BREAKING NEWS: DeMar DeRozan of the Sacramento Kings has invested $3.6 million to transform a house into a shelter for homeless youth in Tennessee after…

In an inspiring act of philanthropy, Sacramento Kings star DeMar DeRozan has invested $3.6 million of his own money to transform a historic estate in Tennessee into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth. The move is being hailed as a powerful example of athlete-driven social impact and a deep commitment to youth welfare beyond the basketball court.

 

The former All-Star guard, known for his gritty on-court presence and off-court openness about mental health, reportedly purchased the 12,000-square-foot property in early March. The estate, which dates back to the early 1900s, is located in the heart of Nashville and had sat vacant for nearly a decade. After extensive renovations, the facility will open as the “Dream Haven Youth Home,” a name DeRozan chose to represent hope, safety, and the promise of a better future.

 

According to DeRozan’s publicist, the idea for the shelter came after the player spent part of the 2024 offseason volunteering with local outreach organizations focused on youth homelessness in the South. “He was deeply moved by the stories he heard and the resilience of the young people he met,” said the publicist. “He wanted to create something lasting, something more than just a donation—a space that could change lives.”

 

Dream Haven will accommodate up to 50 youth, offering not just housing but wraparound services including mental health counseling, education assistance, job training, and mentorship programs. A team of full-time staff, including licensed social workers and trauma-informed counselors, will work on-site. DeRozan has also partnered with several Tennessee-based non-profits to ensure the program aligns with existing state resources and fills critical gaps in care.

 

“Too many kids are slipping through the cracks,” DeRozan said in a statement released Friday morning. “Everyone deserves a shot at stability, at peace, at purpose. I was lucky to have people who looked out for me when I was young—this is my way of paying it forward.”

 

The news has generated praise from across the league and beyond. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver commended DeRozan’s “extraordinary vision and compassion,” while Kings head coach Mike Brown said the move reflects “the character and leadership DeMar brings to every locker room and community he’s a part of.”

 

Local leaders in Nashville also expressed gratitude. Mayor Freddie O’Connell called the initiative “a gift of hope” to the city, noting that youth homelessness has risen sharply in recent years. “DeMar DeRozan is showing what real leadership looks like,” O’Connell said.

 

Construction crews are already at work, with the shelter expected to open its doors by fall 2025. DeRozan has pledged ongoing funding and involvement, stating that he will be “hands-on every step of the way.”

 

As one of the NBA’s most respected veterans, DeRozan’s bold move not only sets a new standard for athlete philanthropy—it delivers a message that community care starts with action, not words.