Dear Editor,

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of The Homestead Market in Gilpin County. This is not how we envisioned the Holistic Homestead’s journey ending, but we are proud of the work we have accomplished and hopeful for the future of healthy food access for our community.

In 2013 we started with nothing—no big investors, no deep pockets—just passion and a vision. Every membership, every sale, and every program was built through the dedication of our volunteers. Despite the challenges of outreach in Gilpin County, we grew from a roadside herb stand to a farmers market and a brick-and-mortar grocery store over nine years, relying entirely on slow, steady community support.

The Homestead thrived because of this incredible mountain village. From Jill Dreves at Wild Bear, who hosted our first gatherings, to Gabrielle Chisholm at the Gilpin Community Center, to the Nederland and Gilpin seniors who helped establish the Used Durable Medical Equipment program—so many believed in and championed our mission. Gilpin County Public Health provided invaluable data to support our advocacy, and organizations like Peak to Peak Rotary, Alan Green Memorial Foundation, and Mountain Forum for Peace offered essential backing.

We also owe deep gratitude to the Mountain People’s Co-op for donated equipment, Kate Miller of Alpine Botanicals for fundraising and inventory support, and the Gilpin Food Pantry, which received hundreds of pounds of fresh produce from us over the years. When their freezers broke, the Homestead stepped in to store their food. Central City Mayor Jeremy Fey worked alongside us to bring healthy food to Central City, and the Nederland Farmers Market was our most steadfast collaborator, ensuring local food reached those who needed it most.

Since 2013, the Holistic Homestead has increased health literacy through our Hands-On Health for Kids program and wellness articles in The Mountain-Ear. We’ve built community through Health Fairs, Farmers Markets, Community Food Shares, and our pay-what-you-can Farm-to-Table Café. Over 500 households joined our membership, and we provided fresh, organic produce to Eagles Nest, the Gilpin Youth Camp, and local schools.

And we built it all from scratch.

At the heart of the Homestead was our Board of Directors and amazing volunteers—countless dedicated individuals over the last 10 years who volunteered countless hours, from bookkeeping to cooking to delivering groceries and hauling market tents in hail, rain and wind. Their commitment made everything possible.

Our greatest challenge was staffing. In 2024, we advertised heavily for a gardener and Farmers Market manager but received zero applicants. Our small team and volunteers carried the work. I personally resigned in March 2024 due to health challenges but remained to assist with grants and leadership transition. Though we hired a new Executive Director in October, the transition ultimately fell apart.

Despite this, I remain hopeful. The need for healthy, affordable food in Gilpin County is still urgent, and there is incredible potential to continue—if the right leadership steps forward. If you feel called to help carry this mission forward, please email connect@theholistichomestead.org by March 31.

With gratitude,
Arwen Ek

Editor's note: The Mountain-Ear did not receive this letter before our deadline to go to press last week. If you have questions about helping the Holistic Homestead and the date that passed (in the letter's last paragraph) please send an email to the address above.