Breaking News:Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman has invested $2.5 million to transform a house into a shelter for homeless youths in Indiana after..Full details
Breaking News: Notre Dame Head Coach Marcus Freeman Invests $2.5 Million to Transform House into Shelter for Homeless Youths in Indiana
South Bend, IN — In an extraordinary act of service and compassion, Marcus Freeman, head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team, has personally invested $2.5 million to convert an abandoned historic house in South Bend into a full-service shelter for homeless and at-risk youths across Indiana.
The initiative, unveiled earlier today, is being hailed by local leaders and national figures as a groundbreaking move that reflects the true spirit of Notre Dame: faith, family, and service.
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From Coach to Community Builder
Standing before the ivy-covered structure that will soon become “The Freeman House,” Coach Freeman shared the emotional journey that inspired this mission.
“I was raised by a single mom who worked multiple jobs to keep us afloat. There were nights when we were one paycheck away from not knowing where we’d sleep,” Freeman said. “So when I see young people today—kids with potential, with promise—living without stability, it hits me personally.”
Freeman revealed that he first envisioned the project after a chance encounter with a group of teens huddled near a downtown bus station last winter. One of them, a 15-year-old wearing a worn-out Notre Dame hoodie, recognized him and asked, “Coach, how do I get to where you are?” That moment, Freeman said, “lit a fire.”
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The Freeman House: More Than Shelter
The newly named Freeman House will offer 30 beds for youth aged 13 to 21, with plans for both short-term emergency stays and long-term transitional housing. The facility will also feature:
A tech-forward learning center for tutoring, GED prep, and college readiness
Private therapy and counseling offices, staffed by trauma-informed professionals
Job training workshops in collaboration with local businesses
A mentorship program led by Notre Dame student-athletes and community volunteers
On-site nutrition and wellness programs, including fitness sessions and mental health seminars
Freeman emphasized that this isn’t just about providing shelter—it’s about building futures.
“I want them to know: you’re not forgotten. You’re not invisible. You belong here, and you’re worth the investment.”
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Support from Notre Dame and Beyond
University of Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins called the initiative “a Christ-like expression of love and leadership.” The university has committed additional support through faculty outreach, internship opportunities for students, and access to community service programs.
Notre Dame alumni, including high-profile figures in business and the NFL, have pledged donations and support. Even rivals in the coaching world shared words of admiration, calling Freeman’s move “an example every coach in the nation should follow.”
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Construction and Vision for the Future
Renovation of the century-old building will begin this summer, with a grand opening planned for spring 2026. Freeman’s $2.5 million personal investment covers the full purchase and renovation, along with a two-year operational runway. A nonprofit foundation is being established to oversee operations, programming, and future expansion.
Freeman also announced plans to develop a leadership academy within the shelter—offering life coaching, spiritual mentorship, and workshops on resilience, self-worth, and personal growth.
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A Message to the Next Generation
Freeman ended his announcement with a challenge and a message of hope:
“This isn’t just a house—it’s a doorway to something better. If you’re a young person out there struggling right now, hear me: you are not alone. You matter. And we’re building this place for you.”