In a profound act of generosity and community leadership, Gayle Benson, owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans, has announced a $20.3 million personal investment to convert one of her private residences into a comprehensive shelter and empowerment center for homeless youth in New Orleans.
The initiative, revealed at a press conference this morning alongside city officials and youth advocates, represents one of the largest private contributions to youth homelessness services in Louisiana’s history. The facility, to be named The Gayle Benson Youth Empowerment Center, will provide housing, mental health support, education, and career training for at-risk young people aged 13–22.
“This city has given me everything — joy, purpose, and a family,” Benson said. “It breaks my heart that so many of our children are struggling without shelter, without support, and without hope. This is my promise to them: you are not forgotten.”
Transforming a Landmark Into a Lifeline
The property, a historic mansion in New Orleans’ Garden District, will be repurposed into a 24/7 youth care center. The renovation will retain much of the home’s architectural charm while incorporating modern facilities tailored for trauma-informed care and transitional housing.
The center will offer:
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Emergency and long-term beds for up to 75 youth
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Mental health counseling and substance abuse support
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Classrooms, job readiness programs, and mentorship
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Recreation spaces, wellness programs, and art therapy
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Partnerships with local schools, hospitals, and nonprofits
Construction is expected to begin in fall 2025, with the grand opening planned for mid-2026.
A Growing Crisis in the Crescent City
New Orleans has faced a growing youth homelessness crisis, with over 1,000 young people estimated to be unhoused or in unstable conditions nightly. Many of them are LGBTQ+, have aged out of foster care, or are escaping abuse and neglect.
City leaders praised Benson’s announcement as a turning point.
“This is more than philanthropy — it’s a lifeline,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Mrs. Benson continues to show what true leadership looks like in New Orleans.”
Legacy Beyond Sports
While Benson is celebrated for her role in sports, her legacy increasingly lies in her quiet but consistent philanthropic work. Through the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, she has supported hospitals, education initiatives, and housing efforts across the Gulf South.
This new investment solidifies her place not just as a sports owner, but as one of the region’s most impactful humanitarian figures.
“The Saints fight hard every Sunday,” Benson said. “Now it’s time to fight just as hard for our kids — every single day.”