In today’s urban landscape, the plight of homelessness remains an ongoing challenge that transcends city, country, and socio-economic divides. Despite the collective efforts of governments, NGOs, and local organizations, the problem continues to emerge, leaving individuals without the security and stability of a home. The global scale of this crisis underscores the urgent need for innovative, community-driven solutions.
It is in this context of pervasive struggle that the remarkable story of Marcel LeBrun, a Canadian millionaire, emerges—a story that not only illustrates individual initiative, but also redefines the narrative of homelessness in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and beyond.
In cities around the world, homelessness remains an unrelenting challenge that transcends geographic boundaries and social structures. Governments, NGOs, and various groups are working tirelessly to address this problem, but the struggle continues and leaves countless individuals homeless. Despite concerted efforts in major cities and smaller communities alike, the haunting reality of homelessness persists, calling for innovative solutions and individual initiatives.
A millionaire from Fredericton, New Brunswick is building 99 tiny houses to fight homelessness and create jobs.
A multi-millionaire businessman from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada has shown extraordinary initiative in fighting homelessness in his community. The founder of a well-known social network monitoring business, Marcel LeBrun, donated $4 million of his personal funds to build 99 small houses for the disadvantaged. With his creative approach, he not only created a safe and stable housing solution but also created job opportunities. Let’s explore the fascinating story of Marcel LeBrun and his 12 Neighbors project. (1, 2)
The history of twelve neighbors
LeBrun decided to put his newfound wealth to good use after selling his company at a substantial profit. When he saw the need for tiny houses in Fredericton, he had the idea for a community where those in need of a second chance would live. Intended to create a gated community with 99 residences and a business center that provides both housing and employment opportunities, he called the project 12 Neighbors.
Dealing with serious business
In New Brunswick, homelessness is a problem that many people face; last year, about 1,600 people were homeless for at least one day. As is well known, there are far more homeless people in other major American cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Marcel LeBrun saw a chance to change people’s lives in this difficult situation and make a positive impact.
Creating a community
LeBrun has bigger plans for his 12 neighbors than just building tiny houses. He sees himself as someone who builds communities and works to make the locals feel supported. Tiny houses are fully furnished living spaces with kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, full bathrooms, and even solar panel systems installed on the roofs that offer more than just temporary housing.
Building residences
LeBrun established a factory where knowledgeable volunteers assembled the houses to realize his vision. Every four working days, the factory produces one tiny house using state-of-the-art manufacturing methods. After construction, the houses are gradually moved into concrete blocks that serve as the foundation of the community.
The influence of ownership
According to Marcel LeBrun, giving people who are homeless a sense of stability and responsibility is possible through home ownership. By giving people the chance to become property owners, 12 Neighbors hopes to empower its citizens and cultivate a friendly neighborhood.
The value of employment
LeBrun’s project aims to give its residents employment opportunities in addition to housing. The business center at 12 Neighbors, run by the residents themselves, includes a coffee shop and a silk-screen printing company. In addition to making money, this business venture promotes communication between local residents and the wider community.
Disagreement and criticism
Like any large enterprise, 12 Neighbors was not without detractors. Some argue that reintegrating the homeless directly into society is better than isolating them. LeBrun has taken steps to protect the safety and well-being of the community, although he is aware of the potential difficulties.
“Building four houses is just as difficult as building ten or twenty, given all the hurdles you have to overcome, and our goal was to solve that challenge in Fredericton. In contrast to the decentralized strategy, LeBrun said, “We have to build some houses if we really want to make a meaningful difference.” “Suppose I take someone who lives on the street and say, ‘OK, I’ll put you in the nicest apartment in town for free for ten years.’ Are they going to be successful? Their community isn’t like that. They’re not used to living in that kind of environment.”
Community Protection
Marcel LeBrun implemented top security measures within the 12 Neighbors community after realizing the importance of security. With gated entrances and excellent security, the community offers its residents a safe and secure environment.
After [a resident] moves into a house, other people move in and start saying things like, ‘Hey, you owe me this, you owe me that,’ and they start taking over. They have to figure out what it means to have a place where you’re in charge, in control, and choosing who stays and who goes. This presents a challenge. LeBrun described some of the difficulties local residents are facing with the CBC.
Community participation
Creating a sense of community inside and outside its gates is one of the main goals of 12 Neighbors. LeBrun wants to establish a place where locals and visitors to Fredericton can come together. To this end, it provides facilities such as a café and its own printing press to promote communication and understanding.
“I see myself as a community builder, and what we’re really doing here is not just building a small community, we’re building a community in a city, like, how can we help our city be better?” he told the CBC.
Making an impact
Marcel LeBrun’s visionary approach to addressing homelessness in Fredericton, New Brunswick goes far beyond simply providing housing. His project, 12 Neighbors, includes a comprehensive strategy that not only offers homes but also a supportive environment aimed at uplifting those in need. By incorporating the concept of ownership into the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness, LeBrun instills a sense of stability and responsibility and nurtures a community where residents feel a real sense of belonging.
The profound impact of this initiative is not limited to the physical structures of the 99 tiny houses. LeBrun’s efforts go hand-in-hand with his commitment to job creation. The incorporation of the business center into 12 Neighbors reflects its vision to provide residents with not only housing but also the means to sustain themselves and actively contribute to the growth of the community. Through resident-run businesses such as a cafe and a silk-screen printing company, this community goes beyond its primary purpose of shelter by fostering meaningful engagement and economic participation.
In addition, LeBrun’s project emphasizes the critical aspect of community safety and well-being. Recognizing the challenges of such an ambitious undertaking, particularly in reintegrating individuals who have experienced homelessness back into society, he implemented strict security measures. A gated community is not just about physical security; it’s about nurturing an environment where individuals feel empowered, responsible, and supported so that their path to stability is not just about housing, but dignified reintegration into society.
Ultimately, Marcel LeBrun’s unwavering determination and creative approach in founding 12 Neighbors is a testament to the transformative potential of individual efforts to solve societal problems. His project is not only a practical solution to homelessness, but also a beacon of hope that inspires others to envision and actively work towards a more compassionate and inclusive society. Through his generosity, perseverance, and vision, LeBrun set a profound example that proves positive change is indeed within our reach, one community at a time.