BREAKING NEWS : seattle mariners Former superstar Ken Griffey Jr Donates Entire $12.9 Million Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Homeless Shelter Initiative to Help Fund 150 Units Housing with 300 Shelter Beds… “I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew… Read more
In a powerful act of compassion and purpose, Ken Griffey Jr., the beloved former superstar of the Seattle Mariners, has announced that he is donating his entire \$12.9 million in bonus and recent sponsorship earnings to launch a major homeless shelter initiative in the Seattle area. The generous contribution will help fund 150 permanent supportive housing units and 300 emergency shelter beds**, offering relief to hundreds of vulnerable individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
The MLB Hall of Famer and iconic slugger, known not only for his legendary swing but also for his deep connection to the Seattle community, made the announcement during a surprise press event Tuesday morning alongside city officials, nonprofit leaders, and Mariners executives.
Fighting back emotion as he stood at the construction site of the future housing complex, Griffey shared a deeply personal motivation behind the decision.
> “I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up. I knew kids who slept in their cars, moms who struggled just to find a safe place for their babies. I made a promise to myself then that if I ever had the power to help, I would.
That promise has become reality, as Griffey’s \$12.9 million donation will fund the first phase of a groundbreaking project called The Junior Way Initiative — named in honor of his family’s commitment to community service. The initiative will include a mix of transitional housing, mental health services, addiction recovery support, job readiness programs, and youth education resources.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell called Griffey’s donation “a generational gesture” and confirmed that the city will match his investment with additional funding to expand the facility’s long-term sustainability.
Ken Griffey Jr. has always been a hero on the field. Today, he became a hero for Seattle’s most vulnerable. His legacy just got even bigger.
The Seattle Mariners organization, which continues to honor Griffey as one of its greatest ambassadors, pledged additional support, including naming rights to the project’s new community center, which will be called the Griffey Family Wellness Hall.
Ken Griffey Jr., a 13-time All-Star and one of the most electrifying players in baseball history, retired in 2010 and has since devoted much of his time to philanthropic causes. Known for his humility and love for Seattle, this latest act solidifies his legacy as not just a sports icon, but a transformative leader off the field.
According to reports, Griffey quietly began working with homelessness experts and local housing authorities last year. The result: a strategic plan that aims to reduce homelessness in the region not just temporarily, but systemically.
The donation has already sparked momentum across the sports and philanthropic world. Former teammates, athletes, and celebrities are now pledging donations and raising awareness. Local businesses have begun offering support, and fans are sharing personal stories on social media using the hashtag #GriffeyGivesBack.
This is who Ken is. He’s always played for something bigger than himself. This is what legends do.
The 150-unit housing project is expected to open by mid-2026, with emergency shelters operating as early as winter 2025. For hundreds of families facing housing insecurity, this means hope is finally on the horizon — thanks to a man who never stopped caring about the city that made him a star.