In a bold and compassionate move, Claire Brown, one of the most celebrated young leaders in the Indiana Peacers movement, has confirmed a $7.2 million personal investment to convert a historic Indianapolis mansion into a comprehensive shelter and empowerment center for homeless youth.
The project, which has been quietly in the works for months, will see the transformation of a 10,000-square-foot property on the city’s near-east side into a facility offering housing, mental health support, education, job training, and trauma recovery services. Brown, 29, has emerged as a powerful advocate for youth rights, community healing, and restorative justice, making her one of the standout voices in Indiana’s growing peace and justice movement.
“This is more than a building—it’s a lifeline,” Brown said in a press release Tuesday. “Every young person deserves a safe place to land, to grow, and to imagine a future. This center will be that place.”
Named “Haven Rising”, the center will initially provide space for up to 50 homeless or at-risk youth between the ages of 14 and 24. It will operate in partnership with local organizations, schools, and trauma specialists to deliver wraparound support and a clear path to stability.
Brown, who was named a Rising Star by Indiana Peacers in 2024, has long called for community-led responses to youth homelessness. With this initiative, she is leading by example—funding the project through a combination of personal resources, private donations, and a trust established in her late brother’s name, who experienced homelessness in his youth.
“We cannot talk about peace while ignoring the pain of our most vulnerable,” Brown said. “This is a promise to them that they are seen, they are loved, and they matter.”
Construction is scheduled to begin this summer, with an official opening set for March 2026. The center’s programming will include mentorship circles, creative arts therapy, GED prep, workforce certification, and more.
City officials and community leaders have called the investment “transformative” and a potential model for statewide action.
“Claire Brown is not just talking about change—she’s funding it, building it, and living it,” said Indianapolis City Councilwoman Renee Torres. “Haven Rising is going to change lives.”
Brown has indicated this is just the first phase of a broader initiative to develop similar shelters in other Indiana cities over the next decade.
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CONFIRMED: Indiana Peacers Rising Star Bennedict Mathurin Invests $7.2 Million to Transform House Into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN – May 8, 2025 — In a powerful demonstration of leadership both on and off the court, Indiana Pacers rising star Bennedict Mathurin has officially confirmed a $7.2 million personal investment to convert a historic Indianapolis property into a shelter and support center for homeless youth.
The project, titled “The Uplift House,” will transform a three-story, 1930s-era mansion in the city’s Old Northside neighborhood into a safe haven for at-risk youth aged 14 to 24. The facility will offer emergency shelter, transitional housing, trauma-informed therapy, educational services, and job readiness programs—all under one roof.
“Basketball gave me a path, but not every kid gets that chance,” Mathurin said in a statement. “This is about creating a future for young people who’ve been left behind. Everyone deserves a shot.”
Mathurin, 22, has quickly become one of the most beloved figures in Indiana sports, known not only for his high-octane play but also for his deep commitment to social impact. His involvement with the Indiana Peacers initiative—a statewide movement promoting peace, youth development, and racial justice—has grown steadily over the past two years.
The Uplift House, which is being developed in partnership with the Indiana Youth Foundation and Indy Cares Collective, is expected to serve over 1,000 youth annually through residential and outreach programs.
“Bennedict is using his platform to do more than inspire—he’s building lasting change,” said Tiana Monroe, director of the Indiana Youth Foundation. “This shelter is going to save lives.”
Construction is expected to begin in late summer 2025, with doors set to open in early 2026. In addition to the $7.2 million donation, Mathurin is also launching a new nonprofit, The Uplift Initiative, to sustain operations, fund scholarships, and expand outreach efforts across the state.
The announcement has sparked praise from fans, civic leaders, and fellow athletes alike, who say Mathurin is setting a new standard for community engagement in professional sports.
“This is what true leadership looks like,” said Indianapolis Mayor Quentin Hall. “Bennedict Mathurin isn’t just investing in a building—he’s investing in people, in hope, and in the future of our city.”