The first group of formerly homeless people will be working the soil at Woodwynn Farm in Central Saanich within eight weeks, Richard Leblanc, Creating Homefulness executive director, said yesterday.

A philanthropist who wants to remain anonymous has committed to match every dollar donated between now and May 9, up to $150,000.

Provided enough donors come forward, that money will allow programs to start this spring, even though the 78-hectare farm and 16 buildings still need about $1 million worth of capital work, Leblanc said.

"We will start with four people and build up to 12," he said.

Most of the farm will remain in hay for now, but a six-acre area has been cleared and participants will grow organic vegetables.

"It will be an outdoor classroom for farm apprentices," Leblanc said.

The farm has acquired two pigs, whose job is to provide fertilizer and till the soil by eating weeds down to the roots.

"It's a neat way of looking at farming. I really like pigs," Leblanc said.

Horses, which were to be part of the program, have been moved off the property because some barn roofs are unstable.

Living arrangements have not been arranged yet, but clients will live in a house as close as possible to the farm, with full-time supervision and three meals a day, Leblanc said.

When bidding for the historic farm, Leblanc wanted participants to live on site, but that proposal was shot down by Central Saanich council, which refused to rezone the land to permit this.

Leblanc is hoping the decision eventually will be reversed, as on-site living is more therapeutic.

Council is looking at a possible plan that would allow temporary seasonal farm workers to live on site, he said.

"But it will be a lengthy process," Leblanc added.

The next stage is to select the first participants from among 70 homeless people who have expressed interest.

"We'll be looking for feedback from front-line workers and Our Place and Cool Aid," Leblanc said.

"We'll be looking for people who have expressed interest in change and who have been in detox for a minimum of seven to 10 days."

That will mean they are biochemically stabilized, although the struggle with addiction is a lifelong process, Leblanc said.

"The biggest indicator will be a strong will for change and, from that, you can work wonders," he said.

Initially all participants will be men, but as numbers increase, women will be included.

Leblanc knows that, after years of controversy leading to the society's purchase of the 19th-century farm despite a competing bid from neighbours, many eyes will be on the first clients.

Patience will be essential as supervisors ensure farm life becomes the polar opposite of street life, he said.

There is huge support from many sectors of the community, said Leblanc, pointing to a work party on an icy December weekend when 73 people came out to help, and he is hoping the donations will continue to flow.

An anonymous $10,000 donation of tools and equipment has been invaluable, he said.

Other major boosts have been $10,000 from a Royal Oak Rotary Club fundraiser for the irrigation system and $15,000 toward farm planning from Coast Capital savings.

For more information go to www.woodwynnfarms.org

jlavoie@tc.canwest.com