After achieving financial success through the sale of his technology company, Canadian entrepreneur and millionaire Marcel LeBrun made a life-changing decision: to reinvest his wealth into solving one of society’s most persistent challenges — homelessness. Rather than focusing on traditional philanthropy, LeBrun committed $4 million of his own money to build 99 fully equipped tiny homes for people experiencing homelessness in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

These homes are not designed as short-term shelters or emergency housing. Instead, they are permanent residences that offer safety, privacy, and dignity. Each tiny home is fully furnished and includes a functioning kitchen, a private bathroom, heating systems, and solar panels to support energy efficiency and long-term sustainability. The goal is to provide residents with a stable foundation — something many have lacked for years — so they can begin rebuilding their lives.

The initiative, known as the 12 Neighbours Community, reflects a holistic approach to addressing homelessness. LeBrun recognized that housing alone is not enough. True recovery and reintegration require opportunity, purpose, and community support. As a result, the project incorporates a range of shared spaces and programs designed to foster independence and long-term stability.

At the heart of the community is a social enterprise coffee shop, which serves both residents and the wider public, creating a space for interaction and inclusion. The development also features a teaching kitchen, where residents can gain culinary skills, receive job training, and explore pathways to employment. In addition, residents are encouraged to operate small businesses and workshops, allowing them to earn income, develop confidence, and regain a sense of agency over their lives.

Support services play a critical role in the project’s success. The community offers programs focused on life skills, employment readiness, and personal development, helping residents transition toward long-term independence. This integrated model aligns with growing research showing that stable housing combined with social and economic support leads to better outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness.

LeBrun’s vision is grounded in a simple but powerful principle: restoring dignity is the first step toward restoring lives. By treating residents not as beneficiaries of charity but as members of a functioning community, the 12 Neighbours project challenges traditional approaches to homelessness. It demonstrates that compassion, when paired with thoughtful design and sustainable planning, can produce meaningful and lasting change.

More than a charitable initiative, this project serves as a replicable blueprint for other cities and communities. It shows how private investment, community-centered design, and social enterprise can work together to uplift vulnerable populations in a humane and sustainable way. One tiny home at a time, Marcel LeBrun’s initiative is proving that innovative solutions to homelessness are not only possible — they are achievable.