In an inspiring display of compassion and community leadership, Jon Scheyer, the former Duke All-American and current head coach of the Blue Devils men’s basketball team, has personally invested $7.6 million to convert a series of vacant houses into shelters for homeless youth in Durham.
The initiative, announced early Friday morning in collaboration with the City of Durham and several local non-profits, will provide safe, long-term housing for young people facing homelessness, along with access to counseling, education, and job placement services.
“Durham is my home. It’s where I became a man, a leader, and a father,” Scheyer said in a statement. “I’ve seen the challenges too many young people here face. This is about giving them stability, hope, and a real chance.”
The investment will go toward renovating more than a dozen abandoned or dilapidated properties in underserved neighborhoods. Each shelter will be staffed with trained professionals and offer programs tailored to helping vulnerable youth rebuild their lives.
Scheyer, 37, has led Duke with passion and purpose since taking over the program from Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski in 2022. While his accomplishments on the court have earned national attention, it’s his off-court impact that’s now drawing praise far beyond the world of college basketball.
Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams called the initiative “a game-changing moment for the city’s youth,” and praised Scheyer as a role model for using his platform and personal wealth for the public good.
“This isn’t just charity — it’s vision and responsibility,” the mayor said. “Jon is stepping up in a way few ever do, and lives will be changed because of it.”
Local leaders, former players, and residents alike have taken to social media to thank Scheyer for the unexpected announcement, calling it a bold act of giving in a time when housing insecurity among young people is rising.
In a city where the divide between Duke’s campus and under-resourced communities has long been a topic of discussion, Scheyer’s initiative is being praised as a bridge — one that connects privilege to purpose.
The first shelters are expected to open later this year, with renovations already underway and local contractors involved in the work.
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