BREAKING NEWS: Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers Invests $9.6 Million to Transform Historic Home Into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Indiana
In a bold and heartwarming move that’s shaking both the NBA and social service communities, Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton has officially invested $9.6 million of his own money to transform a historic property in downtown Indianapolis into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth.
The project, called “Haliburton House”, will offer a safe, stable, and empowering environment for vulnerable young people aged 14 to 21 who are experiencing homelessness, abandonment, or aging out of foster care. Announced today at a packed press conference alongside Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and local nonprofit leaders, the shelter is expected to open its doors in Spring 2026.
“This is Bigger Than Basketball”
Wearing a simple gray Pacers hoodie and a quiet smile, Haliburton addressed reporters with humility and purpose.
“Basketball gave me a platform, but this is bigger than basketball,” he said. “I’ve been blessed with more than I ever imagined. It’s my responsibility to give back, and there’s no better way than helping kids who are out here with nowhere to turn.”
The NBA All-Star said the idea took shape during a Pacers community outreach event in 2023, when he met a 17-year-old who’d been living in and out of shelters since age 13.
“That conversation never left me,” Haliburton said. “He told me, ‘It’s hard to dream when you’re just trying to survive.’ I kept thinking: what if I could build a place that gave kids more than just a roof—a real future?”
What the Shelter Will Offer
The property, a renovated 15-bedroom historic mansion near downtown Indy, will be more than just a shelter. Haliburton has partnered with local organizations like Outreach Inc. and the Indiana Youth Group to provide:
- 24/7 housing and meals
- Mental health counseling and trauma support
- Education tutoring and GED prep
- Job training, mentorship, and resume help
- Sports, music, and arts programming
- Financial literacy workshops
- On-site medical care and dental screenings
The shelter will operate with licensed staff and trained volunteers, with the capacity to serve up to 35 young people at a time. The goal? Empower them to transition into independent living within 12 to 18 months.
City, League, and Fans React
Governor Holcomb praised Haliburton’s investment, calling it “a monumental act of compassion that will impact generations.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement applauding the move:
“Tyrese Haliburton exemplifies the very best of what it means to be an NBA player and leader. His investment in Indiana’s youth is a shining example of athlete-driven philanthropy at its most transformative.”
Fans across Indiana—and the nation—are hailing the decision as one of the most meaningful off-the-court actions by an NBA star in recent memory.
On social media, HaliburtonHouse quickly began trending, with tributes pouring in from fellow players like Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Victor Wembanyama.
From Oshkosh to Indy: A Full-Circle Journey
Born and raised in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Haliburton says the values instilled in him by his parents—especially the importance of community—have remained with him.
“My mom’s a teacher. My dad worked in public safety. They taught me to lead with heart,” he said. “And Indiana has welcomed me like family. This is how I say thank you.”
What’s Next
Haliburton isn’t stopping with just one home. He hinted at a long-term vision to expand the program statewide, with the dream of someday franchising the model nationally.
“If it works here, maybe other cities will follow. If I can be the spark, that’s more meaningful than any stat line I’ll ever have.”
As the press conference ended, a group of local teens—some from group homes, others from housing programs—gathered around Haliburton for photos, hugs, and hopeful questions.
One boy asked, “Can I live here someday?”
Tyrese looked at him and said with a smile, “If you ever need it, yes.”
