In an extraordinary act of compassion and leadership, Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule has personally invested $3.8 million to convert a historic property in Lincoln into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth. This unprecedented move reflects Rhule’s deep commitment not just to building a winning football program, but also to making a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable young people across Nebraska.
The shelter, which will be named “Rhule House of Hope,” is set to open in early 2026 and will provide housing, education support, counseling services, job readiness training, and life skills development to at-risk youth aged 13 to 21. The home, a large and once-vacant estate near downtown Lincoln, is currently undergoing extensive renovations to become a safe haven for those in need of stability, support, and opportunity.
Coach Rhule’s inspiration for the project stems from personal experiences mentoring young men throughout his coaching career and his belief that every child, regardless of background, deserves a chance to succeed. “Football has taught me that every young person has potential,” Rhule said during the press announcement. “But too many kids don’t get the support they need early on. This isn’t about charity — it’s about creating opportunity, dignity, and a pathway to a better life.”
The $3.8 million investment comes directly from Rhule’s personal funds, not from university resources or athletic department budgets. In addition to funding the renovation, Rhule is also establishing a long-term endowment to help cover staffing, programming, and operational costs, ensuring that the shelter remains sustainable for years to come.
Community leaders and social service advocates have praised Rhule’s initiative. Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird called the project “a beacon of hope” for Nebraska’s youth. “Coach Rhule’s generosity and vision go far beyond the football field,” she said. “He is setting a powerful example of leadership and community investment.”
The shelter will partner with local nonprofits, school districts, and health organizations to create a holistic support system tailored to each youth’s needs. Plans include onsite mental health services, educational mentoring from university volunteers, and employment partnerships with local businesses.
Players from the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team have also voiced their support and plan to be actively involved in mentorship and volunteer activities at the shelter. “Coach always tells us to be men of character and to serve others,” said one senior linebacker. “This shows he lives by that message.”
Since arriving in Lincoln, Matt Rhule has been working to rebuild not just Nebraska’s football program, but its broader community spirit. With this powerful investment, he has once again proven that the true measure of a coach lies not only in victories on the field, but in the lives he touches beyond it.
As the Rhule House of Hope begins to take shape, it stands as a powerful reminder of what leadership, generosity, and vision can achieve. Nebraska doesn’t just have a football coach — it has a champion for its youth.
