Volunteers Creating Therapeutic Community For Homeless

Videography, Video Editing, Reporting and Article by Chris Johnson

A dream is taking shape on the Saanich Peninsula. Inspired by the work of the San Patrignano farm in Italy, Richard LeBlanc and a team of dedicated volunteers are converting a piece of farmland in Central Saanich into a therapeutic community that will become a refuge for people experiencing homelessness.

LeBlanc and the Creating Homefulness Society took possession of the198 acre property in June of 2009. Woodwynn Farm, which has recently been used for mostly for hay crops, was developed by the Woodward family, formers owners of a department store chain.

Woodwynn Farms has already faced it’s share of challenges even before taking possession of the farm. When LeBlanc and supporters set about to purchase the property, some of the nearby residents formed the Farmlands Trust, and with support of the Land Conservancy, set out to buy the farm to keep the homeless people out.

Central Saanich council has also put up it’s share of obstacles to the idea, refusing to allow any of the homeless people to actually live on the farm.

LeBlanc and everyone else involved with Woodwynn are optimistic however. They’ve already seen changes with some of the people who have come to visit and pitch in on the farm, and are committed to convincing the community of the great benefits this project can provide.

Related Media Links

Woodwynn Shows the Way
Times Colonist – March 20, 2009 (scroll down on that page)

Advocates for the homeless raise funds to purchase Woodwynn Farm in Central Saanich
Times Colonist, March 19, 2009

Woodwynn Farm sold for homeless solution
Peninsula News – March 18, 2009

Homeless Farm Plan Sparks $6 Million Race
Times Colonist – May 22, 2008

Native Band Sues Crown Over Title to Woodwynn Farm
Times Colonist – September 20, 2008

Woodwynn Neighbours Close to Raising Down Payment
Times Colonist – September 17, 2008

Central Saanich Nixes Proposal for Homeless Working on Farm,
Times Colonist, February 12, 2008

New Role Sought for Famed Farm
Times Colonist, January 13, 2008