Breaking News:Amy Williams of the Nebraska Women’s Basketball Team has invested $2 million to transform a house into a shelter for homeless youths in Nebraska after..Full details

Breaking News: Amy Williams of the Nebraska Women’s Basketball Team Invests $2 Million to Transform House into Shelter for Homeless Youths in Nebraska

In a powerful display of compassion and leadership, Amy Williams, head coach of the Nebraska Women’s Basketball Team, has committed $2 million of her personal funds to transform a historic house in Lincoln, Nebraska, into a safe haven for homeless and at-risk youths. The announcement, made earlier today, has sent waves of admiration through both the sports world and the local community.

A Coach With a Cause

Coach Williams, known for her dedication on the court and her fierce advocacy for student-athletes, revealed the decision in an emotional press conference at the future site of the shelter. The building, a century-old home that had fallen into disrepair, will be reborn as “The Red Haven,” a fully renovated youth shelter that aims to address the growing issue of youth homelessness in Nebraska.

“Basketball teaches us about resilience, teamwork, and hope,” Williams said to a crowd of reporters and supporters. “But some kids don’t even get the chance to play because they’re too busy trying to survive. This is about giving them a foundation, a chance to dream again.”

From Blueprint to Beacon

The Red Haven will accommodate up to 25 homeless youths aged 14–21, offering not just a place to sleep, but a holistic support system. Plans for the facility include private living quarters, a communal dining and kitchen space, classrooms for tutoring and GED prep, therapy rooms, and a recreation center designed with input from local teens.

Partnering with local nonprofit agencies and educational institutions, the shelter will also offer mental health services, life skills training, college prep support, and job placement programs.

A Personal Mission

Williams shared that the project was inspired by her time coaching in communities where students often struggled with poverty and housing insecurity. But it was a recent encounter with a former player—who revealed she had experienced periods of homelessness in high school—that ignited the fire to take action.

“That conversation shook me,” Williams admitted. “She was talented, driven, but no one knew she was sleeping in her car some nights. No young person should ever have to go through that alone.”

Local and National Reactions

The response to Williams’ announcement has been overwhelmingly positive. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen praised the initiative as “a bold and compassionate step toward addressing a serious crisis.” The University of Nebraska has pledged additional support in the form of volunteers, outreach programs, and educational partnerships.

Athletes and coaches across the NCAA also took to social media to applaud Williams’ initiative, calling it a “game-changer” and “a play that wins beyond the scoreboard.”

Opening Day and Beyond

Construction and renovation efforts are set to begin this summer, with the grand opening planned for spring of next year. Williams emphasized that her involvement is just beginning—she plans to remain deeply involved with the shelter’s operations, including mentoring youth and working with staff on programming.

She also hinted at launching a statewide campaign to encourage more athletes, coaches, and public figures to invest in youth-focused housing projects.

A Legacy Off the Court

While Amy Williams has built a reputation as a fierce competitor and beloved mentor in collegiate basketball, this bold new chapter in her life underscores a deeper calling.

“Wins are great,” she said. “But helping a young person find safety, stability, and self-worth—that’s the kind of victory that matters most.”