BREAKING NEWS: Jon Scheyer of the Duke Blue Devils Basketball Invests $3.6 Million to Transform House into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Durham, North Carolina
In a move that transcends sports and speaks directly to the heart of community service, Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball head coach Jon Scheyer has made a staggering $3.6 million personal investment to convert a historic property in Durham, North Carolina, into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth. The announcement, which came as a surprise to many, underscores Scheyer’s deep commitment to giving back to the city that has embraced him both as a player and now as the leader of one of college basketball’s most storied programs. The project, set to break ground in the coming months, aims to provide not just temporary housing but also educational resources, career training, and mental health support for at-risk young people in the Durham area.
The decision to fund this initiative came after Scheyer, who took over as Duke’s head coach in 2022 following the retirement of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, witnessed firsthand the growing issue of youth homelessness in Durham. Reports from local advocacy groups estimate that hundreds of young people in the city lack stable housing, with many facing systemic barriers to employment, education, and basic healthcare. Scheyer, known for his quiet leadership and philanthropic spirit, was moved to act after volunteering with community organizations and hearing the stories of young individuals who had fallen through the cracks of social support systems.
The property at the center of this transformative project is a historic 12,000-square-foot estate in downtown Durham, previously owned by a local philanthropist. Scheyer’s vision for the space goes beyond traditional shelter models—it will include private dorm-style rooms, communal living areas, a fully equipped learning center with computer labs, and an on-site counseling office staffed by licensed professionals. Additionally, the facility will partner with Durham Technical Community College and local businesses to offer vocational training programs, ensuring residents have pathways to sustainable employment. Scheyer has also pledged to cover the first five years of operational costs, guaranteeing that the shelter can focus on its mission without immediate financial strain.
Reaction to Scheyer’s announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, with Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams calling it a “game-changer for our city’s most vulnerable youth.” Current and former Duke players, including NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and Paolo Banchero, have also voiced their support, with several indicating they plan to contribute their own resources or time to the project. The Duke athletics department released a statement praising Scheyer’s leadership, noting that his actions reflect the university’s broader commitment to “education, service, and community engagement.”
What makes Scheyer’s investment particularly noteworthy is the personal nature of the contribution. Unlike many high-profile charitable efforts tied to corporate sponsorships or foundation grants, this $3.6 million comes directly from Scheyer’s own earnings as a coach and former professional player. In an era where athlete and coach philanthropy is often channeled through tax-sheltered donor-advised funds or highly publicized one-time donations, Scheyer’s hands-on approach—including his plans to regularly visit the shelter and mentor residents—sets a new standard for what it means to leverage sports influence for social good.
Critics of such projects often question whether celebrity-driven initiatives can create lasting change, but Scheyer’s team has taken steps to ensure sustainability. By collaborating with established nonprofits like the Durham Interfaith Homeless Shelter and the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the shelter will integrate into existing networks of care rather than operate in isolation. Furthermore, Scheyer has enlisted urban planners and social workers to design programs tailored to the specific needs of homeless youth, who face unique challenges compared to older adults experiencing homelessness.
The timing of the announcement is also significant. As debates rage nationwide about the role of universities in their communities—particularly around issues of affordable housing and economic disparity—Scheyer’s initiative offers a powerful counter-narrative to the notion that college sports programs exist in a bubble, separate from societal issues. Duke, like many elite athletic departments, has faced scrutiny in recent years over its real estate footprint in Durham and the strain of rising housing costs on long-time residents. By investing in a project that directly addresses these tensions, Scheyer is positioning Duke basketball as a force for tangible local impact rather than just a source of entertainment or revenue.
For Scheyer, the project is deeply personal. In interviews following the announcement, he spoke about how his grandfather, a Holocaust survivor, instilled in him the importance of “using whatever platform you have to lift others up.” He also credited his wife, Marcelle, a former teacher, for opening his eyes to educational inequities that often contribute to youth homelessness. “This isn’t about basketball,” Scheyer told reporters. “It’s about recognizing that every young person deserves safety, dignity, and a chance to succeed—no matter their circumstances.”
As construction begins, all eyes will be on how this model of athlete/coach-led philanthropy could inspire similar efforts nationwide. With youth homelessness rising in nearly every major U.S. city—and traditional funding sources failing to keep pace—Scheyer’s blueprint of private investment paired with community partnerships may offer a replicable solution. For now, though, the focus remains on Durham, where dozens of young people will soon have a place to call home, thanks to a coach who decided his legacy would be measured in more than just wins and losses.
The shelter is expected to open its doors in late 2025, coinciding with the start of Duke’s next basketball season. In a poetic twist, the facility will sit less than two miles from Cameron Indoor Stadium, a reminder that even in a town defined by its love of sports, the most enduring victories are those scored off the court.
