Arkansas Razorbacks Star Guard Boogie Fland Bolding Invests $11.3 Million to Transform House Into Shelter for Homeless Youth in..
In a move being hailed as both bold and deeply personal, Arkansas Razorbacks star guard Boogie Fland Bolding has pledged a staggering $11.3 million of his own funds to convert his childhood home and the surrounding property in Little Rock into a state-of-the-art transitional shelter for homeless youth. The project, which will be named The Fland Foundation House of Hope, is already under development and expected to open by spring 2026.
Bolding, who has garnered national attention not only for his electric play on the court but also for his grounded personality and leadership off of it, made the announcement Friday morning alongside community leaders, coaches, and representatives from local non-profits. Standing in front of the modest two-story brick home where he was raised by a single mother in the heart of the city, Bolding delivered a heartfelt statement that left many in tears.
“This house made me who I am,” Bolding said. “It saw my struggles, my dreams, and my mother’s sacrifices. I want it to become a sanctuary for kids who need safety, hope, and direction. If they walk through these doors and believe their life can change, then that’s worth every dollar I’ll ever make.”
A Shelter Rooted in Personal Struggle
Bolding’s own upbringing wasn’t easy. Born into poverty and raised in a neighborhood long plagued by crime and neglect, he often speaks openly about nights without food, periods of homelessness, and the mentors who kept him off the streets. His mother, Carla Bolding, worked three jobs to keep the family afloat while instilling values of resilience and giving back.
“Boogie always said if he ever made it, he wouldn’t just leave—he’d reach back,” said Carla, visibly emotional as she stood beside her son. “Now he’s keeping that promise to this community and to the kids who feel forgotten.”
Features of the House of Hope
The $11.3 million investment will fund a complete overhaul of the existing house, expanding it into a full-fledged facility that includes:
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24/7 transitional housing for up to 40 youth ages 14–21.
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On-site counseling services staffed by licensed social workers and trauma specialists.
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Educational support, including GED preparation, college prep, and tutoring.
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Workforce development programs, including resume building, trade certification partnerships, and internship opportunities.
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Recreational facilities, including a gym, basketball court, art rooms, and music studios.
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A “Safe Nights” emergency intake unit, designed for immediate short-term shelter needs.
The design also emphasizes dignity and autonomy. Each resident will have their own private room, with the facility structured more like a home than an institution. Meals will be prepared by rotating chefs from the community, including former residents who’ve gone on to culinary school through Bolding’s scholarship fund.
Broad Support and a Growing Vision
Though privately funded at its inception, the project has drawn broad support from local government and university officials. The University of Arkansas, where Bolding is completing his junior year, has pledged logistical support and internship opportunities for students in social work, psychology, and education. Additionally, Mayor Janice Holloway announced a city-wide initiative to partner with the House of Hope on youth homelessness prevention.
“Boogie is not just giving money—he’s giving heart, memory, and purpose,” Holloway said. “This could be a model for how athletes across the country reconnect with the neighborhoods that raised them.”
Even beyond Little Rock, national advocacy groups are taking notice. The National Coalition for Homeless Youth has expressed interest in helping scale the project, and at least one major tech firm is reportedly in talks with Bolding’s management team to sponsor digital literacy programs for the shelter’s residents.
A Star Athlete With Bigger Goals
Fland Bolding has become a fan favorite on the court, averaging 19.4 points, 5.7 assists, and leading the Razorbacks to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament this past season. With eyes on the NBA draft next year, his stock is rising. Yet it’s clear his mind isn’t only on basketball.
“Basketball’s the platform,” he said, “but purpose is the mission.”
This is not Bolding’s first philanthropic effort. Last year, he launched the “Shoes to Shine” initiative, which provided over 5,000 pairs of sneakers to underprivileged students across Arkansas and Mississippi. But by far, the House of Hope is his most ambitious—and most personal—project to date.
As contractors and volunteers gathered behind him, hammering beams and laying the foundation for something far bigger than a shelter, Bolding stood quietly, watching. When asked how it felt to be building a legacy while still in college, he paused.
“I’m just getting started,” he said. “This isn’t my legacy. It’s theirs.”