In a bold and compassionate move that’s winning praise across Canada and beyond, Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes has committed a staggering $7.6 million of his own money to transform multiple residential properties into long-term shelters for homeless and at-risk youth in the Greater Vancouver area.
The 24-year-old NHL star, widely known for his elite skating and vision on the ice, is now being hailed for a different kind of vision — one rooted in social impact, empathy, and community service. The project, which will be rolled out in phases over the next 18 months, will see several unused or neglected houses renovated into fully-staffed, resource-equipped homes designed to offer security, support, and a sense of belonging to vulnerable youth.
“I’VE BEEN GIVEN SO MUCH. NOW IT’S TIME TO GIVE BACK.”
At a press conference held Wednesday afternoon at Rogers Arena, Hughes stood alongside Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and representatives from several non-profit organizations, including Covenant House Vancouver and Directions Youth Services, as he announced the initiative.
“I’ve been given so much in my life — from my family, from hockey, and from this amazing city,” Hughes said. “But every time I walk or drive through certain neighborhoods, I see kids — actual kids — who have no place to go at night. That’s just not something I can ignore. I felt like it was time to stop asking what can be done and start doing something about it.”
His plan is ambitious: purchase and renovate at least six multi-bedroom homes in underused or blighted neighborhoods, turning them into transitional housing facilities with access to mental health services, job training, counseling, and education support.
The properties, according to Hughes, were chosen for their accessibility to public transit, proximity to schools and healthcare centers, and potential for peaceful, community-integrated environments.
AN ATHLETE WITH A MISSION
While professional athletes often contribute to charitable causes, Hughes’ initiative stands out for its size, scope, and hands-on involvement. Rather than simply writing a check, Hughes has spent months working with city officials, urban planners, and shelter experts to ensure that the homes don’t just provide temporary relief — but help change lives.
According to sources close to the project, Hughes will personally fund the property purchases, major renovations, and first two years of operational costs, with an eye toward building a sustainable funding model through public-private partnerships going forward.
The initiative is being operated under the name “Hughes House,” a nod to both Quinn’s last name and the sense of family and stability he hopes the shelters will provide.
MAYOR SIM: “THIS IS A GAME-CHANGER.”
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim called Hughes’ donation and leadership “a game-changer” for the city’s efforts to combat youth homelessness, which has spiked in recent years due to rising housing costs, mental health crises, and gaps in the foster care system.
“We’re not just talking about dollars here — we’re talking about heart, vision, and action,” said Sim. “Quinn Hughes is setting an example not only for athletes, but for all of us. He’s proving that leadership doesn’t stop at the rink.”
According to a 2023 report by the BC Non-Profit Housing Association, more than 700 youth under the age of 24 experience homelessness on any given night in Metro Vancouver. Many of them are Indigenous, LGBTQ+, or recently aged out of the foster care system — groups that often face systemic barriers to housing and employment.
VOICES FROM THE FRONT LINES
Youth advocates say the “Hughes House” concept is filling a critical gap in the system.
“This is not just shelter — it’s stability, community, and dignity,” said Lisa Jacobson, program director at Directions Youth Services. “Youth homelessness isn’t just about housing, it’s about trauma, disconnection, and lack of opportunity. What Quinn is doing will allow young people to breathe, to regroup, and to imagine a future that’s different.”
Formerly homeless youth also shared their thoughts.
“I was on the street when I was 16,” said Darren, now 21, who asked that his last name not be used. “A place like what Quinn is building could’ve changed everything for me. A clean bed, a hot meal, someone to talk to — that stuff matters more than people think.”
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Those close to Hughes say this isn’t a PR stunt or a spur-of-the-moment decision. It’s a deeply personal mission, rooted in family values.
“I’m not surprised at all,” said Jack Hughes, Quinn’s younger brother and star forward for the New Jersey Devils. “We were raised to think about others, to help when we can. Quinn’s always had a big heart.”
Their father, Jim Hughes, a former hockey coach and development executive, noted that the family has long discussed the importance of using their platform for good.
“I always told my boys: when you’re lucky enough to make it, don’t forget the ones who didn’t,” said Jim. “I’m proud of Quinn — not for being a great player, but for being a great man.”
HUGHES: “THESE KIDS DESERVE A CHANCE”
Despite his youth, Quinn Hughes has emerged as one of the most respected figures in the Canucks’ locker room — and now, clearly, in the wider community. This season, he served as the team’s captain for the first time, leading both on and off the ice with maturity beyond his years.
When asked if he feared criticism for stepping into an issue as complex as homelessness, Hughes responded firmly.
“I know I can’t fix everything,” he said. “But if I can change it for even 30 or 40 kids — give them a safe bed, a warm meal, someone to listen — then I’ll have done something that matters. These kids deserve a chance.”
WHAT COMES NEXT
Construction on the first “Hughes House” property in East Vancouver is already underway, with an expected opening date in early 2026. The facility will accommodate up to 12 youth at a time, with 24/7 staffing and access to on-site social workers.
Hughes has also pledged to match up to $1 million in donations from fans and community partners, hoping to inspire a broader movement of support.
A dedicated website — www.hugheshouse.ca — is now live, offering details on the project, opportunities to donate, and volunteer sign-up information.
A NEW KIND OF HERO
In a sport often dominated by stories of contracts and rivalries, Quinn Hughes’ humanitarian effort is cutting through the noise.
As fans cheered him on the ice this season for leading the Canucks into the playoffs, they now have another reason to stand and applaud — this time, for the difference he’s making far beyond the arena.
In Hughes’ own words: “Scoring goals is great. Lifting a Stanley Cup would be a dream. But if I can help one kid find their footing, sleep safely, and dream again — that’s the real win.”