In a stunning and heartwarming act of generosity, Kentucky Wildcats basketball standout Otega Oweh has announced a personal investment of $7.5 million to convert a historic Lexington mansion into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth.
The 20-year-old rising star, known for his explosive plays on the court and quiet humility off it, revealed today that the multi-million-dollar project, dubbed “The Oweh Haven”, will open its doors later this year. The shelter will offer transitional housing, mental health services, educational support, and job training to young people aged 16–24 experiencing homelessness in central Kentucky.
“Basketball has given me so much,” Oweh said at a press conference this morning. “But no win or trophy means more to me than the opportunity to give someone else a shot at life. This shelter is for the kids who feel invisible, forgotten. I see you. We all should.”
The Victorian-era house, located just minutes from the University of Kentucky campus, had stood vacant for years before Oweh purchased it in February. Working with a coalition of local architects, nonprofit organizations, and youth advocates, Oweh reimagined the space into a welcoming, safe environment complete with dorm-style rooms, a community kitchen, counseling offices, and a recreational gym.
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton praised Oweh’s commitment to the city. “This is unprecedented. Otega isn’t just investing in a building—he’s investing in hope, in futures, in Lexington itself,” she said. “This is a proud day for our community.”
Oweh’s coach, John Calipari, echoed the sentiment. “Otega is a once-in-a-generation player and an even rarer human being. What he’s doing is bigger than basketball.”
While many college athletes focus on NIL deals and draft prospects, Oweh is using his newfound platform for social impact. He has already pledged future endorsement revenue to fund the shelter’s operations for the next five years and has called on fellow athletes and public figures to “step up and do more.”
With the NCAA tournament just behind him and NBA scouts watching closely, Oweh’s star is undoubtedly on the rise. But today, he made it clear that his legacy will be defined by more than what he does with a ball in his hands.
“I know what it feels like to want someone to believe in you,” Oweh said, his voice breaking slightly. “Now I get to be that someone.”
