Freddie Freeman and the Los Angeles Dodgers Donate $12.5 Million to Transform House into Homeless Youth Shelter in Honor of Coach Dave Roberts

Los Angeles, CA – May 12, 2025 – In a powerful display of compassion and community leadership, Freddie Freeman and the entire Los Angeles Dodgers team have donated $12.5 million to convert a house in Los Angeles into a shelter for homeless youth. The generous act was made in honor of Dodgers Head Coach Dave Roberts, highlighting the team’s ongoing commitment to making a positive impact beyond the baseball field.

The donation will fund the renovation and transformation of a large residential property in the heart of Los Angeles into a fully staffed shelter dedicated to providing homeless youth with safety, stability, and a path toward a brighter future. This initiative comes at a time when homelessness, particularly among youth, continues to rise across Los Angeles County.

A Gift That Changes Lives

According to city officials, more than 4,000 unaccompanied minors and young adults experience homelessness on any given night in Los Angeles. This new shelter, backed by the Dodgers’ $12.5 million donation, will offer emergency beds, transitional housing, job training, mental health support, education assistance, and recreational programs.

“This shelter is more than a building; it’s a lifeline for young people who have been overlooked for too long,” said Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers’ star first baseman. “Coach Roberts has always taught us that leadership is about service. We’re proud to honor him with this gift and continue his legacy of giving back to the community.”

Honoring Dave Roberts’ Vision

Dave Roberts, who has served as the Dodgers’ manager since 2016, is widely respected not just for his achievements in baseball but for his unwavering commitment to social justice and youth advocacy. Under his leadership, the Dodgers have participated in numerous community outreach programs, but this initiative marks their most ambitious philanthropic project to date.

Visibly moved during the announcement, Roberts said, “I’m deeply humbled by this gesture. I’ve always believed in the power of team—not just in sports, but in life. This shelter is a testament to what’s possible when we come together with purpose.”

Community and Government Collaboration

The project is being carried out in partnership with Hope Haven LA, a nonprofit that has served at-risk youth for over 20 years. The city of Los Angeles has also pledged support through zoning approvals, streamlined permits, and community outreach efforts to ensure a smooth launch.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised the Dodgers for their leadership. “This is the kind of bold, compassionate action we need to solve homelessness in our city. The Dodgers have always been a source of pride for LA, but today they’ve become a symbol of hope.”

A Model for Future Initiatives

Construction on the shelter is expected to begin in summer 2025, with the facility slated to open its doors by spring 2026. The shelter will accommodate up to 100 young people at a time and will serve as a model for similar projects in other major cities.

The Dodgers organization has expressed a desire to expand the initiative if it proves successful. Team President Stan Kasten hinted that similar donations and shelters could follow in other communities where the Dodgers have minor league affiliates or deep community ties.

More Than a Game

This extraordinary donation adds to the growing trend of professional athletes using their platform and resources to address real-world issues. Freeman and his teammates are proving that sports teams can be more than just entertainment—they can be catalysts for meaningful change.

“In baseball, we talk a lot about legacy,” Freeman added. “Some of our greatest accomplishments won’t be in the record books—they’ll be in the lives we help rebuild.”