Patrick Ewing Donates $3.6 Million to Transform His Childhood Home Into a Shelter for Homeless Youth
Patrick Ewing Donates $3.6 Million to Transform His Childhood Home Into a Shelter for Homeless Youth
New York, NY – May 19, 2025
In a heartfelt gesture that transcends basketball and speaks volumes about compassion and community, NBA Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing has announced a $3.6 million personal investment to convert his childhood home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, into a shelter for homeless youth.
The project, officially named the Ewing House of Hope, is set to open in early 2026 and will serve as a transitional residence and resource center for at-risk and homeless youth between the ages of 12 and 21. The initiative marks one of the most significant philanthropic efforts by the legendary former Georgetown Hoyas star and New York Knicks icon.
A Full-Circle Moment
“This home gave me everything,” Ewing said during a press conference held at the construction site. “It gave me warmth, stability, and a mother who sacrificed everything to make sure I had a chance. Now, it’s my turn to make sure others get that same chance.”
Ewing, now 62, spoke emotionally about his early days growing up in a modest neighborhood in Cambridge after emigrating from Kingston, Jamaica. The house, a small but sturdy two-story structure, was where he first discovered basketball, buried his head in textbooks, and found the strength to dream beyond his circumstances.
“I owe everything to this community. I made it to the NBA, coached, and lived an incredible life, but not everyone gets the same shot,” Ewing said. “Some kids just need a door to open. I want this house to be that door.”
A Home With a Mission
The Ewing House of Hope will include:
Dorm-style living quarters for up to 24 youth at a time
On-site counseling and mental health services
Job training and educational support programs
A community kitchen and shared garden
Basketball court and recreation area
The shelter will partner with local schools, nonprofits, and mental health providers to create a holistic support system tailored to each resident’s needs. While the shelter will be non-denominational, Ewing noted that it would be “grounded in the values of dignity, accountability, and love.”
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, an estimated 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness each year in America. Massachusetts alone has seen a sharp rise in youth homelessness, particularly among LGBTQ+ teens and youth of color.
“Patrick’s commitment goes beyond charity,” said Mayor Michelle Wu of Boston, who joined Ewing at the event. “This is a bold investment in the next generation of young people who deserve safety, belonging, and a future. We’re honored to support him in this mission.”
A Legacy Beyond the Hardwood
Ewing’s philanthropic work has long flown under the radar. Over the years, he’s quietly funded college scholarships, basketball camps, and emergency relief efforts in Jamaica and the United States. But this is his most personal and ambitious project to date.
“I’ve worn jerseys, lifted trophies, and coached at the highest level,” said Ewing, who recently stepped down as head coach of the Georgetown Hoyas. “But none of it matters if I don’t give back.”
Fellow NBA legends like Charles Barkley, Alonzo Mourning, and John Starks have already pledged to support the shelter’s long-term funding through fundraising events and mentorship initiatives. Georgetown University has also expressed interest in providing volunteer student support and internship opportunities related to youth outreach and public health.
Community Reaction
In Cambridge, residents are already rallying around the project. Longtime neighbor Sarah Blake, 74, recalled watching Ewing shoot hoops as a child on a makeshift basket nailed to a telephone pole.
“He was a quiet, respectful kid—tall as a tree, even back then,” Blake said, smiling. “To see him come back like this, not with fanfare but with heart, it’s moving. He’s putting his legacy right back where it began.”
Local teens like 17-year-old Andre Martin, who has experienced housing insecurity himself, see Ewing as more than a basketball hero.
“He’s giving kids like me a place to be safe and dream big,” Martin said. “That’s real. That’s powerful.”
Looking Ahead
Construction on the Ewing House of Hope is expected to begin this summer, with local labor unions volunteering time and resources to help meet the project’s timeline. Ewing says he will remain deeply involved in its planning and operations.
“I’ll be there—not just on the ribbon-cutting day—but every month,” Ewing emphasized. “This isn’t a one-time gift. It’s a lifelong promise.”
As the echoes of bouncing basketballs fade into the past, Patrick Ewing is building something lasting—brick by brick, heart by heart. A sanctuary. A statement. A home.
