The 12 Neighbours Community, consisting of nearly 100 tiny homes, was founded by Marcel LeBrun as a housing project aimed at providing homes and resources for people in need. It took two years to complete, with one new home being built every week. LeBrun emphasized that the focus of the project was not just on building houses, but on building a strong community and supporting its residents. People like Al Smith, who used to be homeless, found a new sense of visibility and voice after moving into the community. LeBrun has witnessed personal growth and transformation in residents who have lived in the community since its inception.
Reflecting on the project, LeBrun acknowledged that there were lessons learned and things he would do differently in the future. The management of the community and the support needed by its residents were areas of focus for improvement. Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers highlighted that the city itself was also learning from the 12 Neighbours Community, understanding the support required for such projects. LeBrun’s vision goes beyond just providing housing, as the community also offers employment programs through initiatives like a café, a print shop, and the construction of tiny homes for sale. The goal is to help community members discover their talents, gain job experience, and ultimately flourish in their chosen fields.
The employment programs at 12 Neighbours are designed to help community members find what they enjoy doing and gain valuable work experience. LeBrun emphasized that the homes were not being built to hire people, but that people were being hired to build homes. Mayor Rogers expressed pride in the impact of 12 Neighbours on the community of Fredericton, noting that it has become an example for other communities seeking solutions to housing problems. The project has not only had a positive impact locally, but has also served as a source of inspiration for communities beyond Fredericton in addressing housing challenges.
The completion of the 12 Neighbours Community marks a significant milestone for the project, with Marcel LeBrun expressing excitement about the progress made over the past two years. He emphasized that the true focus of the project is on building a strong community and supporting its residents, rather than just providing housing. Residents like Al Smith, who was formerly homeless, have experienced positive changes in their lives since moving into the community, gaining visibility and a sense of empowerment. LeBrun has witnessed personal growth and transformations in residents who have been part of the project since its inception.
Looking back on the project, LeBrun identified areas for improvement and lessons learned, particularly in actively managing the community and providing the necessary support for residents. Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers emphasized that the city has also been learning from the 12 Neighbours Community and understanding the support required for similar projects. The employment programs offered at 12 Neighbours, including initiatives like a café, a print shop, and the construction of tiny homes for sale, are aimed at helping community members discover their talents, gain job experience, and thrive in their chosen fields. LeBrun’s vision goes beyond just providing housing, as he aims to help people flourish in their talents and find meaningful work opportunities.
Overall, the impact of the 12 Neighbours Community extends beyond just providing housing, with a focus on building a strong community and supporting its residents. Mayor Rogers highlighted the positive influence of the project on the community of Fredericton, noting that it has served as an inspiration for other communities seeking solutions to housing challenges. The project has not only had a local impact but has also become a model for wider communities looking to address housing issues. LeBrun’s commitment to helping people thrive in their talents and gain meaningful work experiences through the employment programs at 12 Neighbours exemplifies the project’s dedication to building a supportive and flourishing community for all its residents.
