BREAKING NEWS: Donovan Mitchell Invests $3.6 Million to Transform Cleveland Property Into Shelter for Homeless Youth — “It’s Bigger Than Basketball”
In a powerful and compassionate move, Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell has invested $3.6 million of his own money to renovate and transform a historic Cleveland home into a shelter for homeless youth, reinforcing his commitment to creating real change in the community known as “Cavs Nation.”
This initiative, announced earlier today by Mitchell and his foundation, aims to provide safe housing, emotional support, educational programs, and career-building opportunities for vulnerable youth across Northeast Ohio. The shelter, which will be called “Spida’s Haven,” will be operated in collaboration with local non-profits and youth outreach services. The goal: to give young people not just a place to stay, but a chance to rebuild their lives.
Mitchell, who joined the Cavaliers in 2022 and quickly became the face of the franchise, has always emphasized that his mission extends far beyond the basketball court.
> “I’ve been blessed with this platform and with the resources to help others,” Mitchell said at a press conference. “There are kids out here who don’t know where they’re sleeping tonight. I couldn’t just ignore that. This is something I had to do — for Cleveland, for the kids, for the future.”
The house, located just minutes from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, will be restored to preserve its original architecture but expanded to include modern amenities such as private rooms, counseling offices, a library, classrooms, and recreational areas. The shelter will also provide mental health services, mentorship programs, and college/career readiness training to help youth not just survive, but thrive.
Community leaders and fans across Cleveland are applauding the move as an example of true leadership and compassion. Mayor Justin Bibb praised Mitchell for “leading by example” and putting real money into solutions that matter. “Donovan isn’t just talking about change — he’s building it,” the mayor said.
Cavaliers President Koby Altman also expressed pride in the star guard, calling him “a role model not just for our team, but for our entire city.”
> “Donovan is showing what it really means to be a leader. His heart is as big as his talent.”
This is not Mitchell’s first venture into philanthropy. During his time in Utah and now in Cleveland, he has supported causes related to education, social justice, and youth empowerment. But this marks his most ambitious project yet, and one that could become a model for NBA players around the league.
Fans have taken to social media to show their support, with hashtags like #SpidasHaven and #CavsCare trending within hours of the announcement. Many are calling Mitchell’s donation “an assist that matters more than any on the court.”
The shelter is expected to be completed in early 2026, with construction beginning later this year. Mitchell promised to be personally involved throughout the process, from design decisions to selecting community partners.
As the Cavaliers continue to build toward NBA success, their star player is also building something just as important: hope — bric
k by brick, heart by heart.
