Homelessness is a problem that many cities face around the world. Even though governments and organizations are trying to fix it, it’s still a big issue. One Canadian millionaire decided to make a difference in his own town with his money. Here’s his story.
In Fredericton, New Brunswick, Marcel LeBrun, a millionaire entrepreneur, took action to help homeless people in his community. Marcel, who made a lot of money from his successful social media monitoring company, decided to invest $4 million of his own money to build 99 tiny homes for those in need. He didn’t just stop at providing homes; he also created job opportunities with his unique approach. This project is called 12 Neighbours.
After selling his company and gaining a lot of wealth, Marcel wanted to use his money for good. Seeing the homelessness issue in Fredericton, he came up with the idea of a tiny home community to give homeless people a new start. He named his project 12 Neighbours and aimed to build a gated community with 99 homes and an enterprise center. This community offers both housing and job opportunities, giving homeless people a chance to rebuild their lives.
Homelessness is a big issue in New Brunswick, with about 1,600 people experiencing it in a single day last year. In bigger cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York in the United States, the number of homeless people is much higher. Marcel LeBrun saw a chance to make a difference and decided to help those struggling with homelessness.
Marcel’s project, 12 Neighbours, is not just about building tiny homes. He wants to create a supportive community for people. The tiny homes he’s building are more than just places to stay. They are fully-furnished with kitchens, living areas, bedrooms, and full bathrooms. They even have solar panels on the roofs. Marcel sees himself as a community builder, aiming to provide a better life for those in need.
To make his vision a reality, Marcel LeBrun set up a factory where skilled volunteers help build the tiny homes. Using modern techniques, the factory can produce one tiny home every four business days. Once a home is built, it is carefully placed on concrete blocks to form the foundation of the community.
Marcel believes that owning a home is important because it gives people a sense of responsibility and stability. By allowing people who have experienced homelessness to own their own homes, the 12 Neighbours project aims to empower them and create a supportive community.
Besides providing homes, Marcel LeBrun’s project also focuses on creating job opportunities for the residents. The 12 Neighbours community includes an enterprise center with a coffee bar and a silk printing business, both run by the residents. This helps generate income and encourages residents to interact with the wider community.
Like any big project, 12 Neighbours has faced criticism. Some people think it’s better to reintegrate homeless individuals directly into society rather than keeping them together in one place. However, Marcel understands these concerns and has taken steps to ensure the community is safe and supportive.
Marcel explained, “Building a few homes is just as complicated as building many, and we wanted to make a real impact on homelessness in Fredericton. If we want to make a meaningful difference, we need to build houses. If I take someone who’s been living outside and put them in a luxury apartment, they might not succeed because it’s not their community or environment.”
Marcel LeBrun knows how important safety is, so he has included top security features in the 12 Neighbours community. There are gated entrances and advanced surveillance systems to ensure residents feel safe and protected.
LeBrun mentioned that some residents face challenges when they first move in. He explained, “When someone moves into a house, they might have others trying to take advantage of them. They need to learn what it means to manage their own space and decide who they let in and out.”
One of the main goals of 12 Neighbours is to build a strong sense of community both inside and outside its gates. LeBrun wants to create a place where residents and the people of Fredericton can come together. The community has a coffee bar and a personalized printing business to encourage interaction and understanding.
LeBrun told CBC, “I see myself as a community builder. We’re not just building a small community; we’re helping to make our city better.”
Marcel LeBrun’s project to build 99 tiny homes in Fredericton, New Brunswick, is a great example of using personal success to help others. Through 12 Neighbours, he has not only provided homes for those in need but also created job opportunities and a supportive community. His efforts have given hope to many and inspired others to make a difference.
Clements Twins: “The Most Beautiful Twins” a Decade Later
We often believe all babies are adorable, and naturally, many parents see their children as the cutest of all. But when Jaqi Clements welcomed her twin daughters 13 years ago, it was immediately clear to everyone that these girls were something truly special.
From the moment Ava Marie and Leah Rose were born in June 2010, their unique beauty captivated everyone who met them. Even as infants, they earned the nickname “the world’s most beautiful twins,” a title that quickly gained traction thanks to their striking features: sparkling blue eyes, delicate eyebrows, and golden-blonde hair that gives them a storybook-like charm.
Their undeniable allure propelled them into the spotlight early on. By the time they were toddlers, Ava and Leah were recognized as “the most beautiful girls in the world” and began an extraordinary modeling career.
Social Media Stars with a Purpose
Now 13 years old, Ava and Leah have grown into accomplished young women with over 1.8 million Instagram followers. Their social media presence goes far beyond sharing stunning photos; they use their platform to advocate for meaningful causes, including raising awareness about organ donation.
Since their Instagram debut in 2017, managed by their mom, the twins have worked with some of the biggest brands in the world, including Nike, Disney, Mattel, and Target.
Their photos have graced the pages of Harper’s Bazaar Brazil, and they’ve even launched their own clothing and accessories line in partnership with Levi’s: the Levi’s xx Clements Twins Collection.
A Balanced Life
Despite their busy schedules, Jaqi Clements assures fans that Ava and Leah maintain a well-rounded and fulfilling life. In addition to modeling and acting, the twins are passionate about sports, particularly swimming and volleyball.
“They’ve always loved performing, whether it’s a dance routine or just being the center of attention,” Jaqi wrote in a blog post.
The twins’ journey is a testament to their resilience and passion. While their beauty and charm have undoubtedly opened doors, their grace, purpose, and dedication to their passions have kept them grounded.
As Ava and Leah continue to grow, they remain inspiring examples of how young stars can lead balanced lives while captivating the world with their unique story.
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