In a move that is already being hailed as one of the most heartfelt acts of philanthropy in professional sports this year, Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker has announced a bold and compassionate initiative that has stunned the basketball world and inspired a wave of gratitude across Arizona. The 28-year-old NBA star is investing $7.5 million of his personal wealth to transform a historic property in central Phoenix into a state-of-the-art shelter and resource center for homeless youth.
The project, called “Booker’s House of Hope,” is set to provide not only a roof over the heads of vulnerable youth but also access to education, counseling, mental health support, job training, and mentorship — services designed to break the cycle of homelessness and restore a sense of dignity and purpose for those most in need.
“This Is Bigger Than Basketball”
Speaking at a press conference outside the property on Friday morning, Booker was emotional and deeply committed as he shared his motivation behind the effort.
“I’ve been blessed beyond anything I could’ve ever imagined through this game,” he said. “But none of that means anything if I don’t use my platform and resources to lift others up — especially the youth in this city that’s become my second home. This is bigger than basketball. This is about saving lives.”
Booker, who has spent his entire NBA career with the Phoenix Suns since being drafted in 2015, has long been known for his charitable work, but this initiative marks his most ambitious endeavor yet. The building being repurposed — a 1920s-era mansion once slated for demolition — will now become a beacon of hope.
A Comprehensive Vision for Change
The $7.5 million investment covers the complete renovation and retrofitting of the 20,000-square-foot facility, as well as its first three years of operational costs. Booker has partnered with several Arizona-based non-profits that specialize in youth homelessness, including Tumbleweed Center for Youth Development and Arizona Housing Coalition.
The shelter is expected to serve more than 100 at-risk youth annually, ranging in age from 12 to 24. It will feature dorm-style accommodations, classrooms, therapy spaces, and even a basketball gym — a personal touch from Booker himself, who believes in the transformative power of sport.
“Every kid deserves a safe place, a second chance, and someone who believes in them,” he said.
Community and NBA Reactions Pour In
The announcement quickly went viral, with fans, teammates, and public figures across the country applauding the gesture.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego called the initiative “a game-changer for the city” and praised Booker’s deep-rooted commitment to the community. “This isn’t just a donation — it’s leadership. Devin is setting an example for what it means to give back at the highest level.”
Booker’s Suns teammates were equally proud. Veteran forward Kevin Durant tweeted, “Much respect to D-Book. That’s real impact, man. Leading on and off the court.”
The NBA also issued a statement commending the act, saying, “Devin Booker continues to show why he is not only a superstar athlete but a superstar human being. We are proud to support his mission to improve the lives of youth in Phoenix.”
Addressing a Crisis
Youth homelessness in Arizona has been rising steadily in recent years, with thousands of minors and young adults facing housing insecurity due to family instability, poverty, or aging out of the foster care system. Booker has quietly supported organizations fighting this crisis for several years but said the tipping point came during a visit to a shelter last fall.
“I talked to a 17-year-old who had been sleeping in a park for two months,” Booker recalled. “He had no one. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. That’s when I knew I had to do something much bigger.”
Looking Ahead
Construction on Booker’s House of Hope is expected to begin this summer, with a planned opening in late 2025. In the meantime, Booker has launched a new foundation — the “DBook Impact Fund” — to raise additional funds and invite public involvement.
“This isn’t a one-time gesture,” he emphasized. “This is a lifelong commitment.”
For Phoenix, and for the countless lives this shelter will touch, Devin Booker’s bold act of compassion has already made an immeasurable impact. And for fans of the Suns, their star player has just cemented his legacy not just as a basketball icon, but as a true community hero.