Homelessness is a problem in almost every city worldwide. Governments, charities, and other groups are working on it, but it hasn’t been solved yet.
A millionaire from Fredericton, New Brunswick, decided to take action himself. He spent his money to fight homelessness by building 99 tiny homes and creating jobs in his hometown.
In Fredericton, New Brunswick, a millionaire named Marcel LeBrun has taken an amazing step to help tackle homelessness in his community. Using $4 million of his own money, the founder of a successful social media monitoring company built 99 tiny homes for people in need. His project, called 12 Neighbours, not only provides safe housing but also creates jobs. Here’s the story behind Marcel LeBrun and his inspiring initiative, 12 Neighbours.
The Origins of 12 Neighbours
After selling his company for a large amount of money, LeBrun decided to use his wealth to help others. Seeing the homelessness problem in Fredericton, he came up with the idea of a tiny home community to give homeless people a fresh start. He called the project 12 Neighbours and planned to build 99 homes in a gated community with a business center, providing both housing and job opportunities.
Addressing a Pressing Issue
Homelessness affects many people in New Brunswick, with around 1,600 people experiencing it for at least one day last year. In bigger cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, the numbers are much higher. Marcel LeBrun wanted to help and decided to make a difference for those facing homelessness.
Building a Community
LeBrun’s vision for 12 Neighbours goes beyond just building tiny homes. He wants to create a supportive community where residents can thrive. These tiny homes aren’t just basic shelters—they’re fully furnished with kitchens, living areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, and even solar panels on the roofs.
Constructing the Homes
To make his vision a reality, LeBrun set up a factory where skilled volunteers build the homes. Using modern methods, the factory can produce one tiny home every four business days. Once finished, the homes are placed on concrete blocks, creating the foundation of the community.
The Power of Ownership
LeBrun believes that owning a home gives people a sense of responsibility and stability, which is especially important for those who have experienced homelessness. By offering residents the chance to own their homes, 12 Neighbours aims to empower them and create a strong, supportive community.
The Importance of Job
Beyond providing housing, LeBrun’s project also focuses on creating job opportunities for its residents. The enterprise center within 12 Neighbours features a coffee bar and a silk printing business, run by the residents themselves. This entrepreneurial initiative not only generates income but also encourages interaction between the residents and the broader community
Controversy and Criticism
Like any big project, 12 Neighbours has faced criticism. Some people believe it’s better to help homeless individuals reintegrate directly into society instead of grouping them together. However, LeBrun understands these concerns and has worked to ensure the community’s safety and well-being.
“It’s just as hard to build four homes, with all the challenges involved, as it is to build 10 or 20,” LeBrun explained. “We wanted to make a real impact on the homelessness problem in Fredericton. If we want to truly make a difference, we need to build homes.”
He also questioned the effectiveness of a decentralized approach: “If I take someone who has been living outside and give them 10 years of free rent in the nicest apartment in the city, will they succeed? That’s not their community or the environment they’re used to.”
Securing the Community
LeBrun explained some of the challenges residents face: “A resident moves into a house, and others might show up saying, ‘You owe me this, you owe me that,’ and try to take control. Residents have to learn what it means to manage their own space, to take charge, and decide who they let in or keep out. That’s a challenge.”
Community Engagement
A key goal of 12 Neighbours is to build a sense of community, not just within the neighborhood but also with the wider Fredericton area. LeBrun hopes to create a space where residents and locals can connect by offering services like a coffee bar and custom printing, encouraging interaction and mutual understanding.
“I see myself as a community builder. What we’re doing here isn’t just creating a small community but building something that helps improve the whole city,” LeBrun told CBC.
Making a Difference
Marcel LeBrun’s effort to address homelessness in Fredericton, New Brunswick, by building 99 tiny homes is a powerful example of turning personal success into positive change. Through his 12 Neighbours project, he has not only tackled homelessness but also created jobs and built a supportive community. His generosity and commitment have brought hope to those in need and inspired others to take action and make a difference.