Breaking News: Dakari Johnson Invests $3.6 Million to Convert Historic House into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Kentucky
In a heartfelt and transformative act of philanthropy, former Kentucky Wildcats basketball star Dakari Johnson has invested $3.6 million of his personal wealth to convert a historic mansion in Lexington, Kentucky, into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth. The shelter, which will be named “The Lighthouse Project”, is slated to open in early 2026 and aims to provide housing, mental health services, education support, and career training to vulnerable youth in the region.
This bold initiative comes after Johnson, now 29, revealed in an emotional statement that the decision stemmed from a recent visit to his old neighborhood, where he encountered several teenagers sleeping in an abandoned lot near where he once practiced basketball as a child. “It hit me hard,” Johnson said during a press conference outside the newly acquired property. “I knew right then I couldn’t just write a check and walk away. I needed to do something real.”
The mansion, formerly a private residence built in the early 1900s, spans over 15,000 square feet and had sat vacant for several years. Johnson’s team, working in collaboration with local architects, urban planners, and youth advocacy organizations, plans to preserve much of the building’s historical character while renovating the interior into a safe and welcoming environment with over 30 beds, shared living spaces, classrooms, counseling offices, and a commercial-grade kitchen.
Johnson’s initiative arrives at a critical time for Kentucky. Recent data from the Kentucky Department of Education showed over 22,000 students experienced homelessness at some point during the last academic year. Moreover, cities like Lexington and Louisville have reported a rise in unaccompanied youth living on the streets or couch-surfing without stable housing.
“Far too many young people in our state are falling through the cracks,” Johnson said. “They don’t need sympathy. They need opportunity, support, and a stable place to sleep.”
In addition to shelter and meals, The Lighthouse Project will offer wraparound services through partnerships with the University of Kentucky, local nonprofits, and healthcare providers. These services will include trauma counseling, substance abuse recovery support, job training, and GED preparation programs. Johnson emphasized that the shelter is not a “band-aid” but a launchpad. “It’s about giving them the tools to get on their feet and stay there.”
The announcement has drawn widespread praise from community leaders, educators, and fans alike. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear released a statement commending Johnson’s “tangible commitment to the next generation,” adding that the project would “change lives and set an example of servant leadership.”
Former Kentucky coach John Calipari, who coached Johnson during his standout 2013–14 season with the Wildcats, also praised the initiative. “Dakari always had a big heart. What he’s doing now off the court is just as impressive as anything he did in Rupp Arena,” Calipari said on social media.
Though Johnson’s basketball career took him from the NCAA to the NBA and later overseas in China, he has never forgotten his roots. After declaring for the NBA Draft in 2015 and being selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Johnson played professionally until 2021, when he stepped away from the game to focus on business ventures and charitable work. In recent years, he’s invested in youth empowerment projects, particularly those addressing food insecurity and access to education.
What sets this initiative apart, however, is the sheer scale and personal involvement. Johnson is not only funding the shelter but is also involved in its design and day-to-day planning. According to his foundation’s director, Johnson plans to host monthly community nights at the shelter and use his connections to bring in guest mentors from the sports, business, and arts worlds.
“Being successful means nothing if I’m not lifting people up with me,” Johnson said. “I was lucky to have people who believed in me. Now it’s my turn to believe in someone else.”
Construction is expected to begin this summer, with a grand opening ceremony anticipated for March 2026 — exactly 10 years after Johnson helped lead Kentucky to the Final Four. The symbolism is intentional. “That was a defining moment in my life,” he said. “This will be another.”
The Lighthouse Project is already being hailed as a model for athlete-driven community reinvestment, and Johnson hopes it inspires others to take meaningful action. “You don’t need to be rich or famous to make a difference,” he said. “You just need to care — and be willing to act.”
