BREAKING NEWS: Kentucky Wildcats Men’s Basketball Star Otega Oweh Makes Game-Changing Off-Court Move, Investing $5.4 Million to Transform Lavish Home into…
Kentucky Wildcats Men’s Basketball Star Otega Oweh Makes Game-Changing Off-Court Move, Investing $5.4 Million to Transform Lavish Home into Lifeline Shelter for the Homeless
Lexington, KY – In a bold and heartfelt move that’s turning heads both on and off the court, University of Kentucky basketball standout Otega Oweh has made a game-changing decision to invest $5.4 million of his personal wealth into transforming his luxurious private residence into a full-service homeless shelter and community resource center.
The 6-foot-5 star guard, known for his relentless drive, athleticism, and leadership on the court, is now gaining national attention for his compassion and commitment to social change. Oweh, a key player for the Wildcats, has long expressed interest in giving back to the community, but his latest venture has raised the bar for college athletes everywhere.
The newly announced project will see Oweh’s 12-bedroom estate—formerly a symbol of elite athletic success—converted into a safe haven for the unhoused population in Lexington. The property will be retrofitted to include not only living spaces for up to 50 individuals at a time but also mental health counseling rooms, job training centers, a fully stocked kitchen and cafeteria, and a wellness area offering fitness classes and rehabilitation support.
“This is about more than just giving people a place to sleep,” Oweh said during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon. “It’s about restoring dignity. It’s about giving people the tools they need to rebuild their lives, one step at a time.”
The shelter, which will be named “The Oweh House of Hope,” is expected to open in early 2026 and will operate in partnership with several nonprofit organizations and social service agencies in the region. Funding for ongoing operations will come from a foundation Oweh is launching later this year, aimed at addressing homelessness, youth empowerment, and educational equity.
Coach John Calipari praised Oweh’s initiative, calling it “a moment of true leadership and heart.”
“Everyone sees what Otega can do on the hardwood,” Calipari said. “But it’s moves like this that show the character of a young man. He’s setting an example not just for his teammates, but for athletes across the country.”
Oweh’s teammates were equally moved by the announcement. Fellow Wildcat guard Reed Sheppard said, “When he told us what he was doing, we were speechless. We talk about being a family, and Otega is living that—he’s extending that love to people who need it most.”
The initiative comes at a time when homelessness is on the rise in many American cities, including Lexington. Recent reports show a steady increase in the number of unhoused individuals in the region, particularly among families and young adults. Local leaders are praising Oweh’s contribution as a “massive step forward” in combating the crisis.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton stated, “What Otega Oweh is doing is extraordinary. This is not just a donation—this is a model for how influential people can use their platform and resources to drive real, lasting change.”
Oweh, who comes from a family deeply rooted in service and activism, says the project is personal. “I’ve seen what happens when people fall through the cracks,” he said. “If I can help even a few of them find their footing again, then this will all be worth it.”
Though Oweh is expected to pursue a professional basketball career in the NBA in the near future, he says this project will remain one of his top priorities. “Basketball has given me so much,” he said. “But this—this feels like purpose.”
With construction and planning already underway, “The Oweh House of Hope” is set to become a beacon of hope in Lexington—and a powerful symbol of what can happen when athletes use their spotlight to light the way for others.