Delray Beach, FL – In a move that has left fans and philanthropists alike in awe, American tennis sensation Coco Gauff has announced that she is investing $7.5 million of her own money to transform a historic property in Delray Beach, Florida, into a shelter and resource center for homeless and at-risk youth.
The 19-year-old tennis prodigy, who has risen to global stardom with her fierce determination and incredible talent on the court, made the announcement at a press conference on Thursday afternoon. The shelter, set to be named “Coco’s House”, will provide not only a safe haven but also essential services, including mental health support, job training, and educational programs, for young people in need.
“I’ve been incredibly blessed in my life, and I want to give back,” Gauff said, visibly moved during her speech. “I want to use my platform and resources to help those who need it the most. This is just the beginning of my journey to make a difference in the lives of others.”
The property, a large, colonial-style house that has been vacant for years, will be renovated to include 40 transitional housing units, community spaces for learning, a mental health clinic, and a career development center. Gauff’s goal is to create a space that goes beyond shelter, offering the tools and resources necessary for youth to rebuild their lives and break the cycle of homelessness.
“This isn’t just about providing a roof over their heads. It’s about providing hope, stability, and opportunities,” Gauff added. “I want to help these young people believe in themselves and see that there’s a path forward, no matter where they come from.”
The initiative comes at a time when youth homelessness is a growing issue in the U.S., particularly in Florida, where the number of young people without stable housing has risen sharply in recent years. According to local nonprofit Youth Services of Palm Beach County, nearly 4,000 young people in the region are currently facing homelessness or unstable living conditions.
Gauff, who has long been an advocate for social justice and equality, said that this project was inspired by her own experiences and the lessons she learned from her family. Raised by her mother, Candi, a former educator, and father, Corey, who is a former college basketball player, Gauff has always been passionate about giving back to her community and helping those in need.
“My parents always taught me that it’s important to use your platform for good,” Gauff explained. “I want to show young people that no matter what challenges you face, you can make a difference, and you can rise above.”
Local leaders, including Delray Beach Mayor Shelly Petrolia, have praised Gauff’s efforts, calling the project a “game-changer” for the community. “Coco’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people is nothing short of extraordinary,” Mayor Petrolia said. “This initiative will have a profound impact on our city, providing hope and stability to those who need it most.”
Fans of the tennis star have also rallied behind her cause. The hashtag #CocosHouse quickly began trending on social media, with supporters expressing admiration for Gauff’s generosity and leadership. Serena Williams, Gauff’s mentor and longtime tennis legend, tweeted her congratulations, writing: “So proud of Coco for using her success to make a real difference. You are truly an inspiration.”
The shelter will be run in collaboration with several local organizations, including The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County and The Bridge to Life Foundation, which will assist in providing mentorship and services to the youth served by the center.
Gauff’s decision to use her platform and financial resources for such an important cause has solidified her place as not just one of the brightest stars in tennis but also a powerful advocate for social change. As she continues to break records on the court, Coco Gauff is proving that her impact will be felt far beyond the world of sports.