BREAKING NEWS: Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies Invests $3.6 Million to Transform Tennessee House into Shelter for Homeless Youth After Life-Changing Encounter
Memphis, TN — In an inspiring turn of events, NBA star Ja Morant has pledged $3.6 million to convert a Tennessee property into a shelter for homeless youth, following a personal encounter that profoundly impacted him during a community outreach visit in Memphis. The gesture has garnered widespread praise from fans, civic leaders, and fellow athletes alike.
The future facility, to be named Morant House, will be located just outside Memphis and will serve as a sanctuary for youth experiencing homelessness, particularly those between the ages of 13 and 21. The 10,000-square-foot home will be fully renovated and outfitted to provide both short- and long-term accommodations, as well as holistic support services.
Morant said the decision to invest came after he spoke with a 16-year-old boy during a charity event in North Memphis last month. The teen, who has been homeless for over a year, told Morant his dream was simply “a safe place to sleep and a chance to go to school.” That moment, according to sources close to the player, was the spark that led to the groundbreaking initiative.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about him,” Morant said in a public statement. “It hit me hard. We talk about stats and highlights, but what matters most is what we do for others. I had to do something real.”
The shelter will feature dormitory-style bedrooms, communal dining and lounge areas, therapy and wellness rooms, classrooms, and recreation spaces. It will also offer life skills workshops, GED preparation, counseling, and career mentorship programs, all staffed by professionals and volunteers from local organizations.
Construction is expected to begin this summer, with doors projected to open by spring 2026. Up to 60 youth will be able to live on-site at any given time, and transportation, meals, and medical services will be provided.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee commended the move, calling Morant’s commitment “an act of compassion that will ripple across generations.” Memphis Mayor Paul Young added, “This is bigger than basketball. Ja is investing in the future of our city.”
Morant, who has faced public scrutiny in the past, emphasized that this effort reflects a broader journey of growth. “I’ve learned from my mistakes,” he said. “Now I want to use my blessings to uplift others.”
In a time where athlete activism is more important than ever, Ja Morant’s $3.6 million investment represents more than charity — it’s a defining statement of purpose, redemption, and hope.