August 2025
The Path to Independence
Here at
12 Neighbours,
we prioritize development that stands the test of time. We seek solutions that reduce New Brunswick's poverty and homelessness through:
(1) providing permanent housing,
(2) creating personal development support, and
(3) offering progressive employment through social enterprise programming.
The members of our tight-knit community are aspiring to improve their physical health, education, recovery, and employment throughout their journey with us. Creating job opportunities that align with the training our community needs to thrive in the current job market is one of our main priorities, completed every day with the help of our community members in the cafe, the Print Shop, and beyond!
What makes up our Path to Independence?
The Path to Independence empowers individuals on their journey to independence by providing access to essential resources, mentorship, and long-term support.
We're building a community of 1,000 Friends of 12 Neighbours, people who believe in investing in lasting change. By contributing $20/month, you become part of a movement that’s creating real opportunities and transforming lives.
Ready to make a difference?
Join us by donating through the link below.
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
“When I came here, I didn’t think I would ever get back over it, because of how bad my whole situation used to be.”
- Mark, Member of the 12N Employment Program
“I Have Hopes and Dreams” :
Mark Osborne’s Journey Through 12 Neighbours
Mark Osborne’s life has been shaped by resilience and now, hope.
After surviving childhood trauma and spending years unhoused, Mark found stability at 12 Neighbours, a tiny home community in Fredericton built to help people rebuild from the ground up. “When I came here, I didn’t think I would ever get back over it,” he says. But with support, a safe place to live, and a chance to work in the community’s social enterprise kitchen, Mark began to heal. “We’re all like a family now,” he says of his coworkers. “This place is more like family than it is friends.”
More than just a job, working in the kitchen gave Mark a sense of dignity and belonging. “When Marcel asked if I wanted to work here, it was a no-brainer,” he recalls. With mentorship from his supervisor KT, and encouragement from the 12 Neighbours team, he rediscovered his self-worth. “Even if it’s not about work, KT’s always there to help. It’s not just a job, it’s a lifeline.”
Today, Mark is employed at Neighbourly Coffee doing dishes. He is a big part of the team and the positive culture in our kitchen. It has been wonderful to observe his transformation during his time at 12 Neighbours. His story shows that people don’t just need shelter, they need purpose, community, and someone to believe in them. 12 Neighbours gave Mark a chance, and he’s grabbing it with both hands. “I have hopes and dreams,” he says, and now, finally, the support to chase them.
"We’re all like a family now, this place is more like family than it is friends.”
Mark Osborne on his experience with 12 Neighbours Employment
Planting Seeds of Purpose: Mindy’s Mission at 12 Neighbours
Mindy is already transforming lives through the new Entrepreneur Employment and Development Program. Her goal? To help residents discover their strengths, pursue meaningful work, and build confidence along the way.
Whether supporting employment or entrepreneurship, the program begins with self-discovery, helping participants reflect on who they are and what brings them joy. From there, they can explore makerspaces filled with tools like 3D printers and vinyl cutters, build product prototypes, develop business pitches, and even sell their creations in the on-site store. Mindy considers herself a dreamer, committing to getting the best out of her program participants.
“I want people to find what they love so much, they forget everything else while doing it,” Mindy says. “That’s where confidence and change begin.”
With personalized support for both participants and supervisors, the program meets people where they are—emotionally and practically. One resident is already ready to launch their business. Others are just beginning the journey. And soon, Mindy hopes to expand this opportunity to youth across Fredericton.
“There’s so much creativity here—it blows my mind,” she says with a smile. “My job is to help them see it too.”
Join Mindy's Mission
Feeling Inspired?
For larger contributions or partnerships, please reach out to Mindy directly at mindy@12neighbours.com
Your Support Makes Your Community Thrive
We hope you're having a great summer!
By visiting our café, shopping our local prints, or gathering in our meeting spaces, you’re playing a part in this journey of hope, opportunity, and empowerment. Thank you for being a part of our mission to make a healthier, happier community. Together, we’re creating a future where everyone has the chance to build a better life.