Cavaliers Star Jarrett Allen Invests $3.6 Million to Build Shelter for Homeless Youth in Cleveland
CLEVELAND – In a move that has stunned and inspired the basketball and wider community, Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen has invested $3.6 million to transform a house into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth in Cleveland.
The 26-year-old All-Star big man, known not only for his on-court dominance but also his humility and community-first mindset, announced the project earlier today. According to sources close to the team, Allen purchased a large property in downtown Cleveland earlier this year and has now committed millions to convert it into a safe haven designed specifically for at-risk and homeless young people in the city.
The facility will reportedly feature bedrooms, a community kitchen, learning centers, counseling spaces, and recreational areas all aimed at providing stability, safety, and opportunities for young people who have nowhere else to turn.
> “Basketball has given me so much, but I never forget where I came from or the struggles so many people still face,” Allen said in a heartfelt statement. “Cleveland has embraced me, and this is my way of giving back—to make sure the next generation has a chance at stability, education, and hope.”
Local organizations praised Allen’s commitment, calling it one of the most significant athlete-led investments in Cleveland youth housing initiatives. Experts estimate that more than 3,000 young people in Ohio face homelessness every year, with Cleveland representing one of the hardest-hit urban centers.
Cavaliers head coach JB Bickerstaff applauded Allen’s generosity, saying, “Jarrett’s heart is as big as his game. This is bigger than basketball—it’s about legacy, impact, and changing lives. We are proud to call him one of ours.”
Construction crews are expected to begin renovations in the coming weeks, with the shelter projected to open its doors in late 2026.
For Cavaliers fans and Cleveland residents, this act of kindness cements Jarrett Allen as more than just a defensive anchor and rim protector he is now a protector of the city’s most vulnerable youth.
