BREAKING NEWS: LeBron James Donates $10.7 Million to Transform Historic Cleveland House into Shelter for Homeless Youth — A Legacy of Purpose Beyond Basketball
In an inspiring act of generosity and hometown love, NBA legend LeBron James has announced a $10.7 million donation to transform a historic home in Cleveland, Ohio, into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth. The news was confirmed early this morning by the LeBron James Family Foundation and has since gone viral, drawing praise from fans, activists, and leaders across the country.
The historic house, located near LeBron’s hometown of Akron, will be completely renovated and expanded to serve as a long-term residential and support center for young people facing homelessness, abandonment, or extreme hardship. The facility will provide housing, mental health support, education services, career training, and mentorship to young people aged 13–23.
“This is bigger than basketball,” LeBron said in a heartfelt statement. “This is about making sure no kid in our community ever feels like they have no place to go. No one should face the world alone, especially when they’re just trying to survive.”
This new project, called “The Promise Haven,” will be part of the broader work of the I PROMISE Program, a powerful initiative LeBron launched in 2018 to uplift at-risk youth and families through education, housing, and wraparound services. The foundation already runs the I PROMISE School, transitional housing programs, and job placement services. But LeBron and his team recognized a deeper need — a place where vulnerable youth can feel safe, supported, and seen.
“This shelter isn’t just a roof,” said Michele Campbell, Executive Director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. “It’s a healing space, a launching pad, and a home built with love, intention, and dignity.”
The $10.7 million donation will fully fund the transformation of the property, which was previously vacant and marked for demolition. The restored building will preserve its historic architectural features while being equipped with modern facilities, including therapy rooms, classrooms, a tech lab, private dorms, and communal living areas.
LeBron’s gift comes at a time when youth homelessness is on the rise across the U.S., especially in urban communities. In Cleveland alone, thousands of young people experience housing instability each year. The Promise Haven project is being hailed as a game-changing solution that not only addresses immediate needs but also creates long-term pathways for success.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb called the donation “a profound blessing,” adding, “LeBron James continues to be a hometown hero, not just for what he does on the court, but for the lives he changes off of it.”
Fans have flooded social media with emotional reactions, thanking LeBron for “being the role model we all need.” Many are calling this his greatest assist yet — a gift not for stats, fame, or legacy, but for real people who desperately need hope.
As LeBron continues his legendary basketball career, this powerful act cements his place as more than just a sports icon — it proves he’s a true ch
ampion of humanity.
