Entrepreneur Fighting Homelessness

In Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada tech entrepreneur Marcel LeBrun is transforming the fight against homelessness through his nonprofit initiative, 12 Neighbours. LeBrun has invested over $4 million of his own funds—supplemented by $12 million in government grants—to construct a community of 99 fully equipped tiny homes. Each 240-square-foot residence includes a kitchen, bathroom, living area, solar panels, and a front porch, with rent set at 30% of the resident's income. Beyond housing, the 12 Neighbours community offers on-site employment opportunities through ventures like a café and a print shop, fostering a sense of purpose and self-sufficiency among residents. LeBrun emphasizes that the project is about more than providing shelter; it's about restoring dignity and building a supportive community where individuals can reclaim their lives. His approach serves as a replicable model for addressing homelessness through compassionate, sustainable solutions. 

Image via Green Matters

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