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What if solving homelessness was more than just providing shelter? Marcel LeBrun, a Canadian entrepreneur from Fredericton, New Brunswick, is proving that real change comes from sustainable, long-term solutions.
LeBrun invested $4 million of his own money to create 12 Neighbours, a community of 99 fully furnished tiny homes designed to give people experiencing homelessness a fresh start. With additional government grants, funding grew to $12 million, allowing the project to expand even further.
But this isn’t just about housing—it’s about empowerment. Each home comes with a kitchen, living space, bedroom, bathroom, and solar panels, ensuring self-sufficiency. Beyond that, the community features an enterprise center, complete with a coffee bar and a silk printing business, creating job opportunities and fostering independence.
Unlike traditional short-term aid, 12 Neighbours focuses on long-term stability, giving residents not just a roof over their heads, but the tools to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
