Marcel Lebrun, a successful Canadian entrepreneur and founder of a media monitoring company based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, has launched a visionary project to directly tackle the growing homelessness issue in his community.
After selling his business for eight figures, he dedicated a significant portion of his profits to address homelessness in the region. In 2023, data from the Human Development Council revealed a 25% increase in homelessness in New Brunswick, prompting Lebrun to take action.
His humanitarian project invested $4 million in building 99 micro-homes for those in need. With additional grants and support from provincial and federal governments, the total funding reached $12 million to expand the initiative, named «1 2 Voisins.»
This innovative project aims to create a closed community with 99 homes and a business center, providing secure and stable housing while also creating employment opportunities for local residents.
These micro-homes are not just shelters; they are fully furnished living spaces complete with a kitchen, living room, bedroom, full bathroom, and even solar panel systems on the roofs.
Lebrun, seeing himself as a community builder, set up a factory to assemble the homes using advanced manufacturing techniques, producing an average of one micro-home every four business days.
In addition to providing housing, the project aims to instill a sense of responsibility and stability among the residents by offering them the opportunity to become homeowners. This not only fosters independence for those who have experienced homelessness, but it also strengthens community cohesion. Through the business center, which includes a coffee bar and a silk-screen printing business run by the residents, the project also stimulates job creation and encourages interaction between residents and the broader community.
Despite its noble intentions, the project has received criticism. Some argue that instead of grouping the homeless, they should be reintegrated into society directly.
Aware of the challenges, Lebrun has implemented security measures, including gated entrances and high-quality surveillance systems, to ensure the safety of residents. The ultimate goal is to make «12 Voisins» a self-sustaining community, attracting visitors and making a real difference in the lives of those aspiring for a better life.
This project is an inspiring example of how personal success can be used to transform lives and communities, with the hope of encouraging others to contribute to society in a similar way.