In Fredericton, New Brunswick, a millionaire entrepreneur has taken an extraordinary step to tackle homelessness. Marcel LeBrun, the founder of a successful social media monitoring company, has invested $4 million of his personal wealth to construct 99 tiny homes for those in need. His initiative not only offers secure housing but also creates job opportunities. Through his project, 12 Neighbours, LeBrun is reshaping lives and fostering community development.
The Birth of 12 Neighbours
After selling his company, LeBrun decided to use his wealth for social good. Recognizing the growing homelessness crisis in Fredericton, he envisioned a gated community of tiny homes, providing individuals with a fresh start. His 12 Neighbours project aims to build 99 homes alongside an enterprise center to offer employment opportunities to residents.
Addressing a Critical Problem
Homelessness is a significant issue in New Brunswick, with approximately 1,600 people experiencing it in a single day last year. In comparison, cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York have much larger homeless populations. Seeing an opportunity to make a real difference, LeBrun took action to help those struggling in his hometown.
Creating a Supportive Community
LeBrun’s vision extends beyond housing; he aims to build a self-sustaining community. The tiny homes are fully furnished, featuring kitchens, living spaces, bedrooms, and full bathrooms. Each unit is also equipped with solar panels, promoting sustainability and reducing costs for residents.
Constructing the Homes
To bring his plan to life, LeBrun established a factory where skilled volunteers construct the homes using modern manufacturing techniques. The factory produces one tiny home every four business days, and once complete, each home is placed on concrete foundations within the community.
The Power of Homeownership
LeBrun strongly believes that providing homeless individuals with ownership opportunities instills a sense of stability and responsibility. 12 Neighbours is designed to empower its residents by giving them control over their own living spaces, fostering personal growth and independence.
Job Creation and Economic Empowerment
Beyond housing, the project prioritizes employment. The enterprise center within 12 Neighbours includes a coffee shop and a silk-screen printing business, both operated by residents. These businesses not only generate income but also encourage community interaction and integration.
Controversy and Criticism
Despite its noble goals, 12 Neighbours has faced criticism. Some argue that instead of creating a separate community, homeless individuals should be integrated directly into mainstream society. LeBrun, however, believes that immediate reintegration may not be practical for many.
“If you take someone who has lived on the streets and put them in a luxury apartment with free rent for ten years, will they succeed? That is not their environment,” LeBrun explained, emphasizing the need for a gradual transition.
Ensuring Security
Understanding the challenges of transitioning from homelessness to stable housing, LeBrun has implemented strict security measures. The gated community features advanced surveillance systems to protect residents and prevent external threats.
“One challenge is helping residents understand what it means to truly manage their own space, deciding who they invite in and setting boundaries,” LeBrun told CBC, highlighting some of the struggles residents face in their journey toward independence.
Encouraging Community Engagement
LeBrun’s broader vision extends beyond the walls of 12 Neighbours. He hopes to bridge the gap between his residents and the wider Fredericton community. By offering services like a coffee shop and printing business, he encourages local engagement and mutual understanding.
“I see myself as a community builder. What we’re doing isn’t just creating a small neighborhood; we’re helping make our entire city better,” LeBrun shared.
Through 12 Neighbours, Marcel LeBrun has demonstrated how innovative solutions and personal investment can transform lives, proving that one individual’s efforts can create lasting social change.
