BREAKING: LeBron James Donates Entire $18.9 Million Earnings to Build Homeless Shelter In Akron, Ohio, United States to Help Fund 150 Units Housing with 300 Shelter Beds… “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,” He Said in a Press Conference. “No one Deserves to…..

In an extraordinary act of generosity and compassion, NBA legend and Akron native LeBron James has announced he is donating his entire $18.9 million earnings from the 2024-2025 NBA season to build a state-of-the-art homeless shelter and housing complex in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.

The announcement was made during an emotional press conference held outside the future site of the project. LeBron, now 40, stood beside community leaders, city officials, and representatives from the LeBron James Family Foundation, as he unveiled plans for a transformative initiative that will address one of the region’s most pressing social issues: homelessness.

A Vision of Hope: 150 Housing Units and 300 Shelter Beds

The facility, named The Promise Housing Center, will include:

• 150 permanent supportive housing units

• 300 shelter beds

• On-site mental health services

• Job training and education programs

• Childcare services and community centers

Construction is set to begin in early 2026, with a projected opening in 2027. The $18.9 million donation will fully fund the first phase of development, making it one of the largest single-player charitable contributions in professional sports history.

LeBron Speaks: “No One Deserves to Be Forgotten”

Fighting back tears, LeBron delivered heartfelt remarks:

“I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up. I knew if I ever had the means, I’d give back in a meaningful way. This isn’t just about shelter — it’s about dignity. No one deserves to sleep on the streets. No one deserves to be forgotten.”

He added, “This is personal. I grew up just a few blocks from here, and I know what it feels like to have uncertainty at home — or not have a home at all. This is my way of making sure that others don’t have to feel that same fear and instability.”

A Legacy Beyond Basketball

While LeBron’s on-court accomplishments — four NBA championships, two Olympic gold medals, and the all-time scoring record — have cemented his place in basketball history, this latest act of service may define his legacy off the court even more powerfully.

Through his I PROMISE School, scholarships, and community reinvestments, LeBron has already changed countless lives. But with this initiative, he directly addresses homelessness — a crisis that affects over 580,000 people nationwide, including thousands in Ohio.

City Leaders Applaud the Effort

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik praised LeBron’s continued commitment to the community:

“LeBron James doesn’t just say he cares — he proves it. This donation will change lives for generations. It’s more than a shelter. It’s hope, safety, and opportunity.”

More Than a One-Time Gift

The LeBron James Family Foundation confirmed the shelter will be staffed and operated in partnership with local non-profits and that ongoing funding has already been pledged to maintain operations long-term. The project will also hire locally for construction and staffing, providing hundreds of jobs.

“This is what community looks like,” said Michele Campbell, Executive Director of the Foundation. “This isn’t a donation — this is an investment in humanity.”

Looking Ahead

As LeBron nears the twilight of his playing career, his off-court impact continues to expand. When asked if this signaled the beginning of his retirement planning, LeBron smiled:

“Basketball will end someday. But helping people? That’s forever.”

For the people of Akron — and for every individual who has ever felt unseen — this gift is more than dollars. It’s a promise, a purpose, and proof that when greatness meets compassion, lives can truly be transformed.