BREAKING NEWS: Otega Oweh of the Kentucky Wildcats Invests \$13.6 Million to Transform House into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Kentucky After Witnessing Crisis Firsthand
Lexington, KY — In a stunning and heartfelt move, Kentucky Wildcats basketball star Otega Oweh has pledged \$13.6 million of his personal fortune to convert a sprawling estate into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth in Kentucky. The announcement comes just weeks after Oweh personally encountered a group of unhoused teenagers near downtown Lexington following a late-night team event.
The 21-year-old guard, known for his tenacity on the court and leadership off of it, said the moment changed his life.
“I was walking back to the team bus after a fundraiser,” Oweh recounted. “It was cold, and I saw these kids—some couldn’t have been more than 14—huddled in an alley with nothing but blankets. One of them recognized me and asked if I could help. I couldn’t sleep that night.”
Just days later, Oweh began quietly working with community organizers, architects, and city officials to purchase and repurpose a 30,000-square-foot mansion in Fayette County that had been listed at \$7.2 million. The property, previously a private residence, will be transformed into a transitional housing and educational center called **“The Haven by Oweh.”**
According to preliminary blueprints released Friday morning, The Haven will accommodate up to 100 youth at a time and will include trauma-informed therapy rooms, classrooms, a full kitchen and dining hall, recreational areas, mentorship lounges, and a dedicated on-site staff of social workers and counselors. The facility will also provide GED preparation, job training, and college readiness programs.
“This is not a temporary shelter,” Oweh said during a press conference on Friday. “It’s a launchpad for young people to reclaim their lives and chase their dreams, just like I was able to do.”
Though he declined to discuss exact figures at first, sources later confirmed that Oweh had invested \$13.6 million of his NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) earnings and personal savings into the project—making it one of the largest known philanthropic contributions ever made by an active NCAA athlete.
The gesture has already drawn praise from across the nation. University of Kentucky President Dr. Eli Capilouto called the move “an unprecedented act of compassion and responsibility from a student-athlete.” Head Coach John Calipari tweeted, “Otega’s heart is as big as his game. This is what leadership looks like.”
Youth homelessness has surged in parts of Kentucky in recent years, exacerbated by economic hardship, addiction crises, and gaps in the foster care system. According to the Kentucky Department of Education, over 13,000 students were identified as homeless during the last academic year. Oweh says he was stunned to learn the statistics, which pushed him even harder to act.
The Haven is slated to open in Spring 2026, but the impact of Oweh’s actions is already being felt. Local nonprofit leaders report a spike in volunteer signups and donations in the days following the news. Several UK teammates have also pledged to help fundraise and mentor youth at the facility.
When asked why he chose to make such a significant investment at this stage in his career, Oweh was humble.
“I’ve been given a platform, and with that comes a responsibility. I don’t want to wait until I’m done playing to start making a difference. These kids need hope now.”
Oweh concluded the press conference with a message directly to Kentucky’s homeless youth: “You’re not invisible. You’re not forgotten. You’re worthy of love, support, and opportunity. The Haven is your home now—and we’re building it for you.
