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NBA Star Ja Morant Invests $3.6 Million to Transform Tennessee Property into Safe Haven for Homeless Youth
In a powerful display of philanthropy and purpose beyond the basketball court, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has announced a transformative $3.6 million investment to develop a safe haven for homeless youth in his home state of Tennessee. The ambitious project aims to convert an abandoned 15-acre property into a full-service residential center that provides shelter, emotional support, education, and opportunities for at-risk and homeless young people.
The initiative, named “The Rise Center”, will be located just outside Memphis and is set to break ground later this year. Morant, known for his explosive athleticism and fierce competitive spirit on the court, has shown a growing dedication to uplifting communities—especially youth facing adversity.
A Vision Rooted in Purpose
In a heartfelt statement released Monday, Morant shared the personal motivation behind the initiative.
“Growing up, I had support and guidance from my family, my coaches, and my community. Not every kid is that lucky,” Morant said. “This is about giving kids a shot—somewhere they feel safe, seen, and supported. It’s about more than just shelter. It’s about hope, purpose, and opportunity.”
According to data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, there are over 4,000 homeless youth in Tennessee on any given night, many of whom have aged out of foster care or fled unsafe environments. Morant’s initiative is one of the largest privately funded efforts in recent state history aimed specifically at this vulnerable population.
Features of The Rise Center
The Rise Center will provide comprehensive services, designed in consultation with local nonprofits, social workers, and youth advocates. Plans include:
- Temporary and Transitional Housing: Dormitory-style accommodations for up to 75 youth aged 14–24, with priority given to teens aging out of the foster system.
- Mental Health & Counseling Services: On-site licensed therapists and trauma specialists will offer individual and group counseling.
- Education & Job Training: A full learning center will offer GED prep, college application assistance, and vocational training in areas like IT, hospitality, and construction.
- Life Skills Programs: Residents will receive coaching in areas such as financial literacy, cooking, conflict resolution, and time management.
- Community Integration: Youth will be connected with mentors, internship opportunities, and local businesses interested in hiring and training young people from the center.
“We want this to be a launching pad,” Morant explained. “The goal isn’t just to house them—it’s to help them rise, find their voice, and build a future they can be proud of.”
Community Response and Support
The announcement has sparked an outpouring of praise from community leaders, fans, and fellow athletes. Memphis mayor Paul Young called the investment “a landmark moment for youth empowerment in our city.”
Local nonprofit directors echoed the sentiment, praising Morant’s decision to work directly with organizations already embedded in the community. “He didn’t come in with a celebrity complex,” said Trina Wallace, director of SafeSteps Memphis, a youth homelessness prevention group. “He came in listening. He wanted to know what works, what’s missing, and how he could help fill the gap.”
Morant also enlisted the help of social impact consultants and urban development experts to ensure the center is not just a temporary fix but a sustainable model for future replication.
A Growing Legacy Off the Court
At just 25 years old, Morant is already leaving a legacy that transcends his highlight-reel dunks and All-Star accolades. While his NBA career has seen incredible highs—including Rookie of the Year honors, multiple All-Star selections, and leading Memphis to playoff runs—his focus in recent years has expanded beyond basketball.
Morant’s involvement with youth began early in his professional career through clinics, back-to-school giveaways, and Thanksgiving food drives. But this latest move represents a more systemic, long-term commitment.
“This is Ja maturing into the man he wants to be—not just the athlete,” said former NBA player and mentor Jamal Crawford. “He’s using his platform to create lasting change. That’s how legends are remembered.”
The Power of Representation
For many young people in Memphis and across Tennessee, seeing a high-profile figure like Morant reinvest in the community sends a powerful message. In a city grappling with poverty and gun violence, particularly among its youth, Morant’s initiative offers both practical help and symbolic inspiration.
“Too many kids think nobody cares,” said 17-year-old DeAndre Phillips, a Memphis high school senior who has experienced homelessness. “Knowing someone like Ja Morant sees us—he really sees us—it means everything.”
Morant plans to remain actively involved with the Rise Center, including quarterly visits, leadership workshops, and even basketball clinics on the property’s planned sports court. A portion of the facility will also include murals and messages submitted by local youth, reinforcing the theme of community ownership.
What’s Next?
Construction on The Rise Center is expected to begin in late summer, with doors scheduled to open by the fall of 2026. In addition to the $3.6 million of his own money, Morant has also launched a charitable foundation to raise additional funds for ongoing operations, programming, and possible expansion into other cities.
Corporate partners and fellow NBA players have already expressed interest in supporting the effort. Sources close to Morant indicate that partnerships with Nike and local colleges are already in the works.
Morant concluded his announcement with a simple yet powerful statement: “I made it out. Now, I want to help others do the same.”
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