Kirby Smart Donates $8.5M to Launch Shelter for Homeless Youth
In a heartfelt move that goes beyond the gridiron, Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart has donated $8.5 million to create a shelter for homeless youth in Georgia. Known for his leadership and winning culture on the field, Smart is now making headlines for his compassion and commitment to changing lives off it.
The shelter, which will be based in Athens, Georgia, is set to provide housing, education resources, meals, and mental health support for vulnerable youth in the region. The initiative is part of the new “Smart Steps Forward” foundation, established by Kirby and his wife Mary Beth. Their goal is to provide at-risk youth with a safe space and the tools they need to build a better future.
“This is about more than football,” Smart said during the announcement. “It’s about giving back to the community that has given me and my family so much. These kids deserve hope, direction, and a chance to grow in a supportive environment.”
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the facility projected to open by the summer of 2026. It will include dorm-style housing, a learning center, a recreation area, and a wellness wing staffed by counselors and healthcare professionals.
The donation has received widespread praise, not only from the Georgia athletics community but also from local leaders and national organizations focused on youth welfare. Former players and fellow coaches have also voiced their admiration for Smart’s gesture, calling it a “legacy-defining move.”
While Kirby Smart’s accolades include national championships and SEC titles, his latest act of generosity adds a new chapter to his legacy—one rooted in heart, humanity, and hope for Georgia’s most vulnerable youth.
