Homelessness poses a challenge in almost every city, irrespective of its size, globally. Despite efforts from governments, NGOs, and various organizations, a comprehensive solution has proven elusive. In an effort to make a tangible impact, a wealthy Canadian individual opted to personally address the issue within his own community. Here’s how he tackled the problem.
A millionaire hailing from Fredericton, New Brunswick, took a proactive approach to combat homelessness and create employment opportunities. His initiative involved the construction of 99 tiny homes, aiming to provide both shelter and job opportunities for those in need.
In the Canadian city of Fredericton, New Brunswick, a millionaire entrepreneur has embarked on a noteworthy initiative to address homelessness in his community. Marcel LeBrun, the founder of a successful social media monitoring company, has committed $4 million of his personal funds to construct 99 tiny homes for those in need. Beyond offering a secure and stable housing solution, LeBrun’s innovative approach has also generated employment opportunities. Let’s explore the inspiring narrative behind Marcel LeBrun and his undertaking, known as Project 12 Neighbours.
Following the lucrative sale of his company, LeBrun chose to leverage his newfound wealth to effect positive change. Recognizing the homelessness issue in Fredericton, he conceived a vision for a community of tiny homes designed to provide a second chance for individuals experiencing homelessness. Dubbed Project 12 Neighbours, the initiative aims to establish a gated community comprising 99 homes and an enterprise center, thereby addressing both housing and employment needs.
Homelessness has a significant impact on many individuals in New Brunswick, with approximately 1,600 people experiencing homelessness on any given day last year. While larger cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York in the United States grapple with even higher numbers of homeless individuals, Marcel LeBrun identified an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing these challenging circumstances.
LeBrun’s vision for Project 12 Neighbours goes beyond the construction of tiny homes. He sees himself as a community builder, committed to establishing a supportive environment for residents. The tiny homes are more than mere shelters; they are fully-furnished living spaces equipped with kitchens, living areas, bedrooms, full bathrooms, and even solar panel systems on the roofs.
In order to transform his vision into reality, LeBrun set up a factory where skilled volunteers come together to assemble the tiny homes. Employing advanced manufacturing techniques, the factory manages to produce one tiny home every four business days. Following construction, these homes are meticulously relocated onto concrete blocks, establishing the foundation for the community.
Marcel LeBrun holds the belief that homeownership plays a crucial role in instilling a sense of responsibility and stability for those who have faced homelessness. Through the provision of an opportunity for individuals to own their own property, Project 12 Neighbours seeks to empower its residents and cultivate a supportive and cohesive community.
In addition to providing housing, LeBrun’s project places a strong emphasis on creating employment opportunities for its residents. The enterprise center within Project 12 Neighbours includes a coffee bar and a silk printing business, both operated by the community’s residents. This entrepreneurial initiative not only generates income but also promotes interaction between residents and the wider community.
Controversy and Criticism As with any ambitious project, 12 Neighbours has encountered its share of criticism. Some argue that it may be more beneficial to reintegrate homeless individuals directly into society rather than segregating them together. However, LeBrun acknowledges the potential challenges involved and has implemented measures to ensure the security and well-being of the community.
“It’s just as hard to go build four homes, in terms of all the hoops you have to run through, as it is to build 10 or 20, and we wanted to make a dent in the challenge that we have here in Fredericton… If we want to actually make a meaningful difference, we have to build some houses,” LeBrun explained regarding his approach versus a decentralized one. “Let’s say I take someone who’s been living outside and say, ‘OK, I’m going to put you in 10 years of free rent in the highest-end apartment in the city.’ Are they going to succeed? That is not their community. That is not the context they’re used to living in.”
Acknowledging the importance of security, Marcel LeBrun has implemented state-of-the-art security measures within the 12 Neighbours community. With gated entrances and top-notch surveillance, the community ensures a safe and protected environment for its residents.
“When [the resident] moves into a house and then other people show up and say, ‘Hey, you owe me this, you owe me that,’ and they kind of take over things, they have to learn what it means to have a space where you are actually the manager of that space, and you control it… and you choose who you invite in and out? So, that’s a challenge,” LeBrun explained to CBC regarding some of the challenges residents face.