BREAKING NEWS: Pickleball Superstar Ben Johns Donates $7.5 Million to Turn Mansion into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Los Angeles………….
LOS ANGELES — May 15, 2025
In a stunning act of generosity, world-renowned pickleball champion Ben Johns has announced a $7.5 million personal investment to convert one of his private estates in Los Angeles into a long-term shelter for homeless youth. The groundbreaking initiative—called “Project Serve”—aims to provide housing, education, and life-skills training for vulnerable youth aged 16 to 24.
“This is about serving more than just a ball,” Johns said in a press conference this morning. “It’s about serving hope.”
The mansion, located in the heart of LA’s Hancock Park district, will be transformed into a 20-room facility complete with classrooms, therapy rooms, and an outdoor sports court. Renovations will begin this summer, with an expected opening date of spring 2026.
This marks one of the largest single contributions from a professional athlete in pickleball history toward a social cause.
Johns, 26, is often called the face of pickleball and has held the world No. 1 ranking in men’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. But off the court, he has increasingly focused on youth advocacy and mental health. Sources close to the athlete say the decision was inspired by his work with nonprofit groups in California who spotlighted the worsening crisis of youth homelessness in the region.
According to the California Housing Partnership, more than 12,000 unaccompanied youths are estimated to be homeless on any given night in the state.
“This isn’t charity. It’s justice,” Johns emphasized. “These young people deserve a chance to rebuild, and I’m in a position to help make that happen.”
Johns has teamed up with Safe Horizons LA and Youth Rebuild, two organizations with extensive experience in transitional housing and job readiness programs. Together, they plan to offer everything from GED prep and career coaching to mental health services and fitness programming.
City officials have praised the move as “visionary” and “urgently needed,” especially in light of budget cuts to public housing projects.
As Johns continues to dominate the pickleball courts, he’s now emerging as a powerful force for change off the court.
“Ben Johns isn’t just a champion in sports,” said LA Mayor Karen Bass. “He’s becoming a champion for the future of our city’s youth.”
