BREAKING: Freddie Freeman, Dodgers Donate $12.5 Million to Transform House Into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Honor of Dave Roberts

By Mary John
April 29, 2025

In a remarkable act of generosity and unity, the Los Angeles Dodgers have made a statement far beyond the baseball diamond. Superstar first baseman Freddie Freeman and the entire Dodgers roster have collectively donated $12.5 million to purchase and renovate a historic Los Angeles property, transforming it into a long-term shelter for homeless and at-risk youth. The shelter will be named in honor of their beloved manager, Dave Roberts, as a symbol of his profound impact on their lives both on and off the field.

This extraordinary gesture, announced in a joint press release by the Dodgers and the City of Los Angeles on Tuesday morning, reflects not only the team’s commitment to social responsibility but also the deep respect and admiration the players have for Roberts. The home, located in the heart of South Los Angeles, is expected to open in early 2026 and will serve as a safe haven for youth experiencing homelessness, providing housing, education, mental health care, and mentorship services.

“It’s more than baseball,” Freeman said in an emotional address during the press event. “It’s about family, leadership, and lifting each other up. Dave has given us everything — his heart, his time, his belief in us as men, not just players. We wanted to give something back in his name that could carry his spirit forward for generations to come.”

The building, a large Spanish-style estate previously used as a community arts center, had been in disrepair for years. With this donation, the structure will be fully restored and redesigned to accommodate up to 40 residents at a time, with rooms designated for education, therapy, job training, and group recreation. The shelter will be operated in partnership with Covenant House California and the Los Angeles Housing Services Authority (LAHSA), two of the leading organizations tackling youth homelessness in the region.

Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler, who helped coordinate logistics with LAHSA, described the effort as “the most meaningful thing I’ve been a part of since joining this team.”

“This is about planting something real in our city,” Buehler said. “Every day, we drive past kids who don’t know where they’ll sleep tonight. That’s not okay. This is a way for us to say, ‘We see you. You matter. You have a future.’ And to do it in Dave’s name? That’s perfect. Because that’s who he is — the guy who never gives up on anyone.”

Dave Roberts, who has led the Dodgers to three National League pennants and two World Series titles since becoming manager in 2016, is widely regarded as one of the most respected leaders in professional sports. His impact on the team, however, goes far beyond wins and losses. Known for his unwavering positivity, empathy, and mentorship, Roberts has built a clubhouse culture defined by trust and togetherness.

When asked about the honor, a visibly moved Roberts fought back tears.

“I don’t even know what to say,” he began. “To be recognized in this way… it’s overwhelming. I always tell the guys: ‘Lead with your heart.’ That’s what I’ve tried to do, and to see them respond with something like this — it’s the greatest gift of my life.”

Roberts, who grew up in a multicultural household and has spoken candidly about overcoming poverty and racism as a child, said the shelter project resonates deeply with his own journey.

“There were people who stepped up for me when I was young,” he said. “Coaches, teachers, neighbors — people who believed in me when I didn’t yet believe in myself. That’s what this place will be for these kids: a second chance, a fresh start. If my name can help inspire them to keep going, then I’ll carry that honor with pride.”

The idea for the donation originated last fall, during the Dodgers’ offseason team retreat in Big Bear, California. Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Clayton Kershaw led a team meeting focused not on baseball goals, but on legacy. What do we want to be remembered for? How can we make a difference beyond the game?

“It started as a small conversation about impact,” Betts recalled. “Then it turned into a real plan. We said, ‘Let’s build something permanent — something that matters to this city.’ And when someone brought up doing it for Dave, every hand in the room went up. It was unanimous.”

The fundraising effort was quietly underway throughout spring training, with players contributing individually and pooling resources through the Dodgers’ charitable foundation. Team owner Mark Walter and the Guggenheim group matched player contributions, doubling the project’s potential. The result: a $12.5 million commitment and a vision that is already transforming into bricks, mortar, and hope.

Kershaw, who has long been active in homelessness outreach through his charity “Kershaw’s Challenge,” called the shelter initiative a “defining moment” for the team.

“It’s bigger than baseball,” Kershaw said. “You spend years grinding for wins, and you’re proud of that. But this? This is different. This is eternal.”

Homelessness in Los Angeles remains one of the most urgent humanitarian crises in the country. According to LAHSA’s latest report, more than 4,000 youth in Los Angeles County experience homelessness on any given night — a number that has risen steadily due to housing costs, family displacement, and mental health struggles. Many of these youth identify as LGBTQ+, are former foster children, or have been victims of abuse and neglect.

“This shelter is a lifeline,” said Jenna Trosper, Director of Programs at Covenant House. “For so many young people, having a stable place to sleep, a meal, and someone who cares can change everything. The fact that this initiative is coming from the Dodgers, from their players personally — it sends a message of hope that’s loud and clear.”

Mayor Karen Bass praised the Dodgers’ leadership during Tuesday’s unveiling ceremony, calling the project “a model for what civic partnership should look like.”

“This is how we move forward — together, with compassion, generosity, and action,” Bass said. “Today, the Dodgers are reminding us that greatness isn’t just measured in championships. It’s measured in character. And today, they’ve proven themselves champions in every sense.”

The Dave Roberts Youth Home is expected to break ground this summer, with renovations scheduled to be completed by February 2026. In addition to living quarters, the shelter will include:

• On-site counselors for trauma-informed therapy and addiction recovery
• A learning center with computers, GED prep, and tutoring
• Vocational training programs in partnership with local unions and businesses
• A wellness kitchen offering nutrition classes and culinary training
• Sports and recreation spaces to promote mental and physical well-being
• Mentorship from Dodgers players and staff, including regular visits and programming

The Dodgers Foundation will also launch a companion initiative called “Roberts Fellows,” providing college scholarships and job placement assistance to shelter residents who complete the program.

In the words of team president Stan Kasten: “This isn’t just about today. This is about building futures — and we’re committed to walking with these young people every step of the way.”

As news of the donation spread across social media Tuesday afternoon, tributes poured in from fans, celebrities, former players, and rival teams alike. The common theme: admiration for Roberts, and awe at the unity of a team that clearly shares more than a uniform.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan tweeted: “Incredible move by the Dodgers and Freddie Freeman. $12.5M for homeless youth in LA. In Dave Roberts’ name. This is what sports leadership looks like.”

LeBron James posted on Instagram: “Major salute to the Dodgers and Dave Roberts. Real ones lead with their hearts. Respect.”

Even San Francisco Giants legend Buster Posey weighed in: “As a rival, I hated facing the Dodgers. As a human, I have nothing but respect for this.”

As for Roberts, the impact is still sinking in.

“I’m just so proud of these men,” he said softly. “Proud to be part of their lives. Proud to call them my family.”

In a city often divided by politics, economics, and traffic, the Los Angeles Dodgers have found a way to bring people together — not through a walk-off home run or a dramatic double play, but through empathy, purpose, and shared humanity.

They’ve turned a house into a home. A gesture into a movement. A manager’s legacy into something that will outlast all of them.

And for the kids who will soon walk through those doors with nowhere else to turn, the name “Dave Roberts” will mean something powerful: someone believed in me.