Date: May 23, 2025
Location: Clemson, South Carolina
Executive Summary
In early 2024, professional basketball player Angel Reese announced a philanthropic initiative to invest $5.6 million into the renovation of a long-abandoned residential property in Clemson, South Carolina. The goal: to establish The Reese Refuge, a comprehensive shelter and empowerment center for homeless families.
The project reached completion in March 2025 and now serves as a beacon of hope for the underserved. The Reese Refuge offers emergency housing, educational resources, mental health support, job training, and recreational facilities. Early indicators show significant community impact.
Project Overview
Name of Facility: The Reese Refuge
Founder: Angel Reese
Total Investment: $5.6 million
Launch Date: March 14, 2025
Capacity: 20 families (up to 80 individuals)
Operating Model: Non-profit, donation and grant-supported
Objectives
•Provide safe, dignified housing for homeless families.
•Empower youth through education and mentorship.
•Offer mental health and career readiness support.
•Create a replicable model for similar shelters nationwide.
Facility Features
•20 Private Family Units – Fully furnished, ADA-compliant.
•Learning Center – Equipped with computers, tutoring staff, and GED prep.
•Mental Health Suite – On-site counselors and therapists.
•Career Lab – Resume writing, interview training, and job placement support.
•Athletics & Recreation – Indoor gym, outdoor basketball court (personally funded and designed by Angel Reese).
•Community Garden & Kitchen – Residents grow and prepare meals together.
Key Outcomes (March–May 2025)
Impact Area Metrics
Families Housed 36 individuals from 12 families
School Attendance 100% attendance for enrolled youth
Employment Support 8 adults placed in stable jobs
Mental Health Cases 24 residents in active therapy programs
Community Events 6 hosted, including Angel Reese visits
Testimonials
Jamila B., Age 12
“I used to sleep in the back of a car. Now I have a room, friends, and a place to write poems. I want to be an author one day.”
Malik R., Age 17
“The Reese Refuge gave me mentors and helped me get a scholarship. I’m going to college because someone believed in me.”
Strategic Partnerships
•Clemson University – Academic mentoring
•Local Businesses – Job placement and internships
•Angel C. Reese Foundation – Ongoing funding and program development
Conclusion & Future Outlook
The Reese Refuge has become a transformational project for the Clemson area and a potential model for nationwide replication. Founder Angel Reese continues to provide both financial support and personal involvement, regularly visiting the shelter and engaging with residents. Plans for expansion include the construction of a second shelter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 2026.
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