Homesteading Leads Individuals Closer to Self-Sufficiency

Tristan Beache (Winner)

Age: 29

City/Town and State: Back of the Yards Neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois

Homestead Name: The Freak Farm Chicago — Sustainable Urban Living and Artists’ Residence

How long have you been homesteading? I have been working on this project since 2007.

What compels you to lead this lifestyle? I am not sure what took me so long to come to the conclusion that I could tie all of these parts of my life together to create something that I really feel good about. At the time this project began, my girlfriend (deceased September 2008) and I purchased our building in one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in Chicago so that we could be closer to those we wanted to help. A simple web search will reveal that the Back of the Yards, Chicago, is a neighborhood that suffers from poverty and crime. What better place to attempt to purchase a decrepit two-flat building to rehab with the goal of living and working sustainably? Every day is a learning experience, and I am no expert.

Biggest challenge of homesteading: In an urban environment, you have to be very careful about bothering your neighbors, attracting rodents, and timing your beehive operations. I would say the biggest challenge is always space. My current production goal with my small backyard farm is 25 percent of the household’s total food. It is a very lofty goal, given my property size, but I feel it is possible.

What is your No. 1 recommendation for others pursuing homesteading? Share your project and network with others. I have learned so much from others and have gained invaluable knowledge. Also, ask for help. The people who help you are the ones you get to spoil when your project comes to fruition. I love the look of amazement on a Chicago native’s face when he or she tries an organic egg straight out of the coop.

Tauna Pierce-McDonald (Winner)

Age: 38

City/Town and State: Rocky Mount, Georgia

Homestead Name: Morning Glory

How long have you been homesteading? Three years.

What is your definition of a homestead/homesteader? A good homesteader actively provides for himself and strives to be self-sufficient and sustainable; a real good homesteader works to teach a piece of property to provide food and nourishment for body and soul.

Reactions from friends/family: Everyone we know and love was expecting it — I think they just wondered what took us so long. This kind of lifestyle is really about who you are; it’s something that you just have in you — and if it’s in you, it’s just a matter of time before you step to the edge of the grid and try your hand at it.