BREAKING NEWS: Cooper Flagg of the Duke Blue Devils has invested $3.6 million to transform a house into a shelter for homeless youth in South Carolina after……
BREAKING NEWS: Cooper Flagg of the Duke Blue Devils Invests $3.6 Million to Transform House into Shelter for Homeless Youth in South Carolina
In a groundbreaking and heartwarming move, Cooper Flagg, the rising basketball star from the Duke Blue Devils, has announced a personal investment of $3.6 million to convert a large residential property in South Carolina into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth. The announcement came earlier today during a press conference held in Charleston, where Flagg shared his vision for the project and the personal reasons behind his commitment to tackling youth homelessness.
Flagg, who has quickly become one of college basketball’s most talked-about players, explained that the idea stemmed from a recent visit to a youth outreach center during a team community service initiative. “Meeting kids who didn’t have a safe place to sleep really opened my eyes,” Flagg said. “It didn’t sit right with me that so many young people are trying to survive without support, structure, or even a bed. I knew I had to do something real.”
The shelter, which will be called The Horizon House, is set to open in early 2026 and will offer more than just a roof over the heads of homeless youth. The facility will feature transitional housing, access to mental health counseling, job training programs, educational support, and recreational activities. Flagg’s team is working closely with local nonprofit organizations, mental health professionals, and former foster youth to ensure the shelter is not only a refuge but a launchpad for brighter futures.
Construction and renovation of the house—a 10-bedroom historic estate near Columbia—is already underway. In addition to the initial investment, Flagg has pledged to establish a foundation to provide ongoing funding for staffing, supplies, and scholarships for shelter residents pursuing higher education or vocational training.
Community leaders have praised Flagg’s decision, noting the growing crisis of youth homelessness in South Carolina, where thousands of young people face housing insecurity each year. “What Cooper Flagg is doing isn’t just generous, it’s transformational,” said Tonya Williams, director of the South Carolina Youth Outreach Coalition. “We need more people in positions of influence to step up like this. He’s setting a powerful example.”
Flagg has also committed to spending time at the shelter during the off-season, getting to know residents and participating in mentorship programs. He hopes his visibility as a college athlete will help reduce the stigma around homelessness and encourage other athletes to use their platforms for social change.
Though only 18, Flagg’s actions reflect a maturity and compassion far beyond his years. As his basketball career continues to ascend, his investment in The Horizon House cements his legacy not just as an athlete, but as a force for good. “Basketball will always be a huge part of my life,” he said. “But if I can change even a few lives off the court, that means just as much—maybe more.”
With the launch of The Horizon House, Cooper Flagg is proving that the power to uplift and inspire doesn’t wait until you turn pro—it starts with heart.
