In a bold and deeply compassionate act that is already making waves across the country, Ohio State men’s basketball head coach Jake Diebler has committed \$20.8 million of his personal wealth to convert a historic mansion into a fully functioning shelter and resource center for homeless and at-risk youth. This incredible gesture has stunned the sports world and beyond, serving as a powerful reminder that leadership and influence can—and should—reach far beyond the sidelines of a basketball court.
Diebler, who was officially named the head coach of Ohio State basketball in 2024, has long been known for his emphasis on character development, mentorship, and community outreach. While he is relatively new in the role compared to veteran coaches in the NCAA, his impact both on and off the court has been undeniable. Known for his ability to connect with players and staff alike on a deeply human level, Diebler’s latest decision reveals the full extent of his values and commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable members of society.
The property in question is a 32,000-square-foot estate located just outside of Columbus, Ohio. Originally constructed in the early 1900s, the mansion had previously served as a private residence, then a wedding venue, before sitting vacant for nearly three years. Many local developers had expressed interest in repurposing the mansion for commercial use, such as a luxury hotel or corporate retreat center. But when Diebler quietly purchased the estate through a charitable trust earlier this year, few knew what his true intentions were.
Those intentions became clear this week when Diebler held a press conference alongside city officials, youth advocates, and Ohio State University representatives to announce the official launch of what will soon be known as “The Haven House.” More than just a shelter, Haven House will serve as a comprehensive support center for homeless youth aged 14 to 22, offering food, medical care, mental health services, education assistance, career training, and transitional housing programs.
“Basketball has given me more than I could ever ask for—opportunity, relationships, a platform. But there are kids out here who haven’t been given a fair shot at any of those things,” Diebler said during the press conference. “If I’m in a position to change that, to give someone hope and a place to heal and grow, then that’s exactly what I want to do.”
Diebler emphasized that the project is not about charity but about justice, equity, and creating long-term pathways for success. The shelter, which is scheduled to open in early 2026, will operate under the leadership of a nonprofit board consisting of educators, social workers, psychologists, and formerly homeless young adults who now serve as peer mentors. According to the planning documents, the mansion will be outfitted with 40 private bedrooms, communal dining areas, a library, classrooms, counseling rooms, a gymnasium, and even a small music and art studio to help foster emotional expression and creativity.
While some coaches and celebrities lend their name to charitable endeavors, Diebler’s approach is notably hands-on. Sources close to the project confirm that he has attended nearly every planning meeting, spoken directly with homeless youth in Columbus, and personally recruited social workers and experts from across the country to ensure that the facility meets the highest standards of care.
What makes this donation particularly significant is that Diebler has opted not to seek any tax write-offs or naming rights related to the project. In fact, he has gone to great lengths to keep the focus on the mission itself rather than his own involvement. When pressed about the financial commitment, he brushed it off humbly.
“Money comes and goes,” Diebler said. “But if even one kid finds safety and purpose here, then it’s the best investment I’ve ever made.”
The statistics on youth homelessness in America paint a grim picture. According to the National Network for Youth, over 4.2 million young people experience homelessness each year. In Ohio alone, estimates suggest that tens of thousands of youth are unstably housed, with many falling through the cracks due to poverty, family conflict, aging out of foster care, or experiences of abuse. The lack of specialized resources for this age group often leads to dangerous outcomes—drug use, exploitation, criminalization, and long-term trauma.
Advocates across Ohio have long called for more comprehensive, youth-focused solutions. Many have praised Diebler’s initiative as a model for what can be accomplished when people in positions of influence take direct action.
“This is unprecedented,” said Latasha Green, a longtime Columbus-based youth advocate and director of Youth Forward Ohio. “Jake Diebler isn’t just writing a check. He’s listening, he’s showing up, and he’s following through in a way that I wish more people in power would. Haven House will save lives.”
Current and former Ohio State basketball players have also expressed admiration for their coach’s leadership. Many took to social media to share their support, calling the move inspiring and “a real example of what it means to serve.”
One former player, who asked to remain anonymous, described Diebler as someone who always puts people first.
“Coach D always talked to us about being men of integrity, about leaving the world better than we found it. He’s not just talking—he’s doing. He doesn’t care about attention. He just cares about people.”
The broader sports community has also taken note. NBA players, NCAA coaches, and even public figures outside the world of athletics have shared news of Diebler’s project, commending him for using his resources to tackle such a critical issue. Some have already begun donating to the Haven House Fund, which has been established to support the shelter’s ongoing operational needs after its initial construction.
Though the building process is still in its early stages, local contractors have already begun site assessments and renovations. Preliminary renderings show a warm, welcoming environment designed to feel more like a home than an institution. Interior designers have focused on using calming colors, natural light, and trauma-informed design principles to create a space that supports healing and dignity.
City officials in Columbus are working closely with Diebler’s team to ensure that the shelter integrates seamlessly with existing social services, schools, and health providers. Mayor Andrew Ginther praised the project, calling it a “landmark moment” for the city and a “powerful statement about what we can achieve through partnership and compassion.”
Even amid an era when skepticism toward public figures and institutions runs high, Diebler’s project stands out as a rare example of sincere, thoughtful, and deeply human generosity. For many, it serves as a needed reminder that transformative change often begins at the community level—when people recognize their ability to act and choose to do so with empathy and courage.
It’s worth noting that Diebler himself did not come from great wealth or privilege. Born and raised in Ohio, he has often spoken about the importance of family, faith, and perseverance in his journey from high school athlete to Division I head coach. He credits his parents—both of whom were educators—for instilling in him a strong sense of moral responsibility and the belief that leadership is about serving others, not commanding them.
Those lessons appear to have stuck. Now, with Haven House on the horizon, Diebler is not only shaping the lives of student-athletes but potentially transforming the futures of hundreds of young people who have been left behind by broken systems.
In the coming months, the Haven House team plans to host community forums, input sessions with youth, and volunteer recruitment drives. Diebler has encouraged anyone who wants to get involved—whether through donations, mentorship, or simply spreading awareness—to visit the project’s official website and learn more.
As the press conference ended, Diebler stood surrounded by several teens who had experienced homelessness firsthand. One of them, a 19-year-old named Aaron, who has been couch-surfing for over a year, summed up the mood perfectly.
“I’ve never seen a coach do something like this. Not just talking, not just writing a check—but really building something for people like me. It makes me feel like someone finally sees us.”
Indeed, they are being seen. And thanks to one coach’s quiet, determined vision, they’re being given more than just shelter—they’re being given hope.
