In a world where one’s achievements often measure personal success, some individuals choose to use their wealth to make a difference in the lives of others, such as the “12 Neighbours” Project. Marcel LeBrun, a Canadian businessman with a philanthropic heart, is a prime example of this benevolent spirit. 

After selling his successful business for an impressive eight figures, LeBrun could have easily retired to a life of luxury. Instead, he decided to use his wealth to make a tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate. 

A vision to build a shelter for the homeless 

According to CBC, Fredericton, New Brunswick, had approximately 1,600 homeless people over the past year. LeBrun, the founder of “12 Neighbours,” did not simply express his concerns about the issue; he took action. He spent CN$4 million to construct a community of 99 tiny homes and an enterprise center to provide a real second chance for homeless people in Fredericton. 

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

The 12 Neighbours Project

The 12 Neighbours Project aims to do more than provide shelter for people experiencing homelessness; it also seeks to cultivate a sense of community and empowerment for the less fortunate. Every tiny home is thoughtfully planned and has a full kitchen, living and bedroom areas, a full bathroom, and even solar panels for eco-friendly living. The community has high-quality security measures in place to safeguard the safety and privacy of its residents. 

At the beginning of 2022, the first residents moved into the new homes of their community, leaving their tents behind. Among them was a couple who had been homeless for about five years and had relied on long stays in hotels. They finally found comfort on the deck of their small home. 

By March 2022, six homes had been occupied by couples or single people. Three more homes were built monthly, and ultimately, each neighborhood’s small, connected communities consisted of 12 residents, hence the name “12 Neighbours.” 

LeBrun believes this project can help poor and disadvantaged individuals improve their lives and prove they can succeed with the right opportunity. “I want to prove that people who are poor and marginalized know how to move forward with their lives if you can invest in them,” he said.

The social impact of the 12 Neighbours Project

Despite some skepticism, the 12 Neighbours Project offers a well-planned solution to the issue of homelessness. While some prefer to scatter homeless individuals in different locations within the city, Warren Maddox, the executive director of Fredericton Homeless Shelters, suggested a decentralized approach instead of concentrating many people in one area. 

 “You’ve got people that have paranoia or that have come through some massive trauma, where they need to be sort of away from that population,” he said. 

However, the 12 Neighbours Project addresses these concerns through meticulous planning, offering many work opportunities and programs that help individuals grow and recover. 

The project provides a structured path to employment through a well-planned Social Enterprise Center, which equips people with tools to enhance their job skills, earn more money, and save for the future. The center also offers support services, such as art therapy, counseling, and recovery, promoting personal and community development. 

Residents have access to amenities like a coffee shop run by residents and job training centers like a teaching kitchen and a silk printing business. One of the residents, Samantha Seymour, earns a living working at the silk printing business and feels a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. 

The 12 Neighbours Project is about providing homes and empowering individuals to become self-sufficient and improve their skills, offering a transformative impact on the lives of the residents.

Paying it forward

In a world full of stories that divide people, it’s a reminder that true wealth is not just about money but also about acts of kindness and deeds that help and empower those struggling. This inspiring project continues to grow and evolve, giving us hope to create a world where no one is left behind by working together and practicing kindness.

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