Resources: The heart of a community

By Martha Jack

Looking at a complex community like Regent Park, a common theme occurs – resources. Whether it is looking at which resources are available, or which resources aren’t, what is offered in a community seems to be a determining factor in its success or failure.

At the Toronto Christian Resource Centre, right in the heart of Regent Park, the focus is on resources, despite their own limited resources. Housed in an old church on Oak Street, the TCRC is in the process of moving, as it will be torn down in the next stage of the community’s revitalization.

With what they have, the TCRC offers tons of resources to the community, no matter their background. Whether it is an application for social housing, a midday snack or the use of a phone, TCRC is there for the community.

They also do a lot of work in the area of food access and security, which was the reason for my visit. The front lawn of the Centre houses a neighbourhood garden, where 80 different families have plots to grow their own food. The garden provides a heart to the community, letting neighbours meet and feeding the community cheaply and nutritiously.

Perhaps it sounds like I’m gushing, but in my interactions with the community, I have never been as welcomed with open arms by each person I met – no suspicions of my journalistic purpose or questions about my motive. They are just happy people wanting to share the good things that are happening in their community.