Breaking News: Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard Invests $3.6 Million to Create Shelter for Homeless Youth in the UK
London, 7 June 2025 — In an inspiring act of generosity, Brentford FC star midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard has announced a personal investment of $3.6 million to transform a disused Victorian house in West London into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth across the United Kingdom. The project, which has already begun renovations, aims to open its doors later this year.
The announcement was made this morning at a press conference held near the site of the upcoming shelter. Standing alongside representatives from leading UK homelessness charities and local government officials, the 24-year-old Danish international outlined his vision: to offer young people not only a safe place to sleep, but also a path toward stability and opportunity.
A Personal Motivation
Speaking candidly, Damsgaard revealed that his motivation stemmed from an experience earlier this year during an outreach program with the Centrepoint UK charity, which supports homeless youth.
“I met a young boy — just 17 — who had been sleeping rough for almost a year after leaving foster care. His story deeply moved me,” Damsgaard shared. “I realised that having a safe place to go at night, something many of us take for granted, is life-changing. I wanted to do something tangible, not just write a cheque.”
That commitment has translated into the purchase and complete renovation of a once-derelict five-storey Victorian property in the Hammersmith and Fulham borough. The building, which had stood empty for over a decade, was acquired in March for approximately £2.4 million (around $3 million), with a further $600,000 allocated for extensive renovations and modernisation.
A Vision for Comprehensive Support
The shelter, which will be called The Haven, will accommodate up to 30 young people aged between 16 and 25 at any given time. Beyond providing beds and meals, The Haven is designed to offer wraparound services, including:
Mental health support and counselling
Educational workshops and skills training
Job placement assistance and mentoring
Legal advocacy for housing rights and benefits
On-site medical support in partnership with local NHS providers
“This is not just about providing shelter, it’s about creating an environment where young people can rebuild their lives with dignity and support,” said Damsgaard. “Football has given me a platform and resources. I feel a responsibility to use them where they are most needed.”
Community and Football Backing
Damsgaard’s initiative has received widespread praise from the footballing world and beyond. Brentford FC issued a statement commending their player’s humanitarian effort:
“We are incredibly proud of Mikkel for his leadership and compassion. His commitment to the local community exemplifies the values we hold dear at Brentford FC.”
Teammates and fellow Premier League players have also voiced their support. England international and Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Incredible gesture from @MikkelDamsgaard – showing true leadership off the pitch. Hoping this inspires many of us to give back.”
In addition to personal investment, Damsgaard has pledged that 10% of proceeds from future commercial sponsorships he earns will be directed toward the shelter’s ongoing operational costs. He is also working with Centrepoint and Shelter UK to establish a permanent endowment fund to ensure the shelter’s long-term sustainability.
Addressing a Growing Crisis
Homelessness among young people in the UK is a growing concern. According to Centrepoint, more than 136,000 young people aged 16–24 approached their local council for homelessness assistance in 2023, marking a 15% increase over the previous year. The shortage of dedicated youth shelters, combined with the cost-of-living crisis, has exacerbated the issue.
Seyi Obakin, CEO of Centrepoint, welcomed Damsgaard’s initiative: “We desperately need more safe spaces like The Haven. Mikkel’s actions remind us that meaningful change can happen when individuals step forward with courage and compassion. We hope others will follow his example.”
Looking Ahead
Renovation work is already underway, with contractors working to meet a targeted opening date of November 2025, ahead of the holiday season — a particularly difficult time for those without a home.
Damsgaard plans to remain actively involved with The Haven beyond its launch. In partnership with Brentford FC’s community outreach arm, he will visit the shelter regularly and participate in mentoring and skills-building sessions.
“This is not a one-off project,” he stressed. “I see this as a lifelong commitment. I want to know the young people who will call The Haven home and to celebrate their progress and resilience with them.”
A Call to Action
As word of the initiative spreads, Damsgaard hopes it will inspire others within and outside of football to take action. “If we all contribute in ways we can — time, money, advocacy — we can start to address this crisis,” he said. “Every young person deserves a fair chance at life.”
The UK government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has expressed interest in learning from The Haven’s model to replicate its successes in other regions.
As the press conference concluded, Damsgaard was asked whether this effort might lead to similar projects in Denmark or elsewhere. Smiling, he replied: “I certainly hope so. This is just the beginning.”
–