BREAKING NEWS: Edmonton Oilers Rising Star Leon Draisaitl Invests $3.3 Million to Transform House Into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Downtown Edmonton

Edmonton, Alberta — May 10, 2025 — In a move that has shocked and inspired both the hockey world and the local community, Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl has announced a landmark $3.3 million investment into transforming a historic building in downtown Edmonton into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth. This significant gesture comes at a time when homelessness remains one of the most pressing social issues in the city. Draisaitl’s investment will fund the conversion of the property into a safe, supportive, and transformative space for vulnerable young people, offering them not just a roof over their heads but access to services that will help them rebuild their lives.

Leon Draisaitl, 28, is no stranger to the spotlight. As one of the NHL’s brightest talents, he has already earned a reputation for his stellar on-ice performances, winning multiple awards and helping the Edmonton Oilers become contenders in the Western Conference. However, Draisaitl has always been the kind of individual who recognizes the larger world beyond the rink. His investment into this new shelter is the culmination of a deeply personal journey — one that intertwines his rise to stardom with his passion for making a positive impact in the lives of those less fortunate.

Draisaitl grew up in the small town of Cologne, Germany, before moving to North America to pursue his hockey dreams. He understands the importance of family support, structure, and community, elements that many homeless youth are often deprived of. According to a recent statement released by Draisaitl’s representatives, his decision to invest in the shelter project was influenced by both his upbringing and his ongoing experiences in Edmonton.

“My family always supported me in my dreams, and I had a stable environment to grow up in,” Draisaitl said during a press conference. “Not everyone has that luxury. I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for young people without a stable home. Edmonton is my home now, and I want to make sure that the youth who are facing tough situations here get a chance to rebuild their lives, just like I was able to.”

The shelter, which will be located in a 10,000-square-foot historic building on 105th Avenue, will cater specifically to young people between the ages of 16 and 24 — a group often left out of traditional homeless services. According to local homelessness experts, these young individuals often struggle to access resources that can help them transition from homelessness to stable, independent living. Draisaitl’s project aims to fill that gap.

Homelessness is a persistent issue in Edmonton, exacerbated by various factors including the high cost of living, mental health struggles, addiction, and systemic inequalities that disproportionately affect marginalized groups. As the city’s homeless population continues to rise, local shelters have often been overwhelmed, struggling to keep up with demand. Many young people who find themselves homeless have been pushed out of their homes due to abusive family situations, mental health challenges, or financial instability.

The new shelter, set to open in late 2026, will be designed with these specific challenges in mind. The project will provide much more than just basic shelter. The space will feature 50 individual rooms for young people, along with communal areas, recreational facilities, counseling offices, and educational spaces. Draisaitl and the team behind the project are committed to providing not just emergency accommodation but also services that will help young people stabilize and eventually transition to permanent housing and employment.

One of the most unique features of the shelter will be its holistic approach to addressing the needs of homeless youth. In addition to providing shelter, the facility will offer:

1. Mental Health Support: A team of counselors and therapists will be available to work with youth on issues like trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles that are often a major factor in homelessness.
2. Job Training and Employment Services: Recognizing the importance of financial independence, the shelter will provide job training, resume workshops, and even job placement programs to help residents find stable employment.
3. Educational Resources: The shelter will partner with local colleges and vocational schools to provide educational opportunities for those who have not completed their high school education or are looking to further their skills. Draisaitl’s team is also working on setting up mentorship programs with business leaders, including NHL players and former professionals, to help inspire and guide the youth.
4. Life Skills Development: From cooking and cleaning to managing finances and time, the shelter will focus on providing residents with the skills they need to live independently. The emphasis will be on empowering youth to rebuild their lives on their own terms.
5. Community and Recreation: The shelter will include recreational facilities such as a gym, a movie room, and spaces for group activities, encouraging a sense of community among residents. These spaces will help foster connection and provide opportunities for youth to engage in healthy activities.
6. Substance Abuse Programs: Many youth who experience homelessness also struggle with substance abuse. The shelter will have a dedicated team to offer counseling and programs aimed at addressing addiction and helping residents find recovery paths.

Draisaitl has worked closely with local organizations and experts in the homelessness sector to ensure that the project is built with the community’s needs in mind. He has partnered with the Edmonton Homeless Commission, Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS), and Hope Mission — organizations that have extensive experience in providing services to homeless youth.

“These partnerships are crucial to making sure this project is sustainable and that it addresses the root causes of youth homelessness,” Draisaitl said. “I’m not just building a building; I’m helping to create a community that will offer these young people a real chance at a better life.”

Local leaders have applauded Draisaitl for his investment and vision. Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi praised the initiative, calling it a transformative step toward addressing one of the city’s most pressing issues.

“This project isn’t just about a building,” Mayor Sohi said. “It’s about giving vulnerable young people the tools they need to succeed. Leon Draisaitl’s leadership shows that we can all do our part to make Edmonton a more inclusive and compassionate city.”

The impact of Draisaitl’s investment in the community is expected to extend beyond the shelter itself. By choosing to invest in downtown Edmonton, Draisaitl’s project will revitalize an underutilized area of the city, bringing life and energy to a space that has long been in need of attention. The project will create jobs during its construction phase and provide ongoing employment opportunities for staff, counselors, and social workers once it opens.

Local businesses have also expressed enthusiasm about the project. Rachel Wong, the owner of a nearby café, sees the shelter as an opportunity for both economic and social renewal. “Having a safe space for young people in this area is incredible,” Wong said. “It will not only help those in need but also bring more foot traffic to local businesses. We’re all in this together.”

Draisaitl’s involvement in the shelter project is also expected to serve as an inspiration to other athletes and community leaders. His willingness to invest his personal wealth and use his platform to address social issues has garnered widespread admiration, and many hope that his example will spark similar initiatives in other cities.

Looking ahead, Draisaitl has expressed a desire to expand his philanthropic efforts beyond the shelter. While the shelter project is his largest charitable investment to date, it is not the first time he has used his resources to give back to the community. In previous years, Draisaitl has made contributions to local hospitals, youth sports programs, and charity events aimed at alleviating poverty and supporting education.

The shelter is a natural extension of Draisaitl’s broader commitment to social responsibility. In a statement, he outlined his long-term vision for expanding support for at-risk youth across Canada.

“I hope this shelter will be the first step in creating a network of support systems for homeless youth,” Draisaitl said. “I believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, and I want to do my part in ensuring that happens.”

As Draisaitl’s charitable project gains momentum, it is clear that his impact will be felt far beyond the ice rink. His $3.3 million investment is not only an investment in a physical space but also in the future of Edmonton’s youth. For many of the young people who will find refuge in the shelter, it will be a place of healing, learning, and growth — a second chance at life.

In a world often dominated by celebrity culture, Draisaitl’s focus on social issues and community well-being is a refreshing reminder of the power of individual action. His commitment to supporting vulnerable youth will likely leave a lasting legacy in Edmonton, one that will inspire future generations of athletes and citizens to step up and make a difference in their own communities.