The 12 Neighbours Gated Community Provides Jobs And Homes For The Homeless

After successfully selling his company for a substantial eight-figure sum to a competitor, a visionary Canadian entrepreneur has redirected his wealth toward a philanthropic endeavor. Marcel LeBrun, the founder of the social media monitoring company, is now leveraging his profits to construct a community of tiny homes in Fredericton, New Brunswick. This altruistic initiative aims to address the pressing issue of homelessness by establishing the “12 Neighbours” gated community, consisting of 99 tiny homes and an enterprise center.

Located in Fredericton, LeBrun’s factory is operating at an impressive pace, producing one tiny home every four business days. The ultimate goal is to create a supportive environment for homeless individuals in Fredericton, offering them a genuine second chance at life. Marcel LeBrun’s commitment to making a tangible impact on homelessness goes beyond mere words, as he channels his resources into the construction of a community that addresses the needs of those who are most vulnerable.

Marcel LeBrun’s journey from entrepreneur to philanthropist began with the sale of his company to an American competitor. Now, he is actively translating his previous advocacy for addressing homelessness into concrete action. The “12 Neighbours” project not only reflects LeBrun’s dedication to social responsibility but also serves as a testament to the transformative power of using personal wealth to address pressing societal issues.

The homelessness problem in Fredericton is stark, with approximately 1,600 people experiencing homelessness for at least a day in the past year, as reported by CBC. Through the establishment of the 12 Neighbours community, Marcel LeBrun is not only providing shelter but also fostering a sense of community and opportunity for those in need, creating a lasting impact on the lives of homeless individuals in New Brunswick.

“I see myself as a community builder, and really what we’re doing here is not just building a little community, but we’re building a community in a city, like how do we help our city be better?” LaBrun said when he spoke to CBC.

Investing $4 million of his personal funds into the initiative, he is well on his way to completing the construction of 99 homes. Alongside financial assistance from the provincial and national government, the 12 Neighbours community has garnered a total of $12 million in grants.

These compact residences boast comprehensive features, including a fully equipped kitchen, living and bedroom spaces, and a complete bathroom. Each unit also comes with a modest deck, solar panels adorning the rooftops, and an aesthetically pleasing coat of paint.

The homes are prefabricated in a warehouse, utilizing the expertise of skilled volunteers enlisted by LaBrun for assembly. Once constructed, these homes are transported by heavy machinery and placed on concrete blocks forming the foundation.

LaBrun maintains that addressing homelessness is not as daunting as it is often perceived, advocating for a pragmatic approach such as constructing tiny houses as an effective starting point. However, he incorporates a specific strategy into his initiative. His focus lies in creating a supportive environment for individuals who may be grappling with the various challenges typically associated with homelessness. By providing them with a place of their own, he aims to instill a renewed sense of responsibility and a community where residents share a mutual understanding of their struggles.

Critics of LaBrun argue that a more effective approach should involve reintegrating homeless individuals into functional society rather than isolating them in a communal setting. Despite differing opinions, LaBrun acknowledges the emotional and societal baggage that some residents may carry. To address this concern, the 12 Neighbours community is equipped with state-of-the-art security measures and gates to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents by preventing unwanted visitors.

“I live right behind the security gates. There were cars coming in all the time, at three o’clock in the morning, waking me up,” said Samantha Seymour, a resident in the community. “The gates have set boundaries.”

In addition to the residences, the community features a business center. Residents will operate a coffee bar as a business, and there are plans for a “teaching kitchen” and a silk printing venture. Seymour is employed in the silk printing business, producing text and graphics on shirts, totes, and other items.

The goal of the enterprise center is to establish 12 Neighbours as a destination for Fredericton residents. It aims to attract locals for a cup of coffee and provide competitive rates for shirt printing services.