Millionaire Builds Nearly 100 Homes to Reduce Homelessness in His Town
Almost every city in the world, no matter how big or little, has to deal with the problem of homelessness. Despite the efforts of governments, non-governmental organizations, and other groups, the problem has yet to be resolved.
Determined to make a real difference in his community, a millionaire from Fredericton, New Brunswick, took a bold step to combat homelessness. He didn’t just talk about change — he created it. By building 99 tiny homes, he’s not only providing shelter for those in need but also creating jobs and offering a fresh start to many. This inspiring initiative is reshaping the future for individuals and families facing homelessness, while leaving a lasting positive impact on the entire town.
In an extraordinary move to combat homelessness in Fredericton, New Brunswick, billionaire businessman Marcel LeBrun is leading a groundbreaking initiative. Known for founding a popular social media monitoring company, LeBrun has donated $4 million of his personal wealth to create 99 tiny homes for those in need.
With his innovative vision, he has provided not only a safe and secure living option but also generated employment opportunities in the process. This inspiring project, called “12 Neighbours,” reflects LeBrun’s commitment to making a tangible difference in his community.
After selling his successful business for a significant profit, LeBrun decided to use his newfound resources to give back and create a lasting positive impact. Let’s dive into the story of his remarkable vision and how “12 Neighbours” is changing lives for the better.
After witnessing the growing issue of homelessness in Fredericton, Marcel LeBrun envisioned a transformative solution: a village of tiny homes offering homeless individuals a second chance. His concept evolved into a gated community called 12 Neighbours, featuring 99 residences and an enterprise center that would not only provide housing but also create employment opportunities.
Addressing an Urgent Issue
Homelessness is a significant problem in New Brunswick, with around 1,600 people experiencing homelessness for at least one day last year. While larger cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York often dominate headlines for their homeless populations, LeBrun recognized the need for change right in his own backyard. This awareness drove him to take action and improve the lives of those facing this challenging reality.
Building a True Community
LeBrun’s vision extends beyond just providing shelter—he sees himself as a community builder, focused on fostering a supportive, friendly environment for residents. The small homes in 12 Neighbours are fully equipped with kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and baths, and even feature solar panel systems on the rooftops. These homes are designed to offer more than just a place to sleep; they are places to live, thrive, and rebuild.
The Construction Process
To turn his vision into reality, LeBrun established a factory where skilled volunteers assemble the tiny homes. Using advanced manufacturing techniques, the factory produces one home every four business days. Once completed, the homes are carefully placed atop concrete blocks to form the village, creating the foundation of the community that will give residents a fresh start.
The Power of Ownership
For LeBrun, owning a home is about more than just having a roof over your head—it’s about creating stability and instilling a sense of responsibility. He believes that homeownership is essential for helping formerly homeless individuals regain control over their lives, fostering a deeper connection to the community and offering them the chance to build a better future.
The goal of 12 Neighbours is not only to provide housing but to empower its residents by offering them the opportunity to own their own homes, fostering a sense of stability, responsibility, and pride. LeBrun believes that homeownership is a crucial step in helping individuals rebuild their lives and integrate back into society with confidence.
The Value of Employment
In addition to providing safe and affordable housing, LeBrun’s initiative also focuses on creating employment opportunities for the residents. The 12 Neighbours project includes an enterprise center that will offer jobs, allowing individuals to gain financial independence and contribute to their community. This approach addresses homelessness from a holistic perspective, providing both the shelter and the means to sustain oneself, creating a cycle of empowerment and growth for the residents.
The enterprise center at 12 Neighbours plays a crucial role in not only providing employment but also fostering communication and unity between residents and the broader Fredericton community. It features a local coffee shop and a silk printing company, both operated by the residents themselves. This business venture not only generates income for the residents but also serves as a bridge, promoting social interaction and understanding between the people who live in the community and those outside it.
Criticism and Controversy
As with any large-scale project, 12 Neighbours has faced its share of criticism. Some critics argue that it might be more effective to directly reintegrate homeless individuals into society rather than creating a separate community for them. However, LeBrun has defended his approach, emphasizing that the community’s safety and well-being are his top priority. While acknowledging the challenges of his model, he believes that it’s important to take decisive action to address homelessness in Fredericton.
LeBrun explained, “Building just four houses is as difficult as building ten or twenty, and we wanted to contribute to solving the challenges that exist in Fredericton. We have to build houses if we want to make a meaningful difference.”
He further elaborated on the importance of providing a stable environment for homeless individuals, saying, “If I take someone who has been living on the streets and offer them a 10-year lease at the most upscale apartment in the city with no rent, will they be successful? They are not accustomed to that environment. The community here is where they can learn responsibility and control over their own space.”
Protecting the Community
LeBrun has taken extra steps to ensure the safety and security of the 12 Neighbours community, recognizing that security is vital for the success of the project. He’s installed state-of-the-art security systems, including guarded entrances and surveillance, to protect both the residents and the community as a whole.
He acknowledged the potential challenges of managing a community where many residents have experienced instability: “Once someone moves into their house, others may show up saying, ‘You owe me this, you owe me that,’ and try to take over.” He continued, “Residents need to learn what it means to have control over their own space and decide who can enter and leave.”
Community Participation
A key focus of 12 Neighbours is building a strong sense of community, both within the project and in its connection with Fredericton’s larger population. LeBrun hopes to create a place where people from different walks of life can come together, breaking down barriers and fostering mutual understanding. The amenities, like the coffee shop and silk printing company, are part of his vision to encourage interaction and bridge the gap between residents and the broader community, creating a place for communication and shared experiences.
“I consider myself to be a community builder, and what we’re doing here isn’t just creating a small community; rather, we’re building a citywide community. How can we make our city better?” LeBrun said in an interview with CBC.
Changing the Landscape
Marcel LeBrun’s groundbreaking project to build 99 tiny homes in Fredericton, New Brunswick, is a remarkable example of using personal success to create meaningful change. His initiative, 12 Neighbours, is not just a housing project—it’s a transformative effort to address homelessness while fostering a sense of community and providing tangible career opportunities.
Through 12 Neighbours, LeBrun has provided homeless individuals with a viable living option, but more importantly, he’s created a thriving community rooted in support, empowerment, and employment. This project stands as a powerful testament to how one person’s vision and resources can drive positive change and make a lasting impact on an entire community.
