BREAKING NEWS: Ken Roczen of the Motocross has invested $3.9 million to transform a house into a shelter for homeless youth in Mattstedt after…

Motocross superstar Ken Roczen is making headlines for a reason far removed from racing — but no less impactful. The 30-year-old German-born athlete, known worldwide for his fearless style on the track, has invested $3.9 million into converting a sprawling historic estate in Mattstedt, Thuringia, into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth. The project is being hailed as one of the most significant private philanthropic initiatives the town has seen in decades.

 

The stunning move came after Roczen reportedly visited his home country earlier this year and was struck by the growing issue of youth homelessness across parts of central Germany. Sources close to the athlete say Roczen was deeply moved by conversations with local community leaders and decided to act.

 

“He didn’t want to just make a donation,” said Jana Fischer, spokesperson for the local council. “He wanted to create something lasting — a space that not only provides safety, but also hope.”

 

The estate, a 19th-century mansion that had fallen into disrepair over the last two decades, sits on six acres of land on the outskirts of Mattstedt. Renovation work began quietly two months ago, with Roczen partnering with architects, youth counselors, and social service organizations to ensure the facility meets both the physical and emotional needs of its future residents.

 

According to project plans released today, the shelter — dubbed “Haus NeuAnfang” (House of New Beginnings) — will house up to 40 at-risk youths aged 14 to 21. It will include dormitory-style housing, private counseling rooms, classrooms, a fully equipped gym, therapy gardens, and even a motocross training track, which Roczen has personally pledged to help build.

 

“I remember how much I needed guidance and support at that age,” Roczen said in a statement released via his official channels. “I was lucky to have a family and a dream to chase. Not everyone is that lucky. This shelter is for those kids who just need someone to believe in them.”

 

The shelter will also include on-site mental health services, career training programs, and partnerships with local schools and employers aimed at reintegrating youth into education and the workforce.

 

Local reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents praising Roczen’s commitment to a long-overlooked problem. “He’s not just throwing money at something,” said Petra Lehmann, a Mattstedt resident whose daughter works with a local youth outreach program. “He’s helping build a future — that’s huge.”

 

Construction is expected to be completed by early 2026, with the first group of residents arriving later that spring. Roczen has stated he will return for the opening ceremony and plans to visit the shelter regularly when in Germany.

 

Social service experts say Roczen’s initiative could become a national model for public-private partnerships in addressing youth homelessness. “This is about more than just shelter,” said Dr. Lars Mertens, a social work professor at the University of Jena. “It’s about dignity, opportunity, and belonging. And when a figure like Ken Roczen steps up, people listen.”

 

From dominating international motocross circuits to leading a social movement in his hometown, Roczen is once again proving he’s not afraid of taking bold, meaningful risks. Only this time, the race is for something even bigger: changing lives.