After selling his tech company for an eight-figure fortune, this Canadian entrepreneur spent $1.5 million building 99 tiny homes to help homeless people rebuild their lives

Canadian entrepreneur Marcel LeBrun invested around $1.5 million of his own money to build a tiny-home village for people experiencing homelessness. He took the big step after selling his technology company for an eight-figure fortune. His project, called 12 Neighbours, provides permanent housing, employment opportunities and support services, offering residents a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity instead of relying on temporary shelters.

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Who is Marcel LeBrun?

Marcel LeBrun is a Canadian entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist from New Brunswick. He built his career in technology before selling his cybersecurity company, Radian6, for an eight-figure amount, according to a report in Times of India.


Instead of retiring or investing only in business ventures, LeBrun chose to focus on one of the province's most pressing social issues—homelessness.

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Rather than making one-time charitable donations, he wanted to build a system that could help people regain independence. His vision was simple: provide stable housing, meaningful employment and a supportive community so people could rebuild their lives with dignity.

Speaking to CBC News: The National, LeBrun explained that the project is about much more than constructing houses. "I see myself as a community builder."

He added that the goal isn't simply to create a housing development but to strengthen the city by helping vulnerable people reconnect with society.

According to LeBrun, homelessness cannot be solved by housing alone. Stable accommodation, employment opportunities and a supportive neighbourhood all need to work together to help people regain independence.

That philosophy eventually became 12 Neighbours.

What is the 12 Neighbours tiny-home community?

Located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, 12 Neighbours is a purpose-built community that plans to include 99 tiny homes for people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

Instead of relying on temporary shelters, residents receive their own private homes, giving them a safe and stable place to live while remaining connected to support services.

Each home measures about 240 square feet and includes:

• A private bedroom
• Bathroom
• Kitchenette
• Living area
• Front porch

The homes are also fitted with rooftop solar panels, helping reduce energy costs while making the community more environmentally sustainable.

The unique way these tiny homes are built

One of the most innovative aspects of 12 Neighbours is how the homes are constructed.

Instead of building each house outdoors, the homes are manufactured inside a dedicated warehouse using assembly-line techniques. Once completed, they're transported to the community site.

This indoor construction process offers several advantages:

• Construction continues throughout the year regardless of weather.
• Quality control is easier to maintain.
• Building costs are reduced.
• Homes can be completed more quickly.

The neighbourhood also includes walking paths, shared green spaces and community areas designed to encourage interaction while allowing residents to enjoy their own private space.

More than housing: How 12 Neighbours helps people rebuild their lives

Marcel LeBrun has consistently said that giving someone a home is only the beginning.

The larger mission of 12 Neighbours is to create an environment where residents can regain confidence, learn new skills and become financially independent.

To support that goal, the community operates several social enterprises, including:

• A coffee roastery
• A silk-screen printing business
• Woodworking facilities

These businesses provide residents with paid employment and valuable work experience while helping them prepare for long-term careers.

Residents also have access to:

• Healthcare services
• Counselling
• Life-skills programmes
• Community support

Together, these services aim to help people transition toward greater independence rather than simply providing temporary assistance.

One resident says the community gave her a fresh start

The impact of 12 Neighbours can be seen through residents like Amelia Joy, who says the community changed her life.

After experiencing homelessness and addiction, Amelia said the project gave her much more than a roof over her head.

It gave her acceptance, stability and purpose.

Through Neighbourly Ventures, the project's employment programme, she found meaningful work while developing new skills and rebuilding her confidence. She credited the supportive environment and encouragement from staff with helping her believe in a future that once felt impossible.

Why private homes can make a big difference

Unlike traditional shelters, every resident at 12 Neighbours has a private place they can truly call home.

That means they can:

• Cook their own meals
• Create daily routines
• Enjoy privacy
• Feel a sense of ownership
• Build long-term stability

These everyday experiences play an important role in improving mental wellbeing and helping people regain confidence after experiencing homelessness.

Marcel LeBrun's investment demonstrates how private philanthropy, innovative construction and community-focused planning can work together to create meaningful change.