PICKLEBALL CHARITY: Tennis Icon Andre Agassi and Pickleball Star Ben Johns Invest $7.5 Million Each to Transform Homes into Shelters for Homeless Youth
In a heartwarming display of compassion and purpose beyond the sport, tennis legend Andre Agassi and pickleball superstar Ben Johns have joined forces for a groundbreaking charitable initiative. The two athletes have each made a remarkable $7.5 million investment—totaling $15 million—to convert residential properties into safe, supportive shelters for homeless youth across the United States.
The project, which is already underway in select cities, is aimed at addressing the growing crisis of youth homelessness by providing not just a roof over their heads, but also access to education, counseling, healthcare, and long-term development opportunities. For Agassi, a longtime advocate for underserved youth, this initiative is a continuation of his life’s mission to give back. His past efforts include founding a charter school for at-risk students in Las Vegas, and now, this new partnership with Johns expands that legacy.
“This is about more than just giving someone a bed for the night,” Agassi said in a joint press release. “It’s about creating a stable environment where young people can reclaim their future, build confidence, and access the tools they need to thrive.”
Ben Johns, the face of the rapidly growing sport of pickleball and known for his humility and dedication to community service, called the partnership a dream come true. “The platform we have as athletes gives us a responsibility. I’ve seen the struggles young people face when they have no place to go, and I wanted to be part of something bigger than sports. Partnering with Andre to make a lasting impact is truly special.”
The shelters, called “Haven Homes,” will be located in both urban and suburban areas and are designed to offer a warm, family-style atmosphere with access to mentorship, education, and job training programs. The goal is to empower homeless youth aged 14 to 24 to transition out of crisis and into independent living.
As homelessness continues to affect hundreds of thousands of young people across the country, Agassi and Johns’ commitment stands as a beacon of hope. Their shared investment isn’t just about charity—it’s a powerful example of leadership, empathy, and the potential of sports figures to drive real, transformative change in society.
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