ESPN REPORT: Cody Zeller Pledges $8.6 Million to Transform Childhood Home into Shelter for Homeless Youth
In a stunning act of generosity and hometown love, former NBA standout and 2011 Indiana Mr. Basketball, Cody Zeller, has announced an $8.6 million pledge to transform his childhood home in Washington, Indiana, into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless and at-risk youth.
Zeller, who rose from Indiana high school basketball royalty to the NBA All-Star spotlight, is channeling his success and platform into something deeply personal and profoundly impactful. In a press conference on Monday morning, the 7-footer stood in front of the modest two-story home where he and his brothers honed their game on a cracked driveway hoop, now poised to become a beacon of hope for those with nowhere else to go.
“Basketball gave me a platform, but Indiana gave me everything else,” Zeller said. “This house is where I dreamed big. Now, I want it to be a place where other kids can feel safe enough to dream too.”
The newly planned facility, named “The Zeller House of Hope,” will include emergency housing, educational programs, mental health services, and job readiness training for homeless youth between the ages of 12 and 18. The initiative is expected to partner with several local organizations and youth advocacy groups throughout Indiana.
The $8.6 million funding comes entirely from Zeller’s own foundation and endorsement investments. The project is expected to break ground this fall, with a projected opening date in the summer of 2026.
Zeller, known during his career for his humble nature and leadership both on and off the court, has always credited his small-town roots for keeping him grounded.
“There are kids sleeping in cars, bouncing between foster homes, or just trying to survive another day. If we can give them stability—just a fighting chance—we can change the trajectory of their lives,” Zeller said.
Fans, former teammates, and Hoosier natives are rallying behind the project, hailing Zeller as a hometown hero for reasons that go far beyond basketball.
As Indiana continues to produce basketball legends, Cody Zeller is proving that true greatness isn’t just measured in points and rebounds—but in purpose.
