In a bold and compassionate move, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has once again stepped beyond the football field to serve the community that raised him. The 24-year-old athlete and son of Steelers legend Joey Porter Sr. has announced a staggering $8.5 million personal investment aimed at transforming abandoned and underutilized homes across Pittsburgh into safe, supportive housing for homeless and at-risk youth.
This initiative—called The Jasmine Homes Project—is named after his sister, Jasmine Nyree, and builds on the work his family has already undertaken through the Jasmine Nyree Campus in the Sheraden neighborhood.
“Football gave me a platform,” Porter Jr. said during a press conference outside a newly renovated home on the city’s North Side. “But Pittsburgh gave me my foundation. This is about making sure the next kid in line has more than just a bed—they have a future.”
🏘️ A New Model for Transitional Youth Housing
Joey Jr.’s investment will go toward:
Purchasing and renovating 25 vacant properties throughout Pittsburgh
Equipping each home with furnishings, mental health resources, and digital learning labs
Hiring 24/7 youth counselors and mentors
Partnering with local nonprofits to provide job training, GED prep, and trauma-informed care
Each Jasmine Home will serve up to 6–8 young people, ages 16–24, who are aging out of foster care or facing chronic housing insecurity.
The first 10 homes are expected to open by Fall 2025, with others rolling out by mid-2026.
🛠️ Public-Private Collaboration
The project has gained the support of:
City of Pittsburgh, which is fast-tracking permits and zoning changes
Allegheny County Human Services, contributing wraparound services
Local contractors and labor unions, many volunteering time or offering discounted rates
“What Joey Jr. is doing isn’t just charity—it’s visionary,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “He’s setting a blueprint for how athletes can move the needle on structural issues like youth homelessness.”
👟 Not His First Act of Giving Back
Porter Jr. has already carved out a reputation for leadership off the field:
Hosted a free football camp for over 200 underserved kids in June 2025
Organized an annual back-to-school supply drive in Sheraden
Is an active partner in the Jasmine Nyree Campus, his family’s multi-service center for children and adults with developmental needs
This latest initiative is his most ambitious yet.
“We didn’t want to just write a check and walk away,” Porter Jr. explained. “I’ve walked through every one of these houses. I’ve met with young people who need a place to call home. This isn’t about saviorism. It’s about solidarity.”
❤️ A Legacy of Love—and Leadership
The Porter family’s ongoing contributions reflect a deep-rooted commitment to uplifting Pittsburgh’s most vulnerable. Joey Sr., a former Pro Bowl linebacker, and his wife Christy, began investing in Sheraden years ago to create educational and therapeutic opportunities for children like their daughter Jasmine.
Now, with Joey Jr. taking the reins of the next generation, the family is proving that legacy isn’t just built on tackles or touchdowns—it’s built on impact.
📢 Final Word
With an $8.5 million investment, a heart for youth, and a city behind him, Joey Porter Jr. is redefining what it means to be a star in Pittsburgh.
“They call it the Steel City,” he said with a smile. “But I think we’re building something even stronger—hope.
