**BREAKING NEWS: Texas Longhorn MVP Arch Manning Invests \$7.5 Million to Transform House Into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Austin**
*AUSTIN, TX — May 16, 2025* — In a bold and compassionate move that is making headlines across the country, University of Texas quarterback and college football MVP Arch Manning has announced a \$7.5 million personal investment to transform a historic estate in downtown Austin into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth.
The announcement came early Friday morning at a press conference held on the steps of the property located in the Clarksville neighborhood, just minutes from the UT Austin campus. Manning, 20, addressed a crowd of media, local officials, and community leaders, saying his goal is to create a “safe haven and launching pad” for young people facing homelessness.
“This city has given me so much — an education, fans, opportunities — and I’ve seen up close the struggles too many kids face on these streets,” Manning said. “This isn’t just about giving them a roof over their heads. It’s about hope, education, and showing them they matter.”
The facility, which will be named “Manning House,” is expected to open by late 2026. It will provide emergency shelter, long-term housing, mental health services, educational support, and job training for youth ages 14–24 who are experiencing homelessness or aging out of the foster care system. The house will be operated in partnership with several Austin-based nonprofits, including LifeWorks and SAFE Alliance.
Manning’s donation will cover the purchase and renovation of the 12,000-square-foot property, which was previously on the market as a luxury private residence. Renovations will include dorm-style accommodations, communal kitchens, therapy rooms, a computer lab, and outdoor recreation areas. An advisory board of local educators, counselors, and youth representatives will help guide programming decisions.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised Manning for his initiative, calling the investment “one of the most significant private contributions to youth homelessness in Texas history.”
“Arch isn’t just a football star — he’s a leader, and today he’s proved that leadership extends beyond the field,” Watson said. “This shelter will change lives, and it speaks to the kind of future we can build when people step up.”
Manning, a member of the legendary Manning football family and a rising NFL prospect, has been outspoken in recent months about the importance of using his platform for more than just sports. While he’s expected to enter the NFL Draft in 2026, he made it clear Friday that giving back will remain a major part of his life.
“I’m a quarterback, sure, but I’m also a citizen of this city. I’ve seen too many kids on the streets just a few blocks from where I play. I couldn’t ignore that anymore,” he said.
Reactions on social media were swift and overwhelmingly positive. Former Longhorns players, celebrities, and fans flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with messages of support. Hashtags like #ManningHouse and #LonghornLegacy began trending within hours.
Sarah Rodriguez, 22, who experienced homelessness as a teen and now works with LifeWorks, said the announcement brought her to tears.
“It’s not just the money — it’s the fact that someone like Arch sees us, believes in us, and is putting real action behind his words,” Rodriguez said. “This shelter could mean the difference between life and death for so many.”
Construction on the Manning House is expected to begin this summer, with hiring for staff and support services to follow in early 2026.
As for Manning, he remains focused on finishing out his college career strong — but says he’s more motivated than ever.
“Winning on the field is great,” he said. “But if I can help just one kid find a new path, a futu
re — that’s the real victory.”
