Breaking News: Purdue Men’s Basketball Coach Matt Painter Donates $3.6 Million to Open Shelter for Homeless Youth
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — In an inspiring move that blends leadership on and off the court, Purdue men’s basketball head coach Matt Painter has announced a remarkable $3.6 million personal investment to transform a local house near Purdue University into a shelter for homeless youth.
The initiative, officially titled Painter’s Place, will serve as a safe haven for displaced and at-risk young people in the Greater Lafayette community, offering not just shelter but also education, mentorship, and emotional support. The project is expected to begin renovations this summer, with doors opening to its first residents in early 2026.
Coach Painter, a beloved figure in Indiana and a pillar of Purdue’s athletic success, shared his emotional motivation behind the decision during a press conference held Monday morning. “Basketball has given me a platform, but it’s about more than wins and losses. It’s about people,” Painter said. “There are kids just blocks from this campus who don’t know where they’re sleeping tonight. That’s not acceptable. We can do better.”
The $3.6 million will go toward purchasing the property, a large residential structure just minutes from the Purdue campus, and fully renovating it into a state-of-the-art facility. Plans include housing for up to 20 youth at a time, community gathering spaces, counseling rooms, a kitchen and dining area, study lounges, and staff offices.
Local organizations and social workers are already partnering with Painter to ensure that Painter’s Place becomes more than a shelter—it’s envisioned as a launchpad for long-term transformation. The facility will partner with Lafayette schools, Purdue University student groups, and regional health care providers to offer educational support, job training, mental health services, and more.
“Coach Painter didn’t just write a check. He’s been in the meetings. He’s asked the hard questions. He wants to change lives, not just offer a bed,” said Tara Greene, executive director of Youth Outreach Indiana, one of the key partners on the project.
The announcement has rippled through the Purdue community and beyond, with social media lit up by alumni, athletes, and students commending Painter’s generosity and vision.
Athletic Director Mike Bobinski praised the initiative in a statement Monday: “Matt has always been about more than basketball. His commitment to the young people of this community reflects everything Purdue stands for. This is a moment of pride for our university, our athletics department, and for every person who believes sports can be a vehicle for good.”
Painter, who has led Purdue to numerous NCAA tournament appearances and helped produce top-tier NBA talent, has long emphasized character development and community responsibility within his program. Former players frequently reference his mentorship both on and off the court.
One of those players, NBA star and Purdue alum Carsen Edwards, tweeted, “Coach Painter changing lives off the court now too. Proud to have played for a man like that.”
Construction on Painter’s Place is expected to start in August. Painter says he will be actively involved throughout the process, and he’s inviting other community members, Purdue alumni, and businesses to contribute as well. A public fundraising campaign will launch next month to help cover ongoing operational costs and expand services.
In a world where college athletics often dominate headlines for controversy and commercialization, Painter’s bold, heartfelt act of service is a powerful reminder of the impact coaches can make beyond the scoreboard.
“This isn’t about me,” Painter said, eyes misty. “It’s about giving these kids the hope and tools they need to build something better. If we can change even one life,
it’s worth every penny.”
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