Dawn Staley Converts Residence into Youth Shelter with \$3.6 Million Donation
Dawn Staley, head coach of the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team, has made a powerful impact off the court by investing \$3.6 million to turn a residential property into a shelter for homeless youth in South Carolina. The effort marks another chapter in her long-standing commitment to community service and social uplift.
Championing Change Beyond Basketball
Staley is well known not only for her coaching excellence but also for her deep dedication to supporting disadvantaged communities. She co-founded Innersole, a nonprofit that provides new sneakers to children in need, and has worked with national initiatives such as Goldman Sachs’ One Million Black Women to promote economic advancement for Black women and girls.
Supporting Vulnerable Youth
The new shelter, located in Columbia, SC, is designed to serve homeless and at-risk young people. It will offer much more than temporary housing—residents will have access to educational support, mental health care, life coaching, and job training. Staley hopes this initiative will offer stability and opportunity for youth facing difficult circumstances, while also addressing deeper social inequalities.
Local Praise and Future Plans
City leaders and community organizations have applauded the project. Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann called it a transformative initiative that could greatly reduce youth homelessness in the area. The shelter is expected to open in early 2026, initially serving up to 50 young people, with a vision to expand as more resources become available.
Leading by Example
Staley’s multimillion-dollar commitment is a reflection of her belief that leadership extends beyond sports. Her actions demonstrate the power of using one’s platform to drive positive change. By focusing on vulnerable youth, she is providing a lifeline to those who need it most—and encouraging others to step up for their communities.
Her legacy continues to grow, not just as a championship-winning coach but also as a role model who uses her success to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
