BREAKING: American track and field athletes Richardson Sha’carri Invests $5.6 Million to Turn Historic Clemson Property into Shelter for Homeless Youth in.
American Track Star Sha’Carri Richardson Invests $5.6 Million to Turn Historic Clemson Property into Shelter for Homeless Youth
CLEMSON, SC — In a move that is earning widespread praise and shedding light on the power of giving back, American track and field sensation Sha’Carri Richardson has announced a $5.6 million investment to transform a historic property in Clemson, South Carolina, into a shelter and support center for homeless youth.
The Olympic sprinter, known both for her speed on the track and her bold, unapologetic personality off it, revealed the ambitious project on Monday morning during a press conference held at the site of the soon-to-be-renovated facility.
“This is more than just a building,” Richardson said, standing in front of the 19th-century structure that has long been a part of Clemson’s historical footprint. “This is a promise — a promise to every young person who feels forgotten, overlooked, or abandoned. You matter, and there will always be a place for you.”
From the Track to the Community
Sha’Carri Richardson, 25, rose to international fame in 2021 with her blazing speed, fiery orange hair, and outspoken confidence. Her victories on the track made headlines, but so did her challenges, including her public suspension ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. Since then, she has steadily rebuilt her career, culminating in a World Championship gold medal in 2023 and a strong Olympic comeback in 2024.
But according to Richardson, her greatest legacy may not come from medals or records — it will come from impact.
“I’ve always believed that success isn’t just about what you achieve; it’s about what you do with it,” she said. “I know what it’s like to grow up without stability. I know how easy it is to slip through the cracks. That’s why I’m doing this — to catch the ones who are falling.”
A Vision for Youth Empowerment
The $5.6 million investment will fund the complete renovation of a 12,000-square-foot property located near downtown Clemson. Originally built in the 1800s and once serving as a boarding house, the structure has been largely vacant for years. Under Richardson’s vision, it will be reborn as The Richardson Haven, a shelter and resource center that offers emergency housing, meals, counseling, education support, and life skills training for youth between the ages of 13 and 21.
The shelter will include:
40 beds for overnight stays
A 24-hour crisis center and intake office
Classrooms for GED and skill-based learning
Mental health services, including therapy and addiction counseling
On-site mentors and transitional living programs
Local leaders, social workers, and residents have applauded the move.
“We’ve never had anything of this scale focused on homeless youth in our area,” said Tonya McMillan, director of the South Carolina Youth Outreach Coalition. “What Sha’Carri is doing isn’t just generous — it’s visionary. She’s giving these kids a shot at a future.”
Why Clemson?
Many have asked why the Dallas-born star chose Clemson for her project. Richardson said she felt a deep connection to the community after training in South Carolina during her early athletic development and spending time in the region while recovering from an injury.
“Clemson is one of those places that feels like home,” she explained. “And I saw the need. It felt right. Sometimes purpose shows up in unexpected places.”
The property, which holds both architectural and cultural significance, was once rumored to be a stop on the Underground Railroad, though historians say evidence is inconclusive. Still, its legacy of refuge and resistance inspired Richardson.
“I want this place to carry on that legacy — of shelter, of survival, of hope,” she said
Opening in 2026
Construction and restoration are set to begin in late 2025, with plans to open the shelter by summer 2026. Richardson has partnered with a team of architects, historical preservationists, and youth advocacy organizations to ensure the shelter meets both modern standards and honors its past.
The funding comes directly from Richardson’s personal earnings, endorsement deals, and partnerships with philanthropic foundations she’s quietly supported for years. In a surprise announcement during the press event, she also launched the Sha’Carri Cares Foundation, aimed at supporting at-risk youth nationwide.
“We’re just getting started,” she said. “The goal is to replicate this model in other cities.”
A Personal Mission
Those close to Richardson say this effort reflects her true character — someone deeply empathetic and driven by more than just athletic ambition.
“She’s been through a lot and came out stronger,” said Coach Dennis Mitchell. “Now she wants to lift others up. That’s who she is.”
Fans and fellow athletes took to social media to express their support.
“Sha’Carri is changing lives,” tweeted Allyson Felix, a track legend in her own right. “Proud to see her using her platform for something so powerful.”
As for Richardson, she hopes her actions inspire others to take meaningful steps in their own communities.
“You don’t have to be a millionaire to make a difference,” she said. “But if you are, what are you waiting for?”
