Around the world, homelessness is a problem that many cities have to deal with.
Despite efforts by groups and governments to address the issue, it remains a significant problem. One Canadian billionaire decided to use his fortune to improve his hometown. This is his story.
Millionaire businessman Marcel LeBrun from Fredericton, New Brunswick decided to do something to support the homeless in his city. Marcel, who has amassed considerable wealth from his lucrative social media monitoring business, has decided to donate $4 million of his own to build 99 tiny houses for the underprivileged. With his distinctive style, he not only built residences but also generated job prospects.
The name of this initiative is Twelve Neighbors.
Marcel was eager to make good use of his vast wealth – acquired by selling his company. Observing the homeless problem in Fredericton, he came up with the concept of a tiny house community aimed at providing a fresh start for those in need. His concept, which he called 12 Neighbors, was to build a gated community with 99 residences and a shopping center. Homeless people have a chance to start over in our community by providing housing and employment opportunities.
Homelessness is a big problem in New Brunswick; on any given day last year, 1,600 people experienced it. Bigger American cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York have far more homeless people. Marcel LeBrun decided to help the homeless because he saw an opportunity to make a difference.
There is more to Marcel’s 12 Neighbors concept than just building houses. Its goal is to create a community that encourages everyone.
His tiny dwellings are more than just a place to live. They have fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms and are fully furnished. They even have solar panels on their roofs. Marcel considers himself a community builder who wants to ensure a better life for those in need.
Marcel LeBrun founded a factory where erudite volunteers help build tiny dwellings to realize his vision. The factory can create one tiny house every four working days using current methods. Once erected, each house is neatly built on concrete blocks that serve as the framework of the community.
Marcel believes that having a home instills in people a sense of stability and responsibility. The 12 Neighbors Project seeks to empower individuals experiencing homelessness and create a supportive community by providing them with ownership of their own homes.
Marcel LeBrun’s proposal aims to give the locals not only housing but also job opportunities. Within the community of 12 Neighbors is a business center with a cafe and a resident screen printing establishment.
In addition to generating income, this encourages residents to get involved in the larger community.
Like any major undertaking, 12 Neighbors has drawn criticism. Some believe that reintegrating the homeless directly into society is better than housing them in one place. However, Marcel is aware of these concerns and has taken steps to ensure a supportive and safe environment.
“We wanted to make a real impact on homelessness in Fredericton,” explained Marcel, adding that “building a few houses is just as difficult as building many.” If we hope to make a significant impact, we need to build houses. Someone who lived outside might not succeed if I move them into a luxury apartment because it’s not their neighborhood or district.’
Because Marcel LeBrun understands the value of security, he has incorporated high-security measures into the 12 Neighbors neighborhood. Sophisticated surveillance systems and secure entrances are in place for residents’ safety.
LeBrun said some new residents struggled at first. He explained that if someone enters a house, there is a chance that someone will try to take advantage of it. He must learn to control his personal space and decide who to let in and who to let out.
Creating a strong sense of community within and beyond the gates of 12 Neighbors is one of its key aims. LeBrun hopes to create a place where locals and Fredericton residents can socialize.
To promote communication and understanding, the community has a coffee shop and a personalized printing company.
“I see myself as a community builder,” LeBrun told the CBC. Not only are we creating a local community, but we are also improving our city.”
Marcel LeBrun’s effort to build 99 tiny houses in Fredericton, New Brunswick is a fantastic example of using one’s success to benefit others. Through 12 Neighbors, he not only provided homes in need but also created job opportunities and a caring neighborhood. Many people found hope in his efforts and motivated others to change the world.
Marcel LeBrun’s 12 Neighbors initiative is a remarkable example of how personal success can be turned into community impact. By investing $4 million to build 99 tiny homes, he not only addressed the immediate needs of the homeless in Fredericton but also fostered a supportive environment that offered stability and a path to self-sufficiency. The integration of fully furnished homes with solar panels in conjunction with a dedicated business center highlights LeBrun’s commitment to creating shelter and opportunity for those in need.
His approach to addressing homelessness goes beyond just housing; it involves building a community where residents can reclaim their status and contribute to the wider society. Despite some criticism, LeBrun’s focus on safety, community involvement, and job creation reflects a thoughtful and compassionate strategy to achieve lasting change.
By engaging residents and creating a space where individuals can interact with the wider community, LeBrun’s project aims to bridge divides and promote mutual understanding. His work exemplifies how individuals can use their resources and expertise to make a significant difference in their communities. The 12 Neighbors project not only provides homes but also fosters a sense of belonging and meaning and offers a beacon of hope for many.