When one Canadian entrepreneur sold his social media monitoring company for eight figures, he didn’t just celebrate his success—he decided to give back in a monumental way. In the city of Fredericton, New Brunswick, this visionary is creating a tiny home community designed to offer homeless individuals not only shelter but a real shot at rebuilding their lives.
A Vision for Change
Marcel LeBrun, founder of the 12 Neighbours project, used to talk about the pressing need to address homelessness in his city. When he sold his company to an American competitor, he put his words into action, dedicating $4 million of his own money to build a community of 99 tiny homes.
Tiny Homes With Big Potential
Each home in the 12 Neighbours community is thoughtfully designed. They feature a full kitchen, living area, bedroom, and bathroom, along with solar panels and a small outdoor deck. The homes are built in a factory by skilled volunteers and then moved to concrete foundations on-site, making the process efficient and impactful.
Tackling Homelessness With Purpose
LeBrun believes that homelessness is a solvable problem if approached creatively. His strategy centers on creating a sense of ownership and community for residents, offering them a stable environment to rebuild their lives. The gated community fosters a supportive atmosphere for individuals who often face challenges such as addiction, trauma, or mental health struggles.
A Safe Place to Start Over
Understanding the complexities of homelessness, LeBrun ensured that 12 Neighbours has state-of-the-art security. Gates protect residents and maintain boundaries, creating a safe space for them to heal and grow. Resident Samantha Seymour highlighted how the gates have improved her sense of safety and well-being.
Building Skills and Opportunities
Beyond providing shelter, the 12 Neighbours community includes an enterprise center where residents can gain valuable work experience. A coffee bar, teaching kitchen, and silk-screening business are already in the works, giving residents a chance to earn income and develop new skills. Seymour, for example, now works at the silk printing business, creating custom designs on apparel and tote bags.
A Collaborative Effort
LeBrun’s project isn’t just about his financial contribution—it’s also supported by $12 million in grants and funding from provincial and national governments. This partnership ensures the community’s long-term sustainability and helps scale the initiative’s impact.
Addressing Critics With Results
While some critics argue that integrating homeless individuals directly into mainstream society would be a better approach, LeBrun’s model focuses on building a supportive, self-sustaining community. He believes that a sense of belonging and responsibility can empower residents to take control of their lives and make lasting changes.
A Bright Future for Fredericton
LeBrun’s 12 Neighbours community is more than just a housing initiative—it’s a blueprint for tackling homelessness in a way that emphasizes dignity, opportunity, and connection. With the project already three-quarters complete, the future looks brighter for many Fredericton residents who now have a chance to rebuild their lives in a place they can call home.
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