Garage is an open-source distributed object storage service designed for self-hosting, emphasizing redundancy and efficiency. It replicates each chunk of data across three zones, which means data is stored on multiple servers to ensure reliability. The software is lightweight, packaged as a single binary that runs on any Linux distribution, making deployment quick and straightforward. It requires minimal resources: any x86_64 CPU from the last decade or ARMv7/ARMv8, 1 GB of RAM, at least 16 GB of disk space, and a network with a latency of 200 ms or less and a speed of 50 Mbps or higher. The system is built to be resilient against various failures, including network and disk issues. Users can create clusters using diverse, even second-hand hardware, which enhances accessibility for those without high-end machines. Garage is compatible with applications that use the Amazon S3 API, broadening its usability. Its development is informed by significant research in distributed systems, drawing insights from reputable studies and technologies. Funding plays a key role in Garage's development. It has received support from various sources, including the NGI POINTER initiative, which funded three full-time employees in 2021-2022, and the NLnet / NGI0 Entrust, which provided funding for additional staff in subsequent years. The project has backing from European Union programs focused on research and innovation, highlighting its commitment to advancing distributed storage technology. For those interested in contributing, there are options for donations or support contracts.