In a remarkable show of leadership and compassion, Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser has announced a $7.5 million personal investment to convert a historic property in downtown Vancouver into a shelter for homeless youth. The facility, which will be called “Boeser House,” is set to provide transitional housing, mental health services, and life-skills training to some of the city’s most vulnerable young residents.
The announcement, made early Sunday morning during a press conference held at the future site of the shelter, marks one of the most significant charitable initiatives from an active NHL player in recent memory.
A Deeply Personal Mission
Boeser, 28, has long been admired not just for his playmaking abilities on the ice but also for his resilience and empathy off it. His commitment to youth advocacy and mental health awareness is deeply rooted in personal experience, having spoken openly in the past about the struggles his family has faced.
“This is something I’ve been thinking about for a long time,” Boeser said, standing in front of the 15,000-square-foot Victorian home that will soon house up to 40 homeless youth at a time. “There are too many kids in our city who don’t know where they’ll sleep tonight. I’ve been blessed with a platform—and I want to use it to create real, lasting change.”
The shelter will serve youth ages 16 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness, particularly those aging out of foster care or escaping domestic violence and addiction-related environments. Boeser’s team is partnering with established local organizations such as Covenant House Vancouver and Directions Youth Services to run programming at the facility.
More Than a Shelter
Boeser House will be far more than a place to sleep. The redesigned property will include classrooms, therapy and counseling spaces, art and recreation rooms, a commercial kitchen, and transitional workspaces to help residents prepare for employment. On-site staff will offer mental health support, addiction recovery assistance, and educational and job-readiness training.
Construction is set to begin this summer, with the facility expected to open by late 2026.
“This isn’t a temporary solution,” Boeser said. “It’s a home. It’s a chance. It’s a message to these young people that they matter—and they’re not alone.”
Community Applause and League Recognition
The announcement has drawn widespread praise from fans, teammates, and civic leaders alike.
Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin called Boeser’s investment “an extraordinary example of leadership and heart,” while team captain Quinn Hughes posted on social media: “Proud to call Brock a teammate. What he’s doing is bigger than hockey.”
Mayor Ken Sim also commended the initiative, noting that youth homelessness in Vancouver has reached critical levels. “This shelter will change lives. We’re grateful to Brock for stepping up in such a significant way,” Sim said in a statement.
A Role Model On and Off the Ice
Boeser, who is coming off a career-best season with the Canucks, emphasized that while hockey will always be a part of who he is, giving back to the community has become a central part of his identity.
“Hockey’s given me so much,” he said. “But at the end of the day, I want to be remembered for more than goals and assists. I want to be remembered for the lives I helped lift up.”
In a time when the headlines are often filled with statistics about homelessness and mental health crises, Brock Boeser’s bold act of philanthropy offers a glimmer of hope—and a reminder that even in the toughest times, compassion can change everything.