Canadian millionaire built 99 houses for the homeless (14 photos + 1 video)

There are still people in the world who are willing to share their wealth with those in need. Thus, Marcel Lebrun took a remarkable initiative to solve the problem of homelessness by building 99 houses in his hometown.





A millionaire from the Canadian province of New Brunswick has built an entire village for those in need.



Having sold his company for an eight-figure sum, the Canadian decided to use part of the funds to solve a pressing problem in society.

Over the past year, at least 1,800 people in Fredericton have been homeless for at least a day.

In an effort to help his fellow countrymen, Marcel allocated $4 million for the 12 Neighbors project, a settlement for the homeless.





As envisioned, the innovative gated community will consist of 99 small houses with a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, as well as a modest porch and solar panels on the roof.

The businessman’s initiative was supported by the government, allocating $12 million for construction.



"I consider myself a community builder, and really what we're doing here is not just building a small community, but building a community in a city. How else can we make our city better?" Lebrun said in an interview.



However, the project has not escaped criticism: some believe that it is better for the homeless to integrate into society rather than live in a gated community.

Lebrun invested $4 million in the creation of the so-called gated community "12 neighbors"



There will also be a community center and printing plant on site where people can find work.

The main goal is to create a space that will attract neighborhood residents to have a cup of coffee or use the services of a printing house.



The concept of tiny houses is becoming a way to solve the problem of homelessness not only in Canada, but also in the United States.

Last month, California Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled his plan to site 300 small structures in Sacramento within an abandoned office park and fairgrounds.



According to USA Today News, another 900 cabins are planned for the designated site in San Jose, as well as in Los Angeles and San Diego.



The scale of the problem is staggering: more than 580,000 Americans are homeless, and about a third of them live in California.



In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass's recent housing initiative has moved homeless people off the streets and into tiny buildings.

"Authorities confidently call it housing, but once people are put into tiny houses, they are no longer supported," says activist Carla Orendorff. "It's like they're being put in a waiting room."

The businessman is sure that having your own home instills a sense of responsibility in a person



A study conducted in Alameda County, California, found that such houses provide only a temporary solution to the problem. Only a quarter of homeless people eventually find permanent housing.

Most programs are designed to provide housing for 2-6 months.

"We're creating a community in the city," Marcel said



Study participants who lived in a home for at least six months were more likely to find permanent housing.





Individual houses are incomparably better than shelters, but they are also more expensive.

Many homeless people refuse to hand over personal belongings, such as tents, beforesettling into the community. Moreover, some are forced to share living space with random neighbors, which sometimes leads to the breakup of married couples.