Profile information
Host is looking for help immediately
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
12 Jun 2025
Reply rate
90.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
20
ID verified
Email verified
Badges (5)
Details
Description
About Me:
Hi everyone! My name is Jonathan, a 36-year-old, LGBT-friendly, retired Air Force veteran. I own a 5-acre ranch in the high desert of Apple Valley, California, where I’m working toward creating a self-sustainable, regenerative community.
I’m in the early stages of this journey and currently focused on building infrastructure around the ranch for Workawayers, including dorm rooms, bathrooms, and camping spaces. This year, one of my major goals is to construct a greenhouse for my vertical garden towers, with the ultimate vision of growing 90% of the food we eat here.
How to Apply:
Please read my entire profile to ensure this opportunity aligns with your goals and expectations. When reaching out, include:
The exact date you’d like to arrive and the length of your stay. Once I receive your message, I’ll send you a short questionnaire. If it seems like a good fit, we’ll schedule a video chat to confirm your dates and accommodations.
Travel & Logistics:
If you’re flying here, you’ll need to coordinate your travel to arrive at the Victorville Bus Station (16838 D St, Victorville, CA 92395). Be sure to confirm your pick-up date and time with me in advance.
Please note that there is a 4-week minimum stay for accommodations. This helps maintain a smooth flow and routine for the ranch.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Animal Care
House sitting
Interests
Sustainability
Self development
Pets
LGBTQ
Writing
Music
Cooking & food
Art & design
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Camping
Beach
Adventure sports
Mountain
Hiking
Fitness
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You can learn more about exploring California.
Help
At this time, I am seeking motivated, self-starting individuals who value the Workaway experience and are committed to contributing meaningfully during their stay. Ideal volunteers are proactive, enthusiastic, animal lovers.
Animal Care: Feeding, refilling water dispensers, scooping cat litter, washing food bowls, etc. And any other animals care related tasks.
House Care: Tidying up the house, cleaning dishes, emptying trash, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, etc. And any other tasks that involve caring for the house.
Important Notes:
If you've read my profile, include "444" in your initial message to show you've understood and agree to the expectations. Messages without this will likely not receive a response, as it’s a sign we may not be the right match.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
I am interested in learning more Spanish
Accommodation
Accommodations:
I have converted my 1,200 sq. ft. garage into a comfortable dormitory for Workawayers. This space includes:
Sleeping Area: 2 queen-sized beds with privacy curtains, storage for clothes, and a nightstand.
Living Room: Equipped with a 50" TV and a cozy wood-burning stove for winter.
Climate Control: Air conditioning for summer and heating for winter.
Workspaces: 2 computer desks.
Kitchenette: Includes 2 hot plates, a fridge, a sink, and all necessary cooking and dining materials.
You will be sharing this space with another Workawayer (or two if they are a couple). Please note that the garage doors can occasionally be noisy on windy days, but I’ve provided earplugs for your comfort. It is essential to keep this communal space clean at all times. This includes:
Washing, drying, and putting away dishes after meals.
Wiping down tables and countertops.
Vacuuming as needed.
Keeping personal belongings tidy.
Alternative Accommodations:
If you have your own accommodations (RV, camper, van, or bus), I offer an RV hook-up with access to septic, water, and electricity. For those wishing to camp, there is plenty of outdoor space to set up a tent, but be mindful of the desert's strong winds.
Shared Amenities:
A shared bathroom, kitchen, and other common areas.
Outdoor space with firepits, hammocks, and lounge chairs.
An indoor area with workout equipment.
Tesla Starlink internet, which is fast and reliable.
Additional Notes:
I provide a small weekly stipend for groceries. Occasionally, we share meals or go out to eat together.
Laundry must be done off-site. I can arrange trips to the laundromat where you can wash and dry your clothes.
What else ...
The ranch is conveniently located near a variety of amenities:
Restaurants: Plenty of great dining options just minutes away.
Shopping & Essentials: Super Target, Walmart, CVS, Starbucks, and a local health food store are 5–10 minutes away.
Fitness: "The Gym" is nearby and costs $35/month.
Farmers Markets: A local Farmers Market is held every Wednesday and Sunday, just 5 minutes from the ranch. Sprouts Farmers Market is a 20-minute drive.
The ranch is ideally situated for exploring Southern California and beyond:
Major Cities:
2.5 hours to Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Diego.
1.5 hours to Palm Springs.
1 hour to Joshua Tree National Park and Big Bear Lake.
Please note that some but not all of these locations are accessible via public transportation.
Activities and Events:
I keep an event calendar at the ranch and typically organize group trips or hikes about twice a month. Let me know what you're interested in exploring during your stay, and we can plan accordingly!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Digital nomads are welcome! We have Starlink internet and it's fast and reliable. There's plenty of indoor and outdoor space where you can set up your laptop and work.
Space for parking camper vans
I have 1 spot for an RV hook-up. There is septic, water and electricity available.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Feedback (10)
The work is not too complicated and not too long.
If you’re looking to volunteer in the US, you should definitely try this one!”
He is a special person that you can find very few around.
His ranch is beautiful.
You will take care of his animals and his cats that are so sweet and playful!
An experience that I recommend to anyone who is looking for a place… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
The work is not too complicated and not too long.
If you’re looking to volunteer in the US, you should definitely try this one!”
He is a special person that you can find very few around.
His ranch is beautiful.
You will take care of his animals and his cats that are so sweet and playful!
An experience that I recommend to anyone who is looking for a place… read more
There aren’t powerful enough words to depict just how amazing of a host Jonathan is and how serene the ranch feels. Jonathan and his ranch have provided us with both healing we didn’t know we needed and opportunity to grow our skills and passions in a safe and inclusive space.
The Host:
Genuinely kind hearted and a great… read more
