In an inspiring turn of events that has captivated both the sports world and the local community, Clemson Tigers forward Ian Schieffelin has announced a monumental $4.7 million investment to convert vacant residential properties across South Carolina into transitional housing for homeless youth.
At just 21 years old, the rising basketball star is being hailed not only for his impressive performance on the court but also for his growing role as a changemaker off it. Schieffelin’s initiative, dubbed “Project Homecourt,” will provide safe, structured, and supportive living spaces to young people who have been displaced due to poverty, abuse, neglect, or other life-altering challenges.
A Game Changer on and off the Court
Schieffelin, known for his aggressive rebounding, high basketball IQ, and leadership as a power forward for Clemson, took to the podium on Friday morning at a press conference held at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville. Standing before a crowd of reporters, youth advocates, and fellow teammates, he announced the launch of the project with a personal pledge of $4.7 million—nearly all of his recent NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) earnings and endorsement income.
“Basketball has opened every door for me,” Schieffelin said. “Now I want to open doors—literally and figuratively—for kids who never had the same shot I did.”
According to the South Carolina Interagency Council on Homelessness, over 13,000 youth under the age of 25 experience homelessness in the state each year. Many of them are unaccompanied minors who age out of foster care, flee abusive households, or are cast out due to sexual orientation, gender identity, or mental health challenges.
“Project Homecourt” will target abandoned or underused homes in Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston for renovation. Once completed, each home will serve as a small-scale, supportive living environment for 4 to 6 young residents. A team of case managers, counselors, and peer mentors will be stationed on-site or on-call 24/7 to provide assistance and resources.
An Athlete with a Mission
Though Schieffelin has made waves in the ACC for his physicality and relentless energy, his passion for youth outreach was already well known in Clemson circles. A sociology major, Schieffelin had volunteered regularly at youth shelters and food banks even before gaining national recognition as one of the Tigers’ most dependable players.
According to friends and mentors, this commitment to service has deep roots.
“Ian has always had a heart for the overlooked,” said Clemson men’s basketball head coach Brad Brownell. “He’s the kind of guy who shows up early for team practice and then stays late to help clean up after a youth clinic. This project is a natural extension of who he is.”
Schieffelin’s inspiration for the initiative stems from personal conversations he’s had with young people during his volunteer work in South Carolina and neighboring Georgia, where he was born and raised.
“I’ve talked with kids who haven’t slept in a bed in weeks, who have to worry about where they’ll shower or if they’ll eat,” Schieffelin said during the press conference. “We can’t allow talent and potential to waste away just because a child has no support system.”
What “Project Homecourt” Offers
More than just a roof and four walls, Project Homecourt is designed to offer youth a path forward. The shelters will feature:
- Educational support: GED tutoring, community college enrollment assistance, and tech training
- Career preparation: Resume building, job fairs, and internship pipelines with local businesses
- Mental health resources: On-site counseling and group therapy sessions
- Life skills workshops: Cooking, budgeting, conflict resolution, and leadership training
- Community engagement: Art programs, sports leagues, and civic service projects
Each home will also offer individualized support plans, developed in collaboration with the resident and a team of social workers.
“Stability is the foundation of growth,” said Dr. Keisha Lambert, a social worker with Bridgeways of the South, a nonprofit Schieffelin has partnered with for the project. “These young people don’t just need a bed. They need belief, structure, and someone in their corner. Ian is giving them all three.”
From NIL Profits to Social Impact
Since the NCAA’s adoption of the NIL policy, several athletes have capitalized on sponsorship and endorsement deals, but few have chosen to reinvest their earnings at such scale and with such personal involvement.
Schieffelin has inked deals with major athletic wear companies, nutrition brands, and even regional businesses like Palmetto Health and Upstate Credit Union. But rather than use the money for personal luxuries, he’s redirected much of it into this project.
“I see NIL not just as a chance to make money, but to make meaning,” Schieffelin said.
His agent, Marcus Bellamy, noted that while the move is unusual, it aligns perfectly with the forward’s values.
“Most guys talk legacy in terms of rings or records. Ian talks about impact—about kids having second chances. He’s different,” Bellamy said.
Widespread Applause
Reaction to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive. Clemson University President Jim Clements praised the initiative as “an extraordinary act of leadership and humanity,” while South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster commended Schieffelin for “stepping up when too many step back.”
On social media, the hashtag #HomecourtAdvantage trended regionally as fans and followers shared support, stories, and even donation pledges. Fellow athletes, including former Clemson star Trevor Lawrence, sent public congratulations and words of encouragement.
“Respect to @IanSchieffelin – doing more than ballin’. That’s what real greatness looks like,” Lawrence tweeted.
Next Steps
The first three properties—two in Greenville and one in Columbia—are set to open by early fall 2025. Construction and renovation have already begun, with several local construction firms offering services at discounted rates in support of the mission.
Schieffelin has also created the Homecourt Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to manage donations, apply for grants, and expand services beyond the initial sites. The long-term vision? A network of 20 shelters across the Southeast by 2030.
Final Thoughts
In an age when headlines are often dominated by scandals or short-term controversies, Ian Schieffelin’s investment serves as a powerful reminder of the good that can be done when influence meets integrity. As he prepares for what may be his final year at Clemson before declaring for the NBA draft, one thing is clear: his greatest assist may have nothing to do with basketball.
By transforming houses into havens, Ian Schieffelin is giving homeless youth something priceless—hope, belonging, and a place to call home.