In a stunning act of generosity, Penn State football superstar Drew Allar has pledged his entire $5 million in recent game bonuses and sponsorship earnings to tackle homelessness in his hometown of Medina, Ohio. The initiative will fund the construction of multiple homeless support centers, creating 150 permanent apartments and 300 emergency shelter beds for individuals and families in need.
Allar, who has quickly become one of college football’s brightest stars, said the decision was deeply personal.
> “I’ve seen too many people back home struggle to survive the freezing nights without a roof over their heads, and I promised myself that if I ever got the chance, I would take action,” Allar said emotionally during a press conference. “No one deserves to sleep outside in such cold.”
Community leaders and advocates praised the move as one of the most impactful charitable gestures ever made by a college athlete. Medina Mayor Dennis Hanwell described Allar’s gift as “a life-changing moment” for the city, noting that the centers will not only provide shelter but also offer job training, counseling, and other long-term support programs.
The project is slated to break ground this fall, with the first center expected to open by late 2026.
With this bold step, Drew Allar isn’t just rewriting Penn State football history—he’s changing lives back home. His decision underscores the growing influence of student-athletes using their platform for social good.
