Breaking News: Coach Dawn Staley Invests $5.6 Million to Support Homeless Youth in South Carolina.
In a bold and compassionate move, University of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has pledged $5.6 million to establish a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth in her home state. The shelter, expected to open next year, will provide housing, educational resources, mental health support, and job training for vulnerable young people facing homelessness.
For Staley, the project is far more than philanthropy—it’s personal. Growing up in the inner city of Philadelphia, she witnessed firsthand the struggles of those living without stable housing. “I’ve seen what street life can do to young people,” Staley shared. “This shelter is my way of giving them the safety, support, and opportunity they deserve.”
The facility will be located in Columbia, South Carolina, and will accommodate up to 100 youths at a time. In addition to emergency shelter services, the center will focus on long-term development, helping residents gain the skills and confidence to transition into independent living. It will also partner with local schools, businesses, and healthcare providers to ensure a holistic approach to recovery and reintegration.
Staley, already a national icon for her coaching success and advocacy, hopes the shelter becomes a model for similar initiatives across the country. “This isn’t just about putting a roof over someone’s head,” she said. “It’s about creating a foundation for the rest of their lives.”
As South Carolina continues to grapple with rising youth homelessness, Staley’s commitment sends a powerful message about leadership, empathy, and action. Her investment is not only transforming lives—it’s inspiring a
movement.
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