Homelessness is a pressing global issue that affects cities of all sizes. Despite efforts from governments and non-profit organizations, providing sustainable solutions for the most vulnerable remains a significant challenge. In Fredericton, New Brunswick, entrepreneur Marcel LeBrun has taken a groundbreaking approach to combat homelessness. Through the "12 Neighbours" initiative, LeBrun is building tiny homes and creating job opportunities for people in need, offering both a roof over their heads and a chance for a better future.
The Vision Behind "12 Neighbours"
Marcel LeBrun, a successful entrepreneur and founder of a social media monitoring company, decided to leverage his success for the greater good. After selling his company, LeBrun invested $4 million into "12 Neighbours," a project with the goal of building 99 tiny homes for homeless individuals in Fredericton. However, the initiative extends far beyond providing housing—it seeks to foster a sense of community, stability, and empowerment among its residents.
A Community of Tiny Homes
The "12 Neighbours" community is designed to be a small village of 99 tiny homes. Each home is equipped with essential amenities, including a kitchen, living area, bedroom, and bathroom, ensuring a safe and comfortable space for its residents. Sustainability is a key focus, with homes featuring solar panels to reduce environmental impact.
To promote self-sufficiency and integration, the community also includes a business center. This center houses ventures such as a café and a silkscreen printing shop, where residents can gain valuable work experience, build skills, and earn an income.
Building Homes, Building Futures
The construction process itself is innovative and community-driven. LeBrun established a factory dedicated to building the homes, where volunteers and employees work side by side. By utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques, the team can produce one home every four working days. Once completed, the homes are transported and installed on concrete blocks, forming the foundation of the community.
This efficient system not only accelerates the project but also offers opportunities for local involvement, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among those who contribute.
The Importance of Ownership and Empowerment
LeBrun emphasizes that ownership is key to providing stability and responsibility for the residents. Each individual or family living in the "12 Neighbours" community is given the opportunity to call their tiny home their own. This sense of ownership fosters independence and creates a foundation for rebuilding lives.
In addition to housing, the initiative focuses on employment. The business center within the community allows residents to run their own ventures or work in established ones. This dual focus on housing and employment helps bridge the gap between homelessness and reintegration into society.
Addressing Criticism and Challenges
Like any bold initiative, "12 Neighbours" has faced criticism. Some detractors argue that integrating homeless individuals directly into existing neighborhoods would be more effective than creating separate communities. Others question whether tiny homes can truly address the root causes of homelessness.
LeBrun acknowledges these concerns but stands by his vision. He believes that providing tangible solutions—like housing and employment opportunities—offers a critical first step in tackling the complex challenges of homelessness.
Learning from Other Initiatives
The "12 Neighbours" project is part of a broader movement to find creative solutions for homelessness. In Sweden, the "Five Percent Model" has gained attention for reserving 5% of apartments in new housing developments for structurally homeless individuals. This approach aims to integrate the homeless into existing communities rather than isolating them.
In the United States, inspiring stories like that of Hailey Fort, a young girl who began building small, mobile homes for the homeless at just five years old, demonstrate how grassroots efforts can make a meaningful impact.
Globally, the tiny house movement has gained traction as a cost-effective and sustainable way to provide housing. Several cities are experimenting with tiny house villages, offering homeless individuals not just shelter but also a pathway to a better life.
The Role of the Tiny House Movement
The tiny house movement advocates for small, often mobile homes that are affordable, sustainable, and efficient. While originally popularized as a minimalist lifestyle choice, tiny homes have proven to be a practical solution for homelessness.
By offering quickly constructed and affordable housing, the movement helps address immediate shelter needs while providing a stable base for long-term growth. Projects like "12 Neighbours" exemplify how the principles of the tiny house movement can be adapted to create social impact.
A Model for the Future
Initiatives like Marcel LeBrun’s "12 Neighbours" illustrate the power of individual action and innovative thinking in addressing complex societal challenges. By combining housing, employment, and community building, LeBrun has created a holistic solution that could serve as a model for other cities and organizations worldwide.
While challenges and criticism remain, "12 Neighbours" demonstrates that with determination and creativity, it is possible to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. The project offers a beacon of hope for tackling homelessness, proving that even the smallest homes can have the biggest impact.
By Chris...
Millionaire builds 99 tiny homes to help his community
After selling his software business for millions, Marcel Lebrun decided to pour his time and money into an affordable housing project in Fredericton. CBC’s Harry Forestell takes a closer look at the 12 Neighbours community and its impact on the people who live there.
Add comment
Comments