BREAKING NEWS: Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has Invest $6.7 million to Transform houses into shelter for Homeless Youth in….see more
BREAKING NEWS: Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith invests $6.7 million to transform houses into shelters for homeless youth in Columbus
In a move that has stunned both the sports and philanthropic communities, Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has announced a bold new initiative
: a personal investment of $6.7 million to renovate and transform dozens of vacant and abandoned properties in Columbus into safe, fully-staffed shelters for homeless youth.
The 19-year-old football phenom, fresh off a record-breaking freshman season and a national championship win, unveiled the project—called “Roots & Wings”—during a press conference at Ohio State’s Fawcett Center. Flanked by local leaders, social workers, and formerly homeless youth, Smith became visibly emotional as he explained his inspiration.
“I grew up seeing too many kids fall through the cracks,” he said. “Talent, potential, dreams—it all gets lost when you don’t have a bed to sleep in or someone who believes in you. This is about giving kids a chance to feel safe, supported, and seen.”
The Roots & Wings initiative will launch with the renovation of 12 houses in the Hilltop and Linden neighborhoods of Columbus. Each home will serve as a small transitional living space for 6 to 10 youths aged 13–20, staffed by trained mentors, mental health counselors, and educators. In addition to shelter, the program will provide vocational training, tutoring, and therapy.
City officials praised Smith’s vision. Mayor Andrew Ginther stated, “Jeremiah’s not just building homes—he’s building hope. This is a model for what athlete activism can look like when heart and purpose come together.”
Funding for the project comes entirely from Smith’s NIL earnings and partnerships with brands he personally vetted for their community values. He emphasized that no tax dollars or university funds were involved.
“This isn’t charity,” Smith said. “It’s a responsibility. If we have a platform, we should use it.”
The first homes are scheduled to open in September, just weeks after the Buckeyes’ 2025 season kicks off. Smith says he’ll remain actively involved, visiting shelters weekly and mentoring youth through the program.
Social media erupted with praise, hailing Smith not just as a star athlete, but as a role model for a generation. As one user tweeted: “Jeremiah Smith scores touchdowns on Saturdays—and saves lives the rest of the week.”
