Detroit Lions Owner Sheila Ford Hamp Boldly Invests $20 Million to Transform Historic Estate into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Detroit.
In a powerful gesture of leadership, compassion, and civic responsibility, Detroit Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp has announced a $20 million personal investment to convert one of her family’s historic properties into a state-of-the-art shelter and resource center for homeless youth in the city of Detroit.
The announcement came during an emotional press conference held outside the sprawling estate in the Boston-Edison Historic District — once a private residence, now set to become a haven of hope for hundreds of displaced young people across the metro area.
“This city has given so much to my family and to the Lions,” Ford Hamp said. “It’s time to give back in a way that reaches beyond the game — something that truly changes lives. These kids need safety, dignity, and opportunity, and we’re going to make sure they get all three.”
The project, dubbed The Hamp House, will provide temporary housing, meals, educational support, mental health services, career training, and mentorship programs for youth between the ages of 13 and 21. Construction is set to begin this summer, with an anticipated opening date in early 2026.
According to Ford Hamp, the initiative will be operated in partnership with local nonprofits and staffed by professionals specializing in trauma-informed care, social work, and youth development.
“This is not just a shelter,” she added. “It’s a springboard.”
The news was met with widespread praise from city leaders, Lions players, and advocates for youth welfare. Mayor Mike Duggan called it “a landmark investment in the future of Detroit,” while Lions quarterback Jared Goff described the move as “a reminder of what real leadership looks like.”
Social media exploded with admiration, with many hailing Ford Hamp’s decision as both bold and unprecedented among NFL ownership circles. Fans and activists alike pointed out the stark contrast between this philanthropic act and the often transactional nature of pro sports headlines.
“She’s showing what the shield should stand for,” one post read. “Community. Action. Humanity.”
For Ford Hamp, however, the motivation is personal. “I’ve walked through neighborhoods where kids sleep in doorways, and I’ve asked myself what more I can do. This is a beginning — not an end.”
