Breaking News: R.J. Davis Invests $3.6 Million to Convert House into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC — June 4, 2025 — In a powerful demonstration of leadership beyond the basketball court, North Carolina Tar Heels star R.J. Davis has made headlines by investing $3.6 million to transform a historic residence in Carolina into a shelter for homeless youth. The initiative, revealed Wednesday morning, aims to provide not just housing, but hope, for vulnerable young people in the region.
The property, located just minutes from the UNC Chapel Hill campus, will be converted into a 24-bed shelter featuring modern amenities, trauma-informed care spaces, educational resources, and mentorship programs. The project, named “Heels Haven,” is set to open by the end of the year.
“I’ve been blessed in my life, and I know not everyone gets the same opportunities,” Davis said in a press statement. “This is about creating a place where young people who are struggling can feel safe, supported, and inspired to move forward.”
Davis, 22, who recently declared for the NBA Draft after a standout senior season with the Tar Heels, said the idea was sparked during a community outreach visit to a local shelter last year. Deeply moved by the stories he heard, Davis began working with local nonprofits, architects, and youth advocates to bring his vision to life.
The shelter will operate in partnership with Carolina Youth Services, a nonprofit organization that supports at-risk youth through housing, counseling, and life-skills training. Executive Director Latisha Monroe praised Davis’ initiative: “What R.J. is doing goes far beyond charity. He’s helping rewrite futures. This kind of compassion and commitment from a public figure can truly change lives.”
The renovation will preserve the building’s historic exterior while completely redesigning the interior to accommodate the needs of displaced youth aged 14–22. Programming will include career workshops, therapy sessions, art and music rooms, and a scholarship fund seeded by Davis himself.
Reactions have poured in from around the state, with Governor Elaine Richards calling the move “an inspiring example of what civic-minded leadership looks like.”
Coach Hubert Davis also voiced his pride: “R.J. has always led with heart. On the court, he’s a competitor. Off the court, he’s a role model.”
Davis plans to stay closely involved with the shelter even as his professional basketball career takes off, including establishing an annual summer camp hosted on the grounds to connect with local youth.
In a time when many headlines focus on celebrity excess, R.J. Davis is making news for all the right reasons.
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