In a heartwarming and transformative gesture that has captured national attention, pickleball superstar Ben Johns has announced a personal $7.5 million investment to convert one of his luxury homes into a fully operational shelter for homeless youth in Austin, Texas. The move, described by many as both unexpected and deeply inspiring, underscores the 25-year-old athlete’s growing reputation not only as a champion on the court but also as a humanitarian off of it.
“This isn’t about headlines or making a statement—it’s about doing something that actually helps people,” Johns said during a press conference Monday afternoon. “There are too many kids out there who don’t have a safe place to sleep at night. I’m in a position to change that, and I’m going to.”
The sprawling property, located just outside downtown Austin, had previously served as one of Johns’ personal residences during tournament seasons. With modern architecture, eight bedrooms, extensive outdoor space, and a fully equipped gym, the home will be renovated over the next six months to accommodate up to 40 at-risk youth, ages 12 to 18, at a time.
The facility, to be named “New Serve House”, will offer more than just shelter. Plans include on-site counseling services, mentorship programs, educational tutoring, and life skills workshops—all designed to help youth transition into safe, independent lives.
“Too often, kids are bounced around the system without real guidance,” Johns added. “At New Serve House, we want to give them the structure and support they need to grow into who they’re meant to be.”
The project is a collaboration between Johns, the Austin Department of Family and Protective Services, and several local nonprofit partners. In addition to his $7.5 million investment, Johns will fund a full-time staff including case workers, teachers, mental health professionals, and program coordinators for at least the first three years of operations.
City leaders have praised Johns’ initiative as a bold and generous response to one of the community’s most pressing challenges. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson called the move “visionary” and said it could serve as a blueprint for private-public partnerships across the country.
“Ben Johns is showing the world what true leadership looks like,” Watson said. “This isn’t just charity—it’s a commitment to building futures.”
Johns, widely considered the top-ranked pickleball player in the world, has dominated the sport for years, winning dozens of professional titles and becoming its most recognizable figure. But those close to him say his passion for giving back has always rivaled his love for competition.
“He’s always been about more than sports,” said his older brother and doubles partner, Collin Johns. “This project has been in his heart for a while. He just wanted to do it right.”
Fans across social media responded with overwhelming support, many saying the gesture made them prouder than any tournament victory.
“Ben Johns just did more for his city than most people with ten times his wealth,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “This is what heroism looks like.”
Construction on New Serve House is set to begin this summer, with doors expected to open in early 2026. Johns says he plans to be directly involved in the project, visiting often and participating in youth mentoring programs himself.
“This is only the beginning,” he said, smiling. “I hope more athletes, more people in general, see how much of a difference one decision can make. We’re all capable of serving—whether it’s on the court or in our community.”
With this bold act of compassion, Ben Johns has redefined what it means to be a champion—and served notice that his impact will stretch far beyond the boundaries of pickleball.