BREAKING NEWS: UTRGV Baseball Coach Derek Matlock Donates $8.6 Million to Establish Shelter for Homeless Youths.
In an inspiring act of generosity and compassion, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Head Baseball Coach Derek Matlock has donated a staggering $8.6 million to convert a large private residence into a dedicated shelter for homeless youth. This remarkable gesture is poised to bring significant change to the lives of vulnerable young people in the region, offering them a safe place to stay and the resources needed to rebuild their lives.
The multi-million dollar donation will be used to completely renovate and expand the existing property, turning it into a comprehensive shelter equipped with beds, counseling spaces, a dining hall, study areas, and recreational facilities. The facility will not only provide a roof over the heads of homeless youth but will also offer essential services including educational support, mental health counseling, job readiness training, and life skills development. The goal is to help these young individuals regain stability, confidence, and hope for the future.
Coach Matlock, a respected figure in both athletics and the community, has long expressed a deep commitment to supporting underserved populations. When asked about the donation, he shared that the decision was deeply personal. “Every young person deserves a chance, no matter their circumstances,” he said. “Too many kids fall through the cracks. I’ve been blessed in my life and career, and it’s time to pay that forward. This shelter is about giving them not just a place to stay, but a future.”
The UTRGV community and local leaders have praised Matlock’s contribution, calling it a turning point for the fight against youth homelessness in the area. “This is a monumental act of kindness,” said a city council member. “Coach Matlock’s generosity is not just a donation—it’s an investment in our youth and our community’s future.”
Construction on the new facility is expected to begin later this year, with a projected opening in the following 12 to 18 months. Once operational, the shelter will be able to house dozens of young people at a time, serving as both a refuge and a stepping stone toward independence.
Coach Matlock’s philanthropy extends his legacy beyond the baseball field, highlighting the powerful role that sports figures can play in social change. His contribution is already inspiring other community members and organizations to explore how they, too, can support those in need.
As the project gains momentum, supporters hope it will spark a broader movement to address homelessness across the region. For the many young people who will one day call the shelter home, Matlock’s act of kindness may well mark the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunity, support, and hope.