Breaking News: Dawn Staley Head Coach of South Carolina Basketball has invested $3.6 Million to transform a house into a shelter for homeless youth in South Carolina after serious…
Breaking News: Dawn Staley Invests $3.6 Million to Open Shelter for Homeless Youth in South Carolina
Columbia, SC – South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley has taken her leadership and compassion off the court in a major way. In a heartfelt and groundbreaking move, Staley has invested $3.6 million of her own money to transform a large property in Columbia into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth.
The shelter, which will be named “Staley House,” aims to provide immediate housing and long-term support for youth ages 12 to 21 who are experiencing homelessness across South Carolina. The project was unveiled on Friday at a press conference attended by city officials, community advocates, and members of the South Carolina Gamecocks basketball team.
“Basketball has given me a platform, but more importantly, it’s given me a purpose,” Staley said. “These young people—many of whom have been forgotten by the system—deserve a chance. Not just a roof over their heads, but a real opportunity to grow, to heal, and to thrive.”
Staley, a six-time SEC Coach of the Year and three-time national champion, has long been recognized not only for her achievements in women’s basketball but also for her community activism. This latest initiative comes after a series of personal visits to youth shelters and foster care organizations throughout South Carolina. During those visits, Staley said she encountered stories that deeply moved her—stories of kids sleeping in cars, aging out of foster care with nowhere to go, and being forced to choose between survival and safety.
“I met a 16-year-old girl who had been couch-surfing for months after leaving an abusive home,” Staley recalled. “She was smart, full of potential, and just needed someone to believe in her. That stayed with me.”
The Staley House will include 40 beds, classrooms, counseling rooms, a full kitchen, and recreational facilities. Beyond shelter, the facility will offer GED prep courses, career coaching, mental health services, and mentoring programs. Local nonprofits and universities, including the University of South Carolina’s School of Social Work, will partner in providing wraparound services.
Community leaders have praised Staley’s decision as a bold and transformative act.
“Coach Staley is doing more than just writing a check—she’s building hope,” said Mayor Daniel Rickenmann. “She’s stepping up to meet a need most people ignore, and it’s going to change the trajectory of countless lives.”
Construction is expected to begin this summer, with doors opening in late 2026. Staley also announced plans to host youth leadership camps and community events on the property once it is operational.
“Everyone deserves a place to feel safe, loved, and supported,” Staley said. “If we want to see change in our communities, we have to be willing to create it. This is my way of doing just that.”
With this $3.6 million investment, Dawn Staley isn’t just coaching champions—she’s creating pathways for a brighter, safer future for South Carolina’s most vulnerable youth.
