Almost every city in the world, no matter how big or little, has to deal with the problem of homelessness. Despite the efforts of governments, non-governmental organizations, and other groups, the problem has yet to be resolved. In order to address homelessness in his hometown, this Canadian millionaire made the decision to take matters into his own hands. He did just that.
A Fredericton, New Brunswick, millionaire constructs 99 tiny homes to fight homelessness and create jobs.
A billionaire businessman in the Canadian city of Fredericton, New Brunswick, has taken an extraordinary step to combat homelessness in his neighborhood. The popular social media monitoring company’s creator, Marcel LeBrun, has donated $4 million of his personal funds to the construction of 99 tiny homes for the underprivileged. Through his creative thinking, he has not only offered a secure and safe dwelling alternative, but he has also generated employment prospects. Let’s explore Marcel LeBrun’s motivational tale and his idea, 12 Neighbours. (1, 2)
The History of Twelve Neighbors
LeBrun made the decision to use his newfound income to make a difference after selling his business for a substantial profit. He had an idea for a village of tiny dwellings that would give homeless people a second opportunity after realizing how bad homelessness was in Fredericton. With the intention of creating a gated community with 99 residences and an enterprise center that provides both housing and employment opportunities, he titled this project 12 Neighbours.
Dealing with an Urgent Problem
Many people in New Brunswick are affected by homelessness; last year, about 1,600 people were homeless for at least one day. As is well known, there are far more homeless people in other major American cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York. Marcel LeBrun recognized a chance to change things and enhance the lives of people in this difficult circumstance.
Creating a Community
LeBrun has bigger plans for 12 Neighbours than just building modest houses. He views himself as a community builder who works to give locals a friendly environment. The small houses are completely outfitted with kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, baths, and even solar panel systems on the rooftops, so they are more than simply places to stay.
Building the Houses
LeBrun created a factory where knowledgeable volunteers put the houses together in order to realize his vision. Every four business days, the factory creates one tiny home using cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. Following completion, the houses are meticulously placed atop concrete blocks to create the community’s framework.
The Effects of Possession
According to Marcel LeBrun, being a homeowner is essential for providing persons who have been homeless with stability and a sense of responsibility. The goal of 12 Neighbours is to empower its people and create a supportive community by giving them the chance to own their own property.
The Value of Employment
LeBrun’s initiative aims to give its residents employment options in addition to housing. The enterprise center at 12 Neighbours has a coffee shop and a silk printing company that is operated by the locals. In addition to making money, this business endeavor promotes communication between the locals and the larger community.
Criticism and Controversy
Like any large-scale endeavor, 12 Neighbours has encountered some criticism. Some contend that reintegrating homeless people into society directly is preferable to keeping them sequestered. LeBrun has taken steps to guarantee the community’s safety and well-being, although acknowledging the possible difficulties.
“With all the obstacles you have to overcome, building four houses is just as difficult as building ten or twenty, and we wanted to contribute to the challenge that exists in Fredericton.” … In contrast to a decentralized approach, LeBrun stated that “we have to build some houses if we want to actually make a meaningful difference.” “Suppose I take someone who has been living on the streets and offer them a 10-year lease at the most upscale apartment in the city with no rent.” Will they be successful? Their community is not that. They are not accustomed to live in that environment.
Protecting the Community
Marcel LeBrun has installed cutting-edge security systems in the 12 Neighbours community after realizing the importance of security. The neighborhood offers its members a secure and safe environment with guarded entrances and excellent surveillance.
After [the resident] moves into a house, other people show up and say, ‘Hey, you owe me this, you owe me that,’ and they sort of take over. They have to learn what it means to have a space where you are actually in charge of it, have control over it, and decide who gets to enter and leave. That presents a dilemma, then. LeBrun described some of the difficulties locals encounter to CBC.
Participation of the Community
Creating a feeling of community both inside and outside the school’s boundaries is one of 12 Neighbours’ main objectives. By providing amenities like a coffee shop and bespoke printing to encourage communication and understanding, LeBrun hopes to establish a place where locals and Fredericton residents may congregate.
I consider myself to be a community builder, and what we’re doing here isn’t just creating a small community; rather, we’re creating a citywide community. How can we make our city better, he said CBC.
Changing Things
An incredible example of using one’s own prosperity to change the world is Marcel LeBrun’s project to build 99 small homes in Fredericton, New Brunswick, in order to alleviate homelessness. By establishing 12 Neighbours, LeBrun has not only given homeless people a workable option, but also created a community of support and career prospects. He has inspired others to make a difference and become a ray of hope for people in need thanks to his commitment and generosity.