Fresno cannabis dispensary donating money to support the arts, homeless

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) –  A local cannabis and art dispensary is donating $40,000 to support the arts and the homeless in Fresno.

The marijuana store which doubles as a local art gala is handing out two $20,000 checks, one to the Fresno Arts Council and the other to the Poverello House .

“The Artist Tree’s mission is to provide safe access to legal cannabis, showcase artists from the community, and break stereotypes,” the Artist Tree website reads. “We also believe in giving back to our community. We are a dispensary that cares.”

The Fresno Arts Council will use the funds to create the Art Haven program , a safe space for the unhoused to make art. The money for the Poverello House will be used to assist with their mission of providing Fresnans experiencing homelessness with essential needs, including food and shelter.

“The socio-economic condition of many in our community limits their access to the arts and often removes them from those cultural arts experiences that are an essential part of their identity and sense of well-being,” the Fresno Art Council said. “Art Haven provides free or no-cost opportunity for community members to engage with art where they are.”

The press conference honoring the grants for the Poverello House and the Fresno Arts Council will be held Friday, July 26 at 11 a.m. at the Fresno Arts Council on 1245 Van Ness Ave.

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