Homelessness is a pressing issue that affects cities of all sizes worldwide. While efforts from governments and organizations are underway to address this problem, it continues to persist. In an inspiring act of compassion, a Canadian millionaire has taken matters into his own hands to combat homelessness in his hometown. Let’s take a closer look at how he used his wealth to make a difference.

Millionaire from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Builds 99 Tiny Homes to Combat Homelessness and Provide Jobs

In the city of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Marcel LeBrun, a successful entrepreneur and founder of a social media monitoring company, has made a remarkable initiative to tackle homelessness in his community. He has invested $4 million of his own money to build 99 tiny homes for those in need. This not only provides a safe and stable housing solution but also creates job opportunities. Let’s explore the heartwarming story of Marcel LeBrun and his project, 12 Neighbours.

The Origins of 12 Neighbours

After selling his company and acquiring significant wealth, LeBrun decided to use his newfound resources to make a positive impact. Acknowledging the homelessness problem in Fredericton, he envisioned a community of tiny homes that could offer a fresh start for homeless individuals. He named this project 12 Neighbours, with the aim of constructing a gated community that includes 99 homes and an enterprise center, providing both housing and job opportunities.

Addressing a Pressing Issue

Homelessness affects numerous individuals in New Brunswick, with approximately 1,600 people experiencing homelessness at least once last year. Although larger cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York in the United States face even higher numbers, Marcel LeBrun saw an opportunity to make a difference in his own community and improve the lives of those facing this challenging situation.

Building a Community

LeBrun’s vision for 12 Neighbours goes beyond constructing tiny homes. He sees himself as a community builder, dedicated to creating a supportive environment for the residents. These tiny homes are not just shelters; they are fully-furnished living spaces equipped with kitchens, living areas, bedrooms, full bathrooms, and even solar panel systems on the roofs.

Constructing the Homes

To bring his vision to life, LeBrun established a factory where skilled volunteers assemble the homes. Utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques, the factory produces one tiny home every four business days. After construction, the homes are carefully moved onto concrete blocks, forming the foundation of the community.

The Impact of Ownership

Marcel LeBrun firmly believes that homeownership plays a crucial role in offering a sense of responsibility and stability to those who have experienced homelessness. By providing the opportunity for individuals to own their own property, 12 Neighbours aims to empower its residents and foster a supportive community.

The Importance of Jobs

LeBrun’s project also focuses on creating job opportunities for the residents. Within the 12 Neighbours community, an enterprise center features a coffee bar and a silk printing business, both 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 ambitious project, 12 Neighbours has faced its fair share of criticism. Some argue that it is better to reintegrate homeless individuals directly into society instead of sequestering them together. However, LeBrun acknowledges the potential challenges involved and has taken measures to ensure the security and well-being of the community.

“It’s just as hard to go build four homes, in terms of all the hoops you have to run through, as it is to build 10 or 20, and we wanted to make a dent in the challenge that we have here in Fredericton… If we want to actually make a meaningful difference, we have to build some houses,” LeBrun said.

He recognizes that simply placing someone in a luxury apartment would not guarantee their success as it may not align with their accustomed living environment and community.

Securing the Community

Marcel LeBrun has implemented state-of-the-art security measures within the 12 Neighbours community to ensure the safety of its residents. With gated entrances and top-notch surveillance, the community provides a secure space for those living there.

Community Engagement

One of the underlying goals of 12 Neighbours is to foster a sense of community within and beyond its gates. LeBrun intends to create a space where residents and the people of Fredericton can come together. Services such as a coffee bar and personalized printing are offered to promote interaction and understanding between the residents and the wider community.

Making A Difference

Marcel LeBrun’s initiative to combat homelessness in Fredericton, New Brunswick, through the construction of 99 tiny homes is an awe-inspiring example of using personal success to make a positive impact. With the creation of 12 Neighbours, LeBrun has not only provided a practical solution to homelessness but also offered job opportunities and established a supportive community. Through his philanthropy and dedication, he has become a beacon of hope for those in need and an inspiration for others to contribute to creating change.

Sources

• “12 Neighbours closer to goal of building 99 tiny homes — but not without growing pains.” CBC. Jeanne Armstrong. September 25, 2023.
• “Why the US doesn’t have enough affordable housing #shorts.” Youtube. VOX. 2023.