Auburn Tigers Star Johni Broome Donates $15M to Turn Home Into Homeless Shelter, Sparking National Praise and Inspiring Change in College Sports
Auburn Tigers basketball standout Johni Broome is making headlines off the court with a move that is inspiring millions. The All-SEC forward announced this week that he is donating $15 million of his own money to transform a family-owned property into a fully functioning shelter for the homeless — a gesture being hailed as one of the most generous in recent college sports history.
The shelter, which will be located in his hometown, is set to provide housing, meals, job training, and emotional support for individuals experiencing homelessness. Broome, 6-foot-10 and known for his dominant presence on the court, is now being celebrated for his compassion, humility, and desire to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
“I’ve been blessed with so much through basketball,” Broome said in a press conference Tuesday. “But I never forgot where I came from. I’ve seen people struggle — I’ve felt that struggle close to home. This is my way of giving back, of lifting people up.”
The $15 million donation will go toward renovations, staffing, and ongoing operations of the shelter, which will be named “The Broome House of Hope.” Plans include room for up to 50 residents at a time, counseling centers, and partnerships with local businesses for employment opportunities.
Broome’s teammates and coaches at Auburn were moved by the news.
“This is who Johni is,” said Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl. “He’s a leader, on and off the court. He cares deeply about people, and he’s always thinking about how to serve others. What he’s doing here is extraordinary.”
Social media erupted with praise following the announcement, with hashtags like #BroomeHope and #AthletesForChange trending across platforms. Fans, celebrities, and fellow athletes commended Broome not only for his generosity but for challenging the norms of athlete philanthropy in college sports.
“This is more than just a donation — it’s a movement,” said NBA veteran and social activist Chris Paul on Instagram. “Respect to Johni Broome for showing us what leadership looks like.”
Broome’s initiative arrives at a time when conversations around Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and athlete compensation are transforming the landscape of college athletics. While many athletes are using their newfound financial opportunities for personal gain — and rightly so — Broome’s gesture stands out as an example of using that platform for lasting social impact.
Construction on the Broome House of Hope is expected to begin later this year, with the shelter scheduled to open its doors by late 2026.
As for Broome, his focus remains on both basketball and community service.
“I want to win championships,” he said. “But I also want to win in life — and that means helping others win too.”
With one bold and selfless act, Johni Broome has redefined what it means to be a student-athlete — and left a legacy far greater than basketball alone.
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