December 2024
The Path to Independence
At 12 Neighbours,
we focus on long-term development, prioritizing solutions that reduce poverty and homelessness. We do this by providing:
(1) permanent housing,
(2) personal development support, and
(3) progressive employment through social enterprise.
Our community members are working towards goals in areas such as physical health, education, recovery, and employment. Our social enterprises provide meaningful job training to community members, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in today's job market.
What is
our Path to Independence?
The 12 Neighbours Community has grown to include 96 charming tiny homes, marking the completion of our neighbourhood. More than 90 amazing community members now have a safe, permanent place to call home, surrounded by a supportive community. This "housing first" approach allows individuals to feel secure and stable, which is the foundation for achieving their personal development goals. One of the first goals is to maintain and achieve housing stability.
Our Community
Melissa's Journey: A Story of Resilience and Renewal with 12 Neighbours
When Melissa reflects on her life before joining 12 Neighbours, she recalls a time filled with overwhelming challenges and uncertainty. For years, she and her husband faced one obstacle after another, enduring hardships that tested their strength and resilience. Despite everything, they never stopped fighting for a better future.
Living without stable housing and struggling to regain their footing, Melissa and her husband knew they needed a change. When they learned about 12 Neighbours and the possibility of joining the community of tiny homes in Fredericton, they saw a glimmer of hope. With determination and support from kind individuals, they applied and eventually received life-changing news, they would be among the first residents to move into a tiny home.
A New Start, A Renewed Purpose
The move into their tiny home marked the beginning of a transformative journey. With safe and stable housing, Melissa and her husband focused on building a healthier life. Together, they embraced sobriety and worked on rebuilding their confidence and skills. For Melissa, this meant joining the Personal Development Program (PDP) offered by 12 Neighbours.
Through this program, she enrolled in the Workplace Essential Skills (WES) program offered through Social Development. She gained essential training and certifications, including work safety, food safety, First Aid, and WHMIS.
In April 2024, Melissa reached a major milestone when she graduated from the WES program and officially becoming a trained cook. After years away from the workforce, she stepped into a new role at the 12 Neighbours cafe, a meaningful achievement that underscored her incredible progress and resilience.
Our Clients Say
“12 Neighbours has given me a new meaning of life and a chance to think about an amazing future”.
Beyond practical support, the community provided her and her family with a network of care, encouragement, and friendship. It’s a place where every step forward is celebrated and every challenge met with compassion.
Melissa, Grateful 12 Neighbours Program Participant
Coffee &
Community Connection
When you step inside the Social Enterprise Building, the warm, inviting atmosphere of Neighbourly Coffee greets you first. More than just a café, it’s a gathering place where locals and visitors come together to enjoy freshly brewed coffee, pastries, and lunch items, all prepared with care. This café focuses on providing great food and drinks while also serving as a social enterprise. Each purchase contributes to creating opportunities for community members, helping them on their path to independence and stability.
Locally Made, Community-Focused Retail
Adjacent to Neighbourly Coffee, you’ll find our retail space stocked with T-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags, and more, all created in-house at Neighbourly Ventures. Neighbourly Ventures is another of our social enterprises, where we provide training and employment opportunities to community members, empowering them with new skills and meaningful work.
Spaces for Growth, Connection, and Opportunity
Upstairs, the Social Enterprise Building is home to our dedicated community team, working tirelessly to create pathways to independence for those we serve. There’s also the Harold A. Sharp Youth Centre, where young adults from our community and beyond can access developmental programs, building their skills, confidence, and connections to succeed in life.
We also offer beautifully designed meeting rooms, perfect for small and large gatherings, workshops, and events. Available for rental through the Neighbourly Coffee website, these spaces are yet another way our building fosters connection and engagement within the broader community.
Hands-On Learning in Our Construction Warehouse
At the back of our building, you’ll find a construction warehouse. This space will soon offer carpentry training programs and makerspace opportunities, equipping participants with hands-on skills that can lead to employment and entrepreneurship. It’s just one more way we’re creating pathways to opportunity and stability.
Your Support Makes It Possible
The Social Enterprise Building is more than just a space, it’s a place where lives are transformed and community thrives. By visiting, shopping, or meeting here, you’re playing a part in this journey of hope, opportunity, and empowerment. Thank you for being a part of our mission. Together, we’re creating a future where everyone has the chance to build a better life.