Some truly amazing people go beyond the typical notion of what it means to be rich in a world where money routinely attracts a lot of attention. They serve as role models by using their wealth to support others.
Consider Marcel LeBrun, a wealthy Canadian.
He has taken a remarkable step to address homelessness in the community. He built 99 small houses in his hometown.
He decided to use some of the money he raised from the sale of his company to address the serious homelessness problem in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. At least 1,800 city residents were homeless for at least one day in 2017, according to the CBC.
In an attempt to solve this problem, Marcel invested 4 million dollars to build “12 Neighbors”. It resembles a unique neighborhood of modest residences. Despite its small size, each house has a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, small veranda, and solar panels on the roof.
Marcel is making significant strides towards his goal of building 99 homes. The government also provided $12 million to a community of 12 neighbors to help scale up the initiative.
In an interview with a Canadian news channel, Marcel gave his reasons for doing so. He considers himself a community builder.
“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 specified.
In Marcel’s opinion, donating one’s possessions to someone helps him feel more responsible. He believes that a group of individuals who were once homeless are aware of the difficulties that others face.
There are more than 99 houses in the proposal. There are big ideas for a resident-run community center that will include cafes and other amenities.
In addition, they are considering setting up a silk printing company and a “teaching kitchen” to generate employment. The idea is to create a place where members of the larger community can gather for coffee or print services.
Tiny houses have recently gained popularity as a way to end homelessness, both in the US and Canada. California Governor Gavin Newsom intends to establish 300 tiny houses in Sacramento. Another nine hundred tiny homes are planned for San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Jose, according to USA Today News.
Tens of thousands of homeless people are seeking housing in government-funded shelters, motels, or apartments, and local authorities across the US are working to find them. However, this problem is serious; more than 580,000 Americans lack adequate housing, with more than 33% of them living in California.
As part of Mayor Karen Bass’ housing project, a large number of homeless people in Los Angeles have moved from the streets to small dwellings. However, some people are concerned. They don’t like to part with their personal belongings, and some are forced to live in small spaces with designated roommates—even if that means separating couples.
According to Marcel, giving someone your own place proves responsibility. However, not everyone agrees. Some argue that there are few services available to residents of tiny houses, making living in them akin to waiting in a waiting room.
Studies of tiny houses in Santa Clara and Alameda counties revealed that residents were mostly unable to find long-term housing.
However, tiny dwellings seem to work better than regular homeless shelters.
Marcel LeBrun’s initiative to build 99 tiny houses for the homeless in Fredericton, New Brunswick is powerful evidence of the impact well-managed philanthropy can have on pressing social issues.
By investing $4 million of his personal wealth to create a supportive and sustainable community for those who were once homeless, Marcel not only provides immediate housing but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents. Its vision goes beyond mere shelter and aims to create a vibrant community with opportunities for employment and social interaction.
This approach is consistent with broader trends in addressing homelessness, such as those in California, where similar tiny house projects are underway to offer temporary but dignified solutions to the homeless population. While the tiny home model isn’t without problems — such as limited services and difficulty transitioning to permanent housing — it represents a promising shift away from traditional homeless shelters.
The success of these projects depends on sustained support, effective management, and a commitment to addressing the complex needs of homeless individuals. The Marcel LeBrun Initiative and projects like it continue to evolve and can offer valuable insights and possible solutions to the broader systemic issues related to homelessness.
Ultimately, these efforts highlight the importance of community-driven solutions and the role of compassionate, innovative approaches in creating meaningful change in the lives of those in need. By focusing on creating supportive environments and opportunities for personal growth, these initiatives offer hope and a path to a more inclusive and just society.