In a move that’s being hailed as one of the most generous acts in recent NHL history, St. Louis Blues forward Jordan Kyrou has donated the entirety of his $10.9 million in signing bonuses and sponsorship earnings to help combat homelessness in the St. Louis area.
Kyrou announced the donation during an emotional press conference on Tuesday, revealing the funds will go toward the construction and operation of 150 permanent supportive housing units and 300 emergency shelter beds through a local initiative called Metro Blues Homeless. The project, which is already in motion, is expected to provide both housing and wraparound services like mental health support, job training, and addiction recovery.
“I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew if I ever had the means, I’d give back in a meaningful way,” Kyrou said, visibly moved. “No one deserves to sleep on a sidewalk.”
A Personal Mission
Though the 27-year-old forward is known for his speed and scoring ability on the ice, it’s his off-ice actions that are now making waves. Kyrou opened up about his own childhood, sharing stories of economic instability and witnessing people in his community fall through the cracks of the system. He called this donation a “promise kept” to himself and to those who inspired him along the way.
“Playing hockey gave me a way out,” he said. “But not everyone gets that shot. This is about making sure they at least get a bed, a roof, and a second chance.”
Project Details
The $10.9 million donation will fund:
- 150 permanent housing units for individuals transitioning out of chronic homelessness
- 300 shelter beds to expand emergency capacity, especially during the winter months
- On-site support services including counseling, medical care, job placement programs, and substance abuse recovery
- Youth outreach programs, including scholarships for children in homeless shelters
The project, which is being managed in partnership with local housing nonprofits and the city government, is slated to break ground later this fall, with completion targeted for mid-2026.
A League-Wide Inspiration
The NHL has responded with widespread praise. Blues GM Doug Armstrong said, “We’re incredibly proud of Jordan—not just as a player, but as a human being. What he’s doing goes beyond hockey. It’s legacy-building.”
Players across the league, including Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, shared messages of support on social media. The NHLPA also announced it will be exploring ways to collaborate with similar community-based housing projects in other cities.
Community Reaction
Local leaders, advocacy groups, and residents have applauded Kyrou’s generosity. “This isn’t just a donation; it’s a statement,” said Maria Ellison, director of HopeWorks St. Louis. “It tells people experiencing homelessness that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.”
Social media has lit up with hashtags like #KyrouCares and #HockeyForHousing, with many fans calling the gesture “the assist of the decade.”
Jordan Kyrou’s bold step is a powerful reminder of how athletes can use their platform not just to entertain, but to transform lives. As the puck drops on a new season, one thing is clear: Kyrou’s biggest win may have just happened off the ice.
