A charity organization which has provided meals and shelter to those less fortunate is seeking a $3 million grant from the City of Moncton.
The Humanity Project wants to create a new rehab centre on their farm in Albert County to help those with addictions and mental health issues.
The charity acquired a farm last year in Little River, about 25 minutes from Moncton.
Founder Charlie Burrell believes a different approach is needed for those with addictions and mental health issues.
“For every person that I have ever met that was homeless, their issues for homelessness are as unique as the individuals themselves. We need to stop putting people into this cookie-cutter mold of trying to fit them all in the same box to find a solution. We need to work on a more individualized approach towards each person.”
Burrell says it often saddens him when he sees someone getting out of detox or even out of jail.
“They are put back into a situation in the shelter system or under that bridge beside that guy that they used to use with and we expect them somehow to succeed. It’s just a vicious cycle and it just keeps spinning around and around.”
Burrell was asked to prepare a business plan and will outline the farm rehab project in more detail at a Committee of the Whole meeting in October.
Burrell adds talks are also underway with the provincial and federal governments for support but he’s seeking a commitment from the city first.
