Marcel LeBrun, a Canadian entrepreneur who found financial success after selling his tech company to Salesforce, has dedicated a significant portion of his wealth to addressing homelessness. Instead of resting on his accomplishments, LeBrun chose to reinvest $4 million of his earnings into a transformative project: building a supportive tiny home community called 12 Neighbours in Fredericton, New Brunswick. His vision is rooted in the belief that access to safe, dignified housing is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
The 12 Neighbours project consists of dozens of 240-square-foot homes, each fully equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and solar panels to promote sustainability. While small in size, these homes are designed to be permanent residences that provide security and comfort to individuals who previously faced housing instability. The goal is not just to house people temporarily, but to give them a stable foundation for rebuilding their lives.
Beyond the physical housing, LeBrun’s initiative stands out for its holistic approach to community-building. The village includes shared spaces such as a café, a print shop, and gardens—places where residents can work, develop new skills, and reconnect with a sense of purpose. These amenities are intended to foster social interaction, employment opportunities, and skill-building, all of which contribute to long-term stability and reintegration into society.
LeBrun emphasizes that the heart of the project lies in restoring human dignity. By offering not just shelter, but also respect, trust, and opportunity, 12 Neighbours provides a fresh start for people who have often been overlooked or marginalized. His initiative reflects a deep commitment to the idea that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of their past circumstances.
This pioneering effort is more than a philanthropic gesture—it’s a scalable model for how communities and private citizens can play an active role in solving social issues. By combining housing, employment, and empowerment, Marcel LeBrun is not only changing individual lives but also reshaping how we think about homelessness and human potential.
Source: CBC News
