Los Angeles, CA — In an inspiring move that underscores his commitment to social change, NBA star Luka Dončić, currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, has made a significant investment to address the homelessness crisis affecting youth in the city. The basketball prodigy has pledged over $3.6 million to transform a residential property into a shelter that will provide housing, education, and a pathway to independence for homeless and at-risk youth.
The project, which is expected to break ground later this year, is part of Dončić’s broader philanthropic efforts aimed at tackling homelessness in Los Angeles, a city where an estimated 4,000 youth are living on the streets or in unstable conditions. The new shelter will provide not only a safe place to live but also access to mental health services, vocational training, and educational opportunities, offering young people the tools they need to rebuild their lives.
“This is something that’s been on my heart for a long time,” Dončić said in a statement. “When you see kids on the streets, it really hits you hard. These young people have so much potential, and they deserve a chance to succeed. This shelter is just the beginning of what I hope will be a broader effort to make a real difference in their lives.”
The house, which is located in the heart of Los Angeles, was carefully selected for its proximity to essential services, including schools, job opportunities, and public transportation. The space will be renovated to accommodate up to 20 youth, ages 16 to 24, and will feature communal living areas, individual rooms, and specialized spaces for educational and therapeutic activities.
The facility will operate under the management of a local nonprofit organization dedicated to youth homelessness, which will provide the necessary support staff and resources. The organization will also partner with various community-based services to offer counseling, job placement, and career development programs to the residents.
“We’re thrilled that Luka is stepping up to help in such a meaningful way,” said Maria Hernandez, the executive director of the nonprofit organization that will oversee the project. “His investment is not just financial—it’s a statement that he believes in the power of second chances and in the potential of every young person, regardless of their circumstances.”
The shelter will also include a wellness center to address the unique mental health needs of homeless youth, many of whom have experienced trauma and face challenges like addiction and depression. The goal is to create a holistic environment that fosters not only physical safety but also emotional healing and growth.
While the details of the renovation are still being finalized, Dončić has expressed his desire to be actively involved in the project, from the design phase to the eventual opening. He has already begun working with architects, social workers, and community leaders to ensure the facility meets the highest standards of care and comfort for its future residents.
The donation is one of the largest individual contributions to a homelessness initiative in the region, and it comes at a time when homelessness in Los Angeles has reached critical levels. With rising rents and a lack of affordable housing, more and more young people are finding themselves without stable living situations. Dončić’s investment is seen as a crucial step in raising awareness of the issue and encouraging others to get involved.
Luka’s involvement with homelessness began several years ago when he first became aware of the growing crisis in Los Angeles. In addition to his financial contribution, Dončić has used his platform as an NBA superstar to speak out on behalf of homeless youth and advocate for policy changes that would address the root causes of homelessness, such as the lack of affordable housing and mental health services.
His passion for giving back extends beyond the basketball court. Dončić is also involved in numerous other charitable endeavors, including supporting youth sports programs in underserved communities and donating to cancer research. However, this new project represents one of his most personal and impactful contributions to date.
As the renovations move forward, Dončić’s team is already planning for an official grand opening ceremony, which will include a ribbon-cutting event with community leaders, activists, and supporters of the cause. In the meantime, the local community has expressed overwhelming support for the initiative, with many hailing Dončić as a role model not only for his athleticism but also for his compassion and leadership off the court.
“This is the kind of change we need,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “Luka’s investment is a powerful reminder that when people with privilege and influence step up to support the most vulnerable in our society, real change is possible. We’re grateful for his generosity and vision.”
As the project continues to take shape, the hope is that it will serve as a model for future initiatives, inspiring other individuals and organizations to join the fight against homelessness and to provide young people with the tools and resources they need to thrive. For now, however, the focus remains on turning Luka Dončić’s vision into a reality—one that will forever change the lives of countless young people in Los Angeles.