in a move that’s drawing widespread praise both within and beyond the hockey community, Buffalo Sabres right winger Tage Thompson has announced a personal investment of $7.9 million to convert several vacant and rundown homes in the Buffalo area into shelters for homeless youth.The initiative, which Thompson is launching in collaboration with local non-profit organizations and housing development partners, aims to address the growing crisis of youth homelessness in western New York. According to the Homeless Alliance of Western New York, more than 1,500 youth in the region experience homelessness or housing insecurity every year. Thompson’s vision is to create long-term, sustainable housing options that not only provide shelter but also essential support services like counseling, education, and job training.
A PERSONAL MISSION FOR THOMPSON
Tage Thompson, 26, has emerged in recent years as a rising star in the NHL, known for his scoring ability, playmaking vision, and leadership on the ice. But off the ice, Thompson has quietly become a deeply engaged member of the Buffalo community. He has spent numerous offseasons volunteering with local outreach programs and mentoring youth through the Sabres Foundation’s initiatives.
In a press conference held earlier today, Thompson became visibly emotional as he spoke about the reasons behind his ambitious new project.
> “This city has given me so much. Buffalo embraced me when I was still figuring out who I was as a player and as a person,” Thompson said. “When I learned about the number of kids here living without a roof over their heads, without a safe space to sleep, I knew I had to do something. These kids deserve stability. They deserve hope.”
Thompson added that his decision to focus on youth homelessness was inspired, in part, by his mother, Kim, who spent years working with at-risk youth in Connecticut, where Thompson grew up.
TRANSFORMING EMPTY HOUSES INTO HOMES
The project, titled “Homes for Hope,” will begin with the transformation of 12 abandoned or city-owned homes in Buffalo’s East Side and Riverside neighborhoods. These properties, many of which have been vacant for years, will be renovated into multi-bedroom, supervised housing units with shared living spaces, on-site case workers, and security staff.
Thompson’s team has already secured the necessary permits and partnered with “Safe Steps,” a Buffalo-based non-profit specializing in transitional housing and youth services. Construction is expected to begin in early summer, with the first group of homes projected to open by the end of the year.
Each home will house between 6 and 10 youths, aged 16–24, and will include access to therapy, substance abuse treatment, GED prep courses, and workforce training programs. Residents will also participate in monthly goal-setting sessions and community-building activities.
> “This isn’t just about giving kids a roof over their heads,” said Tonya Bell, Executive Director of Safe Steps. “It’s about equipping them with the tools to build a future. What Tage is doing will literally change lives.”
SUPPORT FROM THE NHL AND SABRES ORGANIZATION
The Buffalo Sabres organization has thrown its full support behind Thompson’s initiative. Team owner Terry Pegula released a statement applauding Thompson’s “exceptional leadership and compassion,” and confirmed the Sabres Foundation will contribute additional funding and resources to expand the reach of the Homes for Hope project.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also commented on the development, calling Thompson’s work “a shining example of the impact our players can make in their communities.”
> “Tage is not only an elite athlete but a role model whose actions off the ice speak volumes about his character,” Bettman said. “This initiative is a testament to the power of using one’s platform for good.”
Several of Thompson’s teammates, including captain Kyle Okposo and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, have pledged their own donations and volunteered to help with the physical renovation of the homes. Okposo called the effort “one of the most meaningful things I’ve been a part of during my time in Buffalo.”
COMMUNITY RESPONSE AND NATIONAL ATTENTION
Since the announcement, the response from the Buffalo community has been overwhelmingly positive. Local news outlets, civic leaders, and fans have flooded social media with messages of gratitude and support. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown praised Thompson’s investment, calling it “a remarkable demonstration of leadership and love for this city.”
> “Too often we see athletes leave the communities they play in without ever really connecting. Tage Thompson has not only planted roots in Buffalo—he’s helping build a better future for our most vulnerable residents,” said Mayor Brown.
The national media has also picked up the story, with Thompson trending on Twitter and being featured in interviews on major outlets like ESPN, TSN, and The Today Show.
PLANS FOR EXPANSION
While the initial phase focuses on a dozen homes in Buffalo, Thompson has bigger plans. He revealed that he is already in talks with partners in Rochester, Syracuse, and even his home state of Connecticut to potentially replicate the model elsewhere.
> “Homeless youth aren’t just in Buffalo,” Thompson said. “This is a national issue, and if we can get it right here, we can be an example for cities across the country.”
To support these future efforts, Thompson is in the process of launching the Tage Thompson Foundation, a charitable organization that will raise funds and awareness for homelessness prevention, youth mental health, and educational access.
The foundation will host its inaugural gala later this year, with all proceeds going toward the Homes for Hope initiative. Thompson confirmed that he plans to remain actively involved, both financially and as a mentor to the young residents of the shelters.
A ROLE MODEL BEYOND THE ICE
As Thompson’s star continues to rise in the NHL, his commitment to humanitarian work sets him apart as one of the league’s most socially conscious players. For many young fans in Buffalo and beyond, he is becoming a new kind of hero—one whose impact goes far beyond goals and assists.
> “Scoring a goal feels great, don’t get me wrong,” Thompson said, smiling. “But helping someone get off the street, get their life on track—that means everything.”
In a sports world that often focuses on stats and standings, Thompson’s initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the broader role athletes can play in society. It’s a story of compassion, action, and purpose—and it’s only just beginning.