**BREAKING NEWS: Ja Morant Invests \$3.6 Million to Turn Mansion into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Tennessee**
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has once again demonstrated that his impact goes well beyond the basketball court. In a powerful and compassionate move, the NBA sensation has invested \$3.6 million of his personal funds to convert a luxury mansion in Tennessee into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless and at-risk youth. The facility, which is already under renovation, is expected to open its doors later this year and provide housing, educational support, and counseling services to young people in need.
This major philanthropic initiative comes at a time when homelessness among youth in Tennessee — and across the U.S. — is a growing concern. According to state data, thousands of children and teens experience homelessness annually, often due to family instability, poverty, or aging out of the foster care system. Morant’s shelter aims to be a beacon of hope and a launchpad for lasting change.
“I’ve been blessed with so much through basketball, but I never forget where I came from,” Morant said in a statement released this morning. “This isn’t just about putting a roof over someone’s head — it’s about creating a foundation for young people to build a future. I want this place to feel like home, where kids feel safe, valued, and empowered.”
The property, a sprawling estate just outside Memphis, will be transformed into a warm, welcoming facility equipped with dorm-style living quarters, a learning center, mental health support offices, a recreational space, and a career training wing. The shelter will accommodate up to 60 residents at a time, ranging in age from 12 to 21, and will provide access to mentorship programs, GED and college prep courses, job placement resources, and trauma-informed care.
Morant’s initiative, known as the “12 Steps Home” — a nod to both his jersey number and a symbolic path to stability — will operate as a nonprofit in collaboration with local social service agencies, educators, and healthcare providers. He has also pledged an annual contribution to help cover operating costs, ensuring the shelter can offer services free of charge.
Community leaders, fans, and fellow athletes have applauded the 25-year-old guard’s vision and generosity. Memphis Mayor Paul Young called the announcement “a transformative act of leadership,” adding, “Ja isn’t just changing lives — he’s changing the way we think about responsibility and community.”
This is not Morant’s first foray into philanthropy. Over the years, he’s supported a range of causes, from youth basketball camps and school supply drives to mental health awareness. But this latest move marks his most ambitious and personal project to date.
Construction is already underway, and organizers plan to begin accepting applications for residency and employment this fall. In a time when headlines often spotlight controversy, Morant’s investment in the future of Tennessee’s youth sends a powerful message: greatness is measured not only by stats and accolades, but by the lives one chooses to uplift.
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