In Fredericton, New Brunswick, former tech executive Marcel Lebrun is leading a significant housing initiative aimed at reducing chronic homelessness.
His project, known as 12 Neighbours, is focused on constructing a community of 99 tiny homes to offer affordable, permanent housing to those in need.
Project Overview
Lebrun has invested $4 million of his funds and has secured an additional $12 million in government grants to bring this project to life.
The 12 Neighbours community is envisioned as a gated, self-sustaining neighborhood equipped with various amenities and a business center.
Home Specifications
Each tiny home in the community spans between 240 to 294 square feet and includes essential facilities such as a kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom, and a small deck outfitted with solar panels.
Constructed on-site by a team that includes local carpenters, these homes cost approximately $50,000 each to build and furnish.
Affordable Living
The rent model for 12 Neighbours is designed to be financially accessible, with residents paying 30% of their income.
This amount covers rent, utilities, internet, and other necessary services, providing a stable living situation for the residents.
Comprehensive Community Services
Residents have access to a range of support services, including addiction and mental health counseling, medical care, and employment opportunities.
The community also features amenities like a laundry room, a community garden, and a silk printing business where residents can work.
Solar Power and Sustainability
The tiny homes in the 12 Neighbours community are outfitted with solar panels, emphasizing sustainability and eco-friendly living.
This emphasis on green living not only reduces the environmental impact but also lowers utility costs for residents, providing a more affordable and environmentally conscious living arrangement.
Employment Opportunities
Within the community, residents can engage in the carpentry program or work in the silk printing business, earning wages higher than the minimum wage in New Brunswick, which is $15.30 an hour.
These job opportunities are crucial in helping residents acquire skills and work towards independence.
Progress and Future Goals
The project has generated a significant waiting list, with 700 individuals hoping to join the community.
Future plans include expanding the initiative to accommodate more residents and enhance community services.
Criticism and Challenges
Despite widespread approval, the project has its critics.
Warren Maddox, director of Fredericton Homeless Shelters, has expressed concerns about the potential risks of concentrating too many vulnerable individuals in one area.
He advocates for a more decentralized approach to better distribute support services throughout the community.
Similar initiatives in other cities have also faced criticism for their restrictive regulations, though Lebrun’s project offers more comprehensive amenities.
Aiming for a Lasting Impact
The 12 Neighbours project aims to foster a supportive environment where residents can overcome obstacles and achieve independence.
Lebrun believes that building a strong community is key to helping individuals move beyond subsidized housing and lead fulfilling lives.
By combining affordable housing with community services and job opportunities, the project seeks to make a lasting difference in the fight against homelessness in Fredericton.
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