NEW York Knicks Basketball NBA Rising Star Milwaukee Bucks invests $15.9 million to transform House into shelter for Homeless Youth in ....

NEW York Knicks Basketball NBA Rising Star

Milwaukee Bucks

invests $15.9 million to transform House into shelter for Homeless Youth in ….

In a bold and compassionate move that has stunned fans and inspired communities nationwide, New York Knicks rising star Brendan Marks has announced a $15.9 million personal investment to transform a historic property into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless and at-risk youth. The initiative marks a significant shift in how professional athletes are using their platforms—not only to make headlines on the court but to drive real, lasting change off it.

Marks, 24, who has quickly become a cornerstone of the Knicks’ recent resurgence in the NBA, made the announcement early Saturday morning during a press conference held at the site of the new shelter. Located in the heart of Yonkers, New York, the 35,000-square-foot property will be repurposed into a modern, full-service youth center offering transitional housing, educational support, mental health services, and job readiness programs for young people aged 14 to 24.

The initiative, titled The Bridge Project, aims to create more than just a place to sleep—it seeks to build a launchpad for vulnerable youth to rebuild their lives.

“This isn’t charity—it’s a responsibility,” Marks said, addressing a crowd of reporters, city officials, and community leaders. “I’ve been blessed with opportunity, but I know too many kids right here in New York don’t get that same shot. This is about giving them a place to land, to heal, and to rise.”

A Shelter Unlike Any Other

Set to open in early 2026, The Bridge Project will feature 60 private and semi-private bedrooms, multiple community lounges, a rooftop garden, classrooms, a tech lab, a full-service kitchen, and a wellness center. Marks has partnered with local nonprofit organizations including Covenant House New York and The Door to provide wraparound support services designed to address both the immediate and long-term needs of its residents.

In a departure from the traditional shelter model, the center will also provide on-site therapists, mentorship programs, GED tutoring, financial literacy workshops, and a small recording studio for creative expression.

“The goal is not just to get them off the street,” Marks explained. “It’s to help them reclaim their dreams. If that means music, tech, business, college—we’ll give them the tools to chase it.”

From NBA Phenomenon to Social Visionary

Brendan Marks, drafted 7th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, has rapidly become a household name—not just for his aggressive playstyle and three-point accuracy, but for his character and vision beyond basketball. In just three seasons, he’s become a vocal advocate for youth empowerment and mental health reform, often sharing his own experiences growing up in a working-class neighborhood in Baltimore.

This latest venture is the largest financial commitment to a social cause ever made by a current Knicks player.

“Brendan is changing the game, literally and figuratively,” said Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. “His heart is as big as his hustle. We’re proud of him as a player—but even more proud of the man he’s becoming.”

Community Response and Support

The city of Yonkers has welcomed the project with open arms, with Mayor Mike Spano calling it “a model for how cities and athletes can come together to solve real problems.”

Initial funding will come entirely from Marks’ personal earnings and endorsement deals, but he has plans to eventually open the project to public contributions and corporate partnerships. A related foundation, also named The Bridge Project, will oversee the long-term operations and potential expansion to other cities.

Local residents, many of whom have struggled with housing instability themselves, say they feel seen and hopeful.

“I’ve got three nephews living in shelters right now,” said Delores Harris, a longtime Yonkers resident who attended the press conference. “To know someone like Brendan is stepping in—not with just money, but heart—that’s powerful.”

Looking Ahead

Construction is slated to begin this summer, with the facility aiming to open its doors by March 2026. Marks has vowed to remain closely involved in the design and implementation of the center’s programs, emphasizing that this is not a one-time act of charity, but the start of a lifelong commitment.

“Basketball gave me a platform,” Marks said. “Now I’m using that platform to build something that lasts—something bigger than any championship banner.”

As the Knicks gear up for what fans hope will be a playoff-contending season, Brendan Marks is proving that leadership goes far beyond the hardwood. In a time of rising homelessness among youth, particularly in urban areas, his investment is more than symbolic—it’s a rallying cry for change.