Marcel LeBrun did something extraordinary!
In Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canadian entrepreneur Marcel LeBrun did something extraordinary — not with speeches, but with action.
He invested $4 million of his own money to build a village of tiny homes for those experiencing homelessness. But this wasn’t just about shelter. It was about belonging. About restoring hope, purpose, and possibility.
The project, called 12 Neighbours, is more than rooftops and walls. Each home is fully furnished, powered with solar panels, and designed for comfort and independence. And at the heart of the community? An enterprise center — a place for job training, education, and fresh starts. Because Marcel believes real change doesn’t come from handouts… It comes from offering people a way to stand tall again. A reminder: Sometimes the most powerful way to fight poverty… is to build something — and invite people in.
The ’12 Neighbours’ project is not unlike the concept plan for Community Villages to be created in Australia, although the availability of land and local planning support in Canada does seem to be working in favour for Marcel and his concept. Ideally, the village would be close enough to transport, shops and medical facilities, or at least have provisions to address this independently.
There is no doubt that compact and efficient accommodation with onsite programs and facilities to assist people who need shelter, is the best solution, to date. The benefit of community elements like support, compassion, encouragement and assistance, cannot be understated, while people are able to transition back to independent living without having their self esteem reduced to zero.
You may be interested to watch another inspiring story HERE.