“Millionaire Transforms His Town: Builds Nearly 100 Homes to Combat Homelessness”
Homelessness is a challenge faced by nearly every city around the world, regardless of its size. Despite the tireless efforts of governments, NGOs, and various organizations, the issue remains far from resolved.
Determined to tackle homelessness in his hometown, this Canadian millionaire took matters into his own hands—and he didn’t just talk about it; he took action.
A Millionaire from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Builds 99 Tiny Homes to Combat Homelessness and Create Jobs.
A billionaire businessman in Fredericton, New Brunswick, is making an extraordinary impact on his community by taking bold action to combat homelessness.
Marcel LeBrun, the founder of a popular social media monitoring company, has generously donated $4 million of his personal funds to build 99 tiny homes for those in need. With his innovative approach, LeBrun is not only providing a safe and secure housing solution but also creating job opportunities. Let’s dive into Marcel LeBrun’s inspiring story and his groundbreaking project, 12 Neighbours.
The History of Twelve Neighbours
After selling his business for a significant profit, LeBrun decided to channel his newfound wealth into making a meaningful impact. His vision led to the creation of Twelve Neighbours, a project designed to address homelessness in his community while fostering a sense of hope and opportunity for those in need.
Inspired by the severe homelessness he witnessed in Fredericton, LeBrun envisioned a village of tiny homes that would offer a fresh start for those in need. His goal was to create a gated community consisting of 99 residences, coupled with a business center that would not only provide housing but also generate employment opportunities. He named this transformative project 12 Neighbours, symbolizing both community and renewal.
Tackling an Urgent Issue
Homelessness affects many in New Brunswick, with approximately 1,600 people experiencing homelessness for at least one day last year. While larger American cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York face even greater challenges, Marcel LeBrun saw an opportunity to make a real difference in his own community. Recognizing the need for change, he took it upon himself to improve the lives of those caught in this difficult situation.
Building a Community
LeBrun’s vision for 12 Neighbours extends far beyond simply providing modest housing. He sees himself as a community builder, dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for local residents. The tiny homes are fully equipped with kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and even solar panels on the roofs, making them more than just shelters—they are homes designed for comfort, sustainability, and a fresh start.
Building the Homes
To bring his vision to life, LeBrun established a factory where skilled volunteers assemble the tiny homes. Using innovative manufacturing techniques, the factory is able to produce one tiny home every four business days. Once completed, each home is carefully placed on concrete blocks, forming the foundation of the community and ensuring a solid, lasting structure for those in need.
The Power of Ownership
Marcel LeBrun believes that homeownership is crucial for providing formerly homeless individuals with stability and a renewed sense of responsibility. By offering them the opportunity to own a home, LeBrun aims to empower people to take control of their lives, fostering a deeper connection to their community and a sense of pride in their new beginning.
The goal of 12 Neighbours is to empower its residents and build a supportive community by offering them the opportunity to own their own homes. This sense of ownership not only provides stability but also encourages personal growth and a stronger connection to the community.
The Value of Employment
LeBrun’s initiative goes beyond providing housing; it also focuses on offering residents meaningful employment opportunities. By creating jobs within the community, 12 Neighbours helps individuals gain financial independence and a sense of purpose, further empowering them to rebuild their lives.
The enterprise center at 12 Neighbours features a coffee shop and a silk printing company, both run by the residents. These businesses not only provide a source of income but also foster communication and connection between the residents and the broader community, helping to break down barriers and build a sense of belonging.
Criticism and Controversy
As with any ambitious project, 12 Neighbours has faced some criticism. Some argue that reintegrating homeless individuals directly into society, rather than keeping them in a separate community, would be a more effective approach. Critics believe that blending people into the broader community might better promote long-term independence and social integration.
LeBrun has taken steps to ensure the community’s safety and well-being, while also acknowledging the potential challenges that come with such an ambitious project.
He explained, “With all the obstacles you have to overcome, building four houses is just as difficult as building ten or twenty, and we wanted to contribute to the challenge that exists in Fredericton.”
In contrast to a decentralized approach, LeBrun emphasized, “We have to build some houses if we want to actually make a meaningful difference.”
He further explained his perspective by saying, “Suppose 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? Their community is not that. They are not accustomed to living in that environment.”
Protecting the Community
Recognizing the importance of security, Marcel LeBrun has implemented state-of-the-art security systems within the 12 Neighbours community. The neighborhood is equipped with guarded entrances and advanced surveillance, ensuring a safe and secure environment for its residents. This focus on protection helps foster a sense of safety and stability, essential for the community’s success and well-being.
After a resident moves into a house, LeBrun notes, others sometimes arrive and say, “Hey, you owe me this, you owe me that,” attempting to take control of the space.
“They have to learn what it means to have a space where you are actually in charge of it, have control over it, and decide who gets to enter and leave,” LeBrun explained.
This presents a dilemma, as residents must adjust to the responsibility of managing their own space and boundaries. LeBrun shared some of these challenges with CBC, emphasizing the complexities that come with helping people transition from homelessness to independent living.
Community Participation
One of the primary goals of 12 Neighbours is to foster a sense of community both within and beyond the neighborhood’s boundaries.
By offering amenities such as a coffee shop and a custom printing business, LeBrun aims to encourage interaction and understanding between the residents of 12 Neighbours and the broader Fredericton community. These spaces not only provide practical services but also create opportunities for connection and dialogue, helping to break down barriers and build stronger relationships.
“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 shared with CBC.
Changing the World
Marcel LeBrun’s project to build 99 tiny homes in Fredericton, New Brunswick, is a remarkable example of using personal success to make a real difference. Through 12 Neighbours, LeBrun has not only provided a viable housing solution for the homeless but has also created a supportive community that offers both stability and career opportunities.
His dedication and generosity have inspired others to take action, becoming a beacon of hope for those in need and showing that positive change is possible when we invest in the well-being of others.