Alabama Crimson Tide Coach Kalen DeBoer Invests $11.5 Million to Transform House into Shelter for Homeless People in..
In an inspiring act of generosity, Alabama Crimson Tide head football coach Kalen DeBoer has committed $11.5 million of his personal wealth to convert his historic family estate into a state-of-the-art shelter and resource center for the homeless population of Birmingham.
The initiative, dubbed The Harbor House Project, will transform the 20,000-square-foot property into a multi-functional facility offering emergency housing, mental health services, career development programs, and long-term transitional support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
“This community has welcomed me with open arms,” DeBoer said at a press conference flanked by local officials, volunteers, and faith leaders. “Now it’s my turn to give something meaningful back — something that lasts beyond Saturdays.”
DeBoer, known nationally for his strategic brilliance on the field, is now earning widespread praise for his vision off the gridiron. Construction on the shelter is expected to begin this summer, with doors opening by late 2026. Plans include 45 beds, a professional kitchen, on-site counseling services, and a partnership with local colleges to provide educational pathways for residents.
City leaders have called the move “transformational” for Birmingham’s struggling downtown corridor, where homelessness remains a persistent challenge. Mayor Randall Woodfin said the project reflects “a new kind of leadership — the kind that tackles real problems head-on.”
“Coach DeBoer isn’t just building football teams,” Woodfin said. “He’s building bridges, dignity, and hope.”
The Harbor House Project will also involve Alabama football players through a volunteer mentorship program, encouraging student-athletes to engage directly with the residents and community. Sources close to the athletic department say DeBoer personally insisted on involving his players in the effort—“not“ for publicity, but for perspective.”
DeBoer’s donation is one of the largest philanthropic gestures by a college football coach in recent memory, setting a powerful example amid a sport increasingly defined by big money and high stakes.
“In a world where coaches are judged by wins and championships, Coach DeBoer is showing us what a real victory looks like,” said LaTonya Ellis, director of a local outreach nonprofit.
The Harbor House is more than a shelter. It’s a symbol — of compassion, of leadership, and of what’s possible when influence is wielded for the public good.