Memphis, TN – April 13, 2025
In an extraordinary act of compassion and leadership, Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant has made headlines for a different kind of assist — this time, off the court. The two-time NBA All-Star has invested more than $3.6 million of his own money to purchase and renovate a large estate property in Memphis, turning it into a fully operational shelter and support center for homeless youth.
The facility, which will be named the “Rise & Grind Youth Haven,” is set to open later this year and aims to provide shelter, food, counseling, education support, and job placement services to teens and young adults between the ages of 14 and 22 who are experiencing homelessness in the Memphis and greater Tennessee area.
A Vision With a Purpose
“This is about more than just a roof over someone’s head,” Morant said during a press conference Friday afternoon. “It’s about giving young people a second chance — a safe place to sleep, eat, learn, and dream again. Growing up, I was blessed to have a support system. Not everyone gets that. I want to be that system for someone else.”
The idea reportedly began forming last year, during Morant’s recovery from a shoulder injury that sidelined him for most of the 2024-2025 NBA season. Sources close to the athlete say that time away from basketball gave him perspective and a renewed sense of purpose.
“He started asking deeper questions,” said one source from Morant’s foundation. “He wanted to know how he could leave a lasting impact in Memphis — something that mattered long after basketball.”
A Personal Connection
Though Morant never experienced homelessness himself, he has long been an advocate for youth development and mental health awareness. He has previously donated to after-school programs, funded basketball camps for underprivileged children, and partnered with local nonprofits. But this latest initiative is by far his most ambitious yet.
“I’ve seen how easy it is for kids to fall through the cracks,” Morant said. “I just kept thinking: what if that was me? What if that was my little sister?”
The facility will include 18 fully furnished bedrooms, two kitchens, a computer lab, a recreation area, a fitness center, and even an indoor basketball half-court, a nod to Morant’s roots. Local chefs and educators will volunteer time for life-skills training, while licensed counselors will provide mental health support and trauma recovery services.
Community Reactions
Reactions from the Memphis community have been overwhelmingly positive. Mayor Paul Young praised Morant’s efforts, saying, “This is more than just charity. This is leadership. Ja is showing what it means to be a citizen of this city. He’s building futures.”
Social media has been abuzz with support for the NBA star, with hashtags like #JaGivesBack and #RiseAndGrind trending across multiple platforms. Fellow NBA players, including LeBron James and Damian Lillard, publicly applauded Morant’s initiative.
“You love to see it,” Lillard tweeted. “This is how you use your platform for real change.”
A Long-Term Commitment
Morant isn’t stopping at just one shelter. His foundation, “12 Steps Ahead,” announced that this is only the first phase of a broader initiative to combat youth homelessness across the Southeast. Plans are already underway for a second facility in Nashville and partnerships with existing organizations in Atlanta and Charlotte.
“This is a long game,” Morant said. “Just like basketball. You don’t win a game in the first quarter — and you don’t solve a crisis with one building. But we’re starting. And we’re not stopping.”
Final Thoughts
In a sports world often dominated by highlight reels and statistics, Ja Morant’s latest move proves that true greatness isn’t just measured in points or assists — it’s measured in the lives you lift up.
As the Rise & Grind Youth Haven prepares to open its doors, it’s clear that Morant is doing more than making a difference. He’s creating a legacy.