A proposed farm project aims to provide a safe space for individuals with addictions and mental health challenges to heal and recover.
Charles Burrell, the founder of The Humanity Project, provided a detailed overview of the project to Moncton City Council on Monday, during the Committee of the Whole meeting,
Burrell previously attended council with information on the rehab centre but stated he would return with a business plan and additional details on the project.
“The reasons we are here today is because we have applied for $3 million in seed funding so that we can start repairing the damage done to our community due to the lack of treatment options available when it comes to help with mental health and addiction issues,” Burrell told council.
$1 million each year will cover costs for updates to current facilities, housing units, and operations at the farm in Little River.
Through the development on the farm, Burrell says individuals will stay in communal housing on the property and have access to programs and services based on their needs. This includes detoxification services and specialized trauma-based therapies.
The site will have licensed professionals present on a contractual basis.
Once recommended, those attending the farm will move into their own cabin and can begin learning essential life skills.
“They have been eating at our place and other places for so long that they don’t even know how to make a box of kraft dinner or make themselves a sandwich. So, there would be certain life skills that you would have to check off the list, you know keeping yourself clean, keeping your area clean, being able to cook yourself a meal, stuff like that,” Burrell said.
Burrell emphasized the importance of reintegration through a unique timeline that must fit the needs of the individual.
In terms of interest, Burrell told council 78 people have expressed a desire to attend the program on the farm once it is operational. He believes this will act as a domino effect, causing others to gain interest.
“It helps to inspire the others in the community who look at them and go ‘I used to use with that person, and now I see them driving to work. If they can do it, I can do it,” Burrell said.
Moncton City Council has not decided on the matter.