Just Now: Bengals QB Joe Burrow Invests $3.6 Million to Turn House into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Cincinnati
In a powerful act of compassion and leadership off the field, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has invested $3.6 million of his own money to transform a historic house on the city’s west side into a full-scale shelter for homeless youth. The announcement was made earlier today through the Joe Burrow Foundation, marking one of the most personal and impactful charitable moves of his young career.
“Cincinnati has given me so much — it’s my home now,” Burrow said during a press conference at the future site of the shelter. “I’ve seen how many young people are out here trying to survive without a place to call home. They need more than a roof — they need a shot. I want this to be that shot.”
The shelter, which will be called “The 9 House” — a reference to Burrow’s jersey number — will offer temporary housing, meals, counseling services, educational support, job training, and mentorship opportunities for youth ages 14 to 21 who are experiencing homelessness or are in crisis. Construction and renovation are expected to begin this summer, with doors projected to open by the fall of 2026.
Burrow, 28, has long been vocal about issues related to poverty and youth opportunity. In his 2019 Heisman Trophy speech, he famously brought national attention to childhood hunger in Southeast Ohio — a moment that sparked over $650,000 in donations to food banks in his hometown of Athens. This latest act extends that legacy into the heart of Cincinnati, where thousands of youth face housing insecurity every year.
“I think we all need to understand that football is just a game, but people’s lives — especially young people’s — are at stake every day,” Burrow said. “I want to use the platform I’ve been given to be more than a quarterback. I want to help build a better city.”
City leaders praised Burrow for stepping in with private investment to address one of Cincinnati’s most urgent social issues. Mayor Aftab Pureval called the donation “a transformational gift that will directly change lives,” and emphasized the importance of the initiative. “Joe isn’t just our quarterback — he’s becoming one of our most impactful civic leaders,” Pureval said.
The project is being developed in partnership with Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, a local nonprofit with decades of experience working with at-risk youth. The organization will oversee day-to-day operations of The 9 House, ensuring it provides trauma-informed care and individualized support to each resident.
Local residents and Bengals fans alike have already begun flooding social media with praise and gratitude. “He’s the face of our team, but this proves he’s also the heart of our city,” one tweet read. Another post simply stated: “Joe Burrow just keeps winning — on and off the field.”
Burrow emphasized that this is only the beginning. “This isn’t about charity — it’s about commitment,” he said. “I want to be part of a long-term solution. I want these kids to know that someone believes in them.”
The 9 House will include 18 beds, a full kitchen, classroom and recreation space, therapy rooms, and access to resources for health, education, and employment. Burrow’s investment will cover the purchase, renovation, and initial operating costs for at least the first two years.
As the Bengals prepare for another season with high expectations, their star quarterback is proving that his leadership extends well beyond the gridiron. Joe Burrow’s latest move shows that in Cincinnati, he’s not just playing for wins — he’s playing for the future of the community he now calls home.
