BREAKING: Robert Thomas Donates Entire $18.9 Million Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Homeless Shelter In St. Louis Blues 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 sleep on a sidewalk.”…..

In a powerful act of generosity and civic responsibility, St. Louis Blues star forward Robert Thomas has donated the entirety of his $18.9 million in bonus and sponsorship earnings to combat homelessness in the city he calls home. The donation will fund a new initiative to build 150 housing units and provide 300 emergency shelter beds for unhoused individuals and families in the greater St. Louis area.

At a press conference held Friday morning, Thomas, 26, appeared visibly emotional as he described his personal connection to the cause.

“I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up,” he said. “And I knew if I ever had the means, I’d give back in a meaningful way. No one deserves to sleep on a sidewalk.”

The initiative, called The Thomas Haven Project, will be led in collaboration with the City of St. Louis, the nonprofit Gateway Housing Alliance, and local developers with experience in affordable housing. According to project planners, the facility will feature transitional housing for families, mental health and addiction support services, career counseling, and access to permanent housing programs.

The 150 units of supportive housing will be designated for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. Additionally, the 300-bed shelter facility will offer a 24/7 intake center, unlike many existing facilities with strict nightly curfews or capacity restrictions. The plan also includes wraparound services for veterans, LGBTQ+ youth, and others who are disproportionately impacted by homelessness.

Mayor Tishaura Jones praised Thomas during the press conference, calling the donation “transformational.”

“This is more than charity—it’s leadership. Robert Thomas is setting a new standard for what it means to be a public figure in St. Louis.”

Thomas, who has been with the Blues since being drafted in 2017, has long been known for his philanthropic efforts, often working with children’s hospitals, community centers, and food banks. But this marks his largest and most impactful donation to date. The funds come from a combination of a recent $13 million signing bonus and over $5 million in endorsement deals with brands including Adidas, Gatorade, and Bauer Hockey.

The announcement comes at a critical time. St. Louis has seen a significant rise in homelessness over the past two years, driven by rising rents, inflation, and limited access to affordable housing. City officials say the Thomas donation will allow them to accelerate their long-term housing goals by nearly five years.

Community leaders and housing advocates have responded with an outpouring of gratitude.

“This is a game-changer,” said Monica Rivera, Director of Gateway Housing Alliance. “With these funds, we can act immediately to build something permanent—not just patch a problem, but solve it.”

Construction on The Thomas Haven Project is slated to begin in late 2025, with an expected completion date in 2027.

As the press conference concluded, Thomas spoke humbly, deflecting attention from himself.

“Hockey’s given me so much,” he said. “Now it’s my turn to give back.”