BREAKING NEWS: Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies Invests $3.6 Million to Transform Tennessee House into Shelter for Homeless Youth
Memphis, TN – April 14, 2025 — NBA All-Star and Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant is making headlines off the court with a powerful act of generosity and purpose. The 25-year-old athlete has invested $3.6 million of his own money to convert a large, vacant house in Tennessee into a fully functioning shelter for homeless youth, following a deeply personal encounter that moved him to take action.
According to sources close to Morant, the idea for the shelter was born after a recent visit to a local community center, where he met a group of teens who had aged out of foster care and were struggling to find stable housing. The emotional conversations stuck with him, prompting the NBA star to look for tangible ways to create a safe space for youth in crisis.
“I left that day thinking, ‘What more can I do?’” Morant said in a heartfelt statement. “Basketball has given me so much, but none of it matters if I can’t use my blessings to uplift others. These kids deserve a chance, a safe place, and someone to believe in them.”
The shelter, named “House of Hope,” will serve as a sanctuary for homeless and at-risk youth aged 13 to 21. Located in a quiet Tennessee neighborhood, the property will be fully renovated and outfitted with dorm-style rooms, communal living areas, a kitchen, study spaces, and recreational facilities. Beyond shelter, House of Hope will provide essential support services, including mental health counseling, tutoring, life skills training, job placement programs, and mentorship opportunities.
The initiative is a collaborative effort with local non-profits, social workers, and education professionals. Morant’s team has also confirmed that licensed therapists and career counselors will be on-site to offer 24/7 support, ensuring a holistic approach to healing and growth.
“Youth homelessness is a crisis that’s too often ignored,” said Cynthia Hale, director of the Tennessee Coalition for Homeless Youth. “What Ja is doing isn’t just charity—it’s leadership. He’s not waiting on the system to fix the problem. He’s becoming part of the solution.”
Morant’s $3.6 million investment covers both the purchase of the house and the extensive renovations needed to turn it into a modern, welcoming facility. Construction is set to begin this summer, with the goal of opening its doors by early 2026. The shelter will initially serve up to 30 residents at a time, with plans to expand capacity in the future.
While Morant is known for his dynamic plays on the basketball court, this latest move is solidifying his legacy as a changemaker in the community. In a league where many athletes are using their platforms for good, Morant’s commitment stands out for its personal nature and long-term vision.
“I want every kid who walks through those doors to know they matter,” Morant said. “No one should feel invisible. This is just the beginning.”
With House of Hope, Ja Morant is turning compassion into action—proving once again that true greatness isn’t just measured in points or trophies, but in the lives we lift along the way.
