BREAKING: Julian Merryweather and the Entire Chicago Cubs Team Donate $12.5 Million to Build a Shelter for Homeless Youth in Honor of Manager Craig Counsell

Chicago, IL – May 12, 2025 — In a remarkable show of compassion and community spirit, Julian Merryweather and the entire Chicago Cubs team have donated a staggering $12.5 million to transform a large house in the heart of Chicago into a fully equipped shelter for homeless and at-risk youth. The shelter will be named “The Counsell House,” in honor of Cubs manager Craig Counsell, as a tribute to his leadership on and off the field.

This project marks a powerful commitment by the Cubs to support the city that supports them and to give back in a meaningful, lasting way.

A Shelter with a Mission

The Counsell House will serve youth between the ages of 14 and 22 who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. With the capacity to serve over 90 young people, the facility will offer a wide range of services including:

• Emergency and transitional housing

• Mental health and trauma counseling

• GED classes and academic tutoring

• Job training and placement programs

• Mentorship and life-skills development

• Recreational activities and Cubs player engagement

This initiative has been in the works for several months and was quietly coordinated by Julian Merryweather, who brought the idea to the Cubs leadership and spearheaded the team-wide support.

“We talk a lot about teamwork on the field,” said Merryweather during the press conference. “But this is the kind of teamwork that really matters. Coach Counsell has always encouraged us to be good people first. This is how we honor that message.”

Craig Counsell Responds: “I’m Speechless”

Cubs manager Craig Counsell, known for his quiet intensity and strategic brilliance, was deeply moved by the surprise announcement. Counsell has long been passionate about youth empowerment and giving back to underserved communities.

“This is one of the greatest honors of my life,” Counsell said, visibly emotional. “To see the players and this organization step up in this way—it means the world. I’ve always said, we’re not just here to play baseball, we’re here to represent Chicago. And this is how you do it.”

Full Team Support Across the Organization

The $12.5 million was raised through personal contributions from players, coaches, front office executives, and team ownership. Players like Dansby Swanson, Seiya Suzuki, Ian Happ, and Justin Steele all joined Merryweather in donating a portion of their salaries or sponsorship earnings.

Tom Ricketts, owner of the Cubs, praised the initiative and pledged further support for operations and future expansions.

“We’re incredibly proud of our players,” Ricketts said. “This is what leadership looks like—not just winning games, but winning hearts.”

Tackling Youth Homelessness in Chicago

Chicago has seen a troubling rise in youth homelessness in recent years. Advocacy groups estimate that more than 5,000 youth in the city are without stable housing each year. The Counsell House will serve as a sanctuary for many of them, offering both immediate relief and long-term pathways to independence.

Angela Ramirez, Executive Director of La Casa Norte, one of the city’s leading youth service organizations and a key partner in the project, praised the Cubs’ commitment:

“This is the kind of impact that transforms lives. The Cubs aren’t just investing in a building—they’re investing in a future where every young person has a chance.”

A City Reacts: #CubsGiveBack Goes Viral

The announcement sparked a wave of support across social media. Within hours, hashtags like #CubsGiveBack, #CounsellHouse, and #JulianMerryweatherCares were trending on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.

Fans applauded the Cubs not only for their performance on the field but for their growing legacy off of it.

“Proud to be a Cubs fan today,” one supporter wrote. “This is what a team should be about—heart, community, and action.”

What’s Next for The Counsell House

Construction is set to begin this summer, with an official opening targeted for early 2026. The Cubs have also committed to ongoing involvement, with players expected to volunteer regularly and participate in mentorship programs.

Julian Merryweather closed the announcement with a powerful message:

“Coach always tells us: ‘Be more than just athletes.’ I think today, we showed what that looks like.”