help to cover the costs to maintain the garden.