The 912House in Chester springs into action June 6 when neighbors can pick up fresh food and meet the new residents, writes Peg DeGrassa for the Daily Times.

912House at 912 Clover Lane is a vision fulfilled by the Greenhouse Project, a ministry started by Morton native John Clifford that’s spreading the word of God and helping people grow in difficult places.

Clifford, a recovered drug addict who described a personal encounter with Jesus while in prison, realized the best way to help those with long-term addiction recovery was to live 24/7 in the community.

“Influence and transformation don’t happen when you give handouts, and then leave. You have to stay and live side by side to teach and stimulate change,” he said.

The Greenhouse Project provides fresh food and a safe environment for church fellowship, recovery counseling, life coaching and family transformation.

Buying homes in the community started with 42House, a home bought by Clifford and his wife when they moved from Brookhaven to Chester.

They befriended neighbors, hosted cleanup days, provided meals, created a community garden, and offered addiction counseling and mentoring for at-risk youth.

912House is the second of five planned homes in Chester.

Read more about the Greenhouse Project work and about 912House in the Daily Times.

Find out more about the Greenhouse Project.