Homelessness is a big, ongoing problem all over the world, affecting both large and small cities. Even though governments and different organizations have tried to fix it, finding a lasting solution has been difficult. In Fredericton, New Brunswick, a Canadian millionaire named Marcel LeBrun decided to tackle the problem himself.
Marcel LeBrun, who made a lot of money by starting a successful social media company, decided to use his wealth to help his community after selling his business. Seeing how serious the homelessness problem was in Fredericton, he came up with an idea called “12 Neighbours.” He planned to build a gated community with 99 small homes and a place where people could learn skills and find job opportunities. His goal was to give people a new chance at life by providing both housing and work.
About 1,600 people in New Brunswick are affected by homelessness, and LeBrun wanted to do something to help. His project, 12 Neighbours, is more than just giving people a place to stay. It’s designed to be a supportive community, with each tiny home fully furnished and including a kitchen, living area, bedroom, full bathroom, and solar panels on the roof.
LeBrun believes that owning a home brings a sense of responsibility and stability. That’s why 12 Neighbours offers people the chance to own their homes, helping them feel more secure and connected to the community.
To keep everyone safe, the community has high-tech security, like gated entrances and advanced surveillance systems, to make sure residents have a protected and secure space.
LeBrun set up a factory where skilled volunteers help build the tiny homes using modern construction methods. They can make one home every four business days, and each home comes fully furnished. These homes are then placed on concrete blocks, creating the base for the 12 Neighbours community.
Besides providing homes, 12 Neighbours also helps people find work. There’s an enterprise center in the community where residents run a coffee bar and a silk printing business. These jobs help residents earn money and connect with people from outside the community.
Even though 12 Neighbours has good intentions, some people have criticized the project. They believe homeless individuals should be directly reintegrated into society instead of living in a separate community. LeBrun understands these concerns but explains that it’s important to help people who have been homeless in ways that meet their specific needs.
