In a truly unprecedented act of generosity, Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum and his wife, Grammy-nominated singer Ella Mai, have donated the entirety of Tatum’s $12.9 million bonus and sponsorship earnings to launch a massive housing initiative for the homeless in Boston.
The donation, which is among the largest ever made by an active NBA player toward homelessness, will go directly toward the construction of 150 permanent housing units and 300 emergency shelter beds, according to a joint statement released Friday by the couple and city officials.
“We’ve been blessed beyond measure, and it’s time we used our platform and resources to directly impact lives,” Tatum said. “This isn’t charity — it’s responsibility.”
The initiative, called “Shelter Forward: Boston,” will partner with local nonprofit developers and the City of Boston. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026.
Ella Mai added, “Every night, thousands sleep without safety or dignity. This is personal for us. Home should be a right, not a privilege.”
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu praised the couple’s contribution, calling it a “historic moment in public-private partnership” and saying it sets a new standard for celebrity philanthropy.
The couple’s donation will cover initial construction costs, land procurement, and 24 months of operational funding for shelter services including job training, mental health support, and food programs.
Jayson Tatum and Ella Mai Give Away $12.9M to Shelter Boston’s Homeless
In a world where headlines often bring dismay, NBA star Jayson Tatum and award-winning singer Ella Mai just dropped the kind of news that restores faith in humanity.
The Celtics forward and his wife announced they are donating every penny of Tatum’s recent $12.9 million in bonuses and endorsements to fight homelessness in their beloved city of Boston.
“I walk into arenas with thousands of fans. Some people walk into the night with nowhere to go. That’s not okay with me anymore,” Tatum said in an emotional Instagram video.
Their initiative will create 150 new housing units and 300 shelter beds, giving hundreds of Boston’s unhoused residents a shot at stability, safety, and a future.
Ella Mai said the idea was born during a late-night drive through Boston after a Celtics home game. “We saw people sleeping on heating grates in February. We went home to a warm bed. That contrast haunted us.”
Local advocates are calling the donation “transformational,” especially as Boston faces one of the worst housing crises in its history.
With plans already in motion and city permits fast-tracked, the shelters are expected to open within 18 months. Each unit will include access to food services, mental health care, and job placement support.
In a statement, Tatum ended with a call to action:
“We’re not done. This is just a start. Boston — let’s build something better. Together.”
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