Auburn Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl Invests $3 Million to Turn Abandoned House into Homeless Youth Shelter in Auburn, Alabama, Launches Mentorship Program with Local Organizations to Empower the Next Generation
In an inspiring act of community leadership, Auburn University men’s basketball head coach Bruce Pearl has invested $3 million of his own money to convert a neglected, abandoned house in Auburn, Alabama, into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth. The initiative, which combines Pearl’s passion for service with his commitment to shaping lives beyond basketball, is being hailed as a transformative moment for the local community.
The facility, named “The Next Play House,” is set to offer more than just a roof over the heads of displaced youth. Pearl is overseeing major renovations to ensure the shelter includes updated living quarters, educational spaces, and wellness areas. But it’s not just about bricks and mortar—Pearl is going deeper.
In a powerful addition to the project, he has partnered with several local organizations to launch a robust mentorship and life-skills program aimed at empowering the youth who will call the shelter home.
“It’s about giving them a second chance,” Pearl said during a press conference. “I’ve spent my life coaching young people. I know what they can achieve when someone believes in them. This shelter is more than a place to sleep—it’s a place to dream again.”
The mentorship program will connect each youth with a mentor from the Auburn community—local leaders, college students, teachers, and former athletes—who will guide them through personal development, education, and even potential career pathways.
The house, which once sat in disrepair just a few miles from Auburn’s campus, is being reimagined with a clear purpose: hope, dignity, and opportunity.
Community leaders are already applauding Pearl’s efforts. Auburn Mayor Ron Anders called it a “blueprint for what leadership looks like,” praising Pearl’s willingness to not just write a check, but stay involved in the day-to-day planning and execution of the shelter’s vision.
Pearl, who has led Auburn basketball to national prominence, made it clear this project isn’t about headlines—it’s about heart.
“Championships are great,” he said, “but if I can help a kid go from hopeless to hopeful, that’s the real win.”
Construction is underway, and “The Next Play House” is expected to open its doors by early next year. For the homeless youth of Auburn, a new chapter is just beginning—thanks to the coach who believes that everyone deserves a shot at their next play.
