BREAKING NEWS: Rick Carlisle Invests $3.6 Million to Convert Indiana Home Into Shelter for Homeless Youth
In a remarkable act of compassion and leadership, Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle has invested $3.6 million of his personal wealth to transform a historic house in Indianapolis into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth. The initiative, announced early Wednesday, is already being hailed as one of the most impactful humanitarian efforts by an active NBA coach in recent memory.
Carlisle, who has coached the Pacers since 2021 in his second stint with the franchise, said the decision stemmed from a deeply personal place. “Indiana is my home. It’s where I work, where I coach, and where I’ve seen young lives slipping through the cracks,” Carlisle said during an emotional press conference. “I couldn’t sit by and ignore the reality these kids face — we’re talking about teenagers sleeping under bridges and in cars. If I can help give them shelter, safety, and a shot at a better life, then that’s what I’m going to do.”
The shelter, named The Rising Star House, will be located just miles from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Pacers. The building, a former Victorian-era mansion sitting vacant for nearly a decade, will be fully renovated to include dormitory-style bedrooms, common spaces, a kitchen, counseling rooms, and classrooms for educational and vocational training.
The project will be operated in partnership with local nonprofit organizations, including Indiana Youth Services Association and Outreach Inc., groups that have long worked with homeless and at-risk youth across the state. Carlisle’s foundation will also cover staffing costs and long-term maintenance for at least the next 10 years.
“This isn’t just a donation — this is a commitment,” said Sarah Lindholm, executive director of Outreach Inc. “Rick has rolled up his sleeves and wants to be part of the solution. He’s already been part of planning sessions, meeting with city officials, and even talking to young people who have lived on the streets. This shelter is going to save lives.”
Carlisle’s efforts come amid a troubling rise in youth homelessness in Indiana. According to the Indiana Department of Education, more than 16,000 school-age children experienced homelessness in the 2023-24 academic year, a 12% increase from the year before.
NBA players and coaches from around the league have voiced support for Carlisle’s gesture. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr tweeted, “Rick is setting the gold standard for leadership off the court. Incredible gesture.” Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton also weighed in, writing on Instagram, “Proud to play for a coach who doesn’t just talk about change — he makes change.”
Construction on The Rising Star House is set to begin later this summer, with an expected opening in early 2026. The facility will be able to house up to 35 youth at a time and will operate 24/7 with an on-site staff that includes counselors, case workers, and educators.
For Rick Carlisle, this is more than a project — it’s a mission. “Basketball has given me everything,” he said. “Now it’s time to give back in a way that goes beyond the game.”
