Tackling Homelessness through an Agricultural Lens

By Maurice Brenner Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering With the help of TACC, who owns the property at 690 Third Concession (Greenbelt-Agricultural Lands) and DARs, along with the financial support of Pickering Council through a $50,000 grant paid for from Casino revenues, Mayor Kevin Ashe myself and Councillor Shaheen Butt joined Margaret Eskins and numerous community volunteers for the Official launch of one of Canada's first transitional housing entrepreneurship projects that will provide affordable transitional housing for up to 7 residents. The residents will have an opportunity to be part of a model through an Agricultural lens that includes farming and production of fresh produce and eggs for consumption. Excess produce will be donated to the Pickering FoodBank, as well as being sold at the Farmers Market. Creating a sense of home is part of this model with residents Having an opportunity w to transform this century farmhouse into their home with the assistance of qualified contractors. Watch for further updates with a ribbon cutting scheduled for October 10, International Homeless day Awareness.