Breaking News:the legend of Tennessee Vols candace parker Has Invested $16 .6 Million to Transform a House Into a Shelter For Homeless Youth in vols After…………….June 12, 2025 | Knoxville, TN
Basketball icon and Tennessee Volunteers legend Candace Parker has once again demonstrated her deep commitment to her community, this time through a bold act of philanthropy that’s capturing national attention. Parker, a former Lady Vols star and WNBA champion, has invested $16.6 million of her own money to transform a historic Knoxville property into a fully equipped shelter for homeless youth.
This groundbreaking initiative, named “Candace’s House of Hope,” aims to provide not just housing, but a long-term support system for at-risk youth in East Tennessee. The multi-million-dollar investment will fund the renovation of a large estate just outside the University of Tennessee campus—converting it into a 50-bed shelter with comprehensive services, including mental health support, job training, and academic tutoring.
At a press conference earlier today, Parker stood on the steps of the newly purchased property, visibly emotional as she shared her reasons behind the project.
> “Tennessee gave me everything—an education, a platform, a purpose,” Parker said. “Now, it’s time for me to give something back. I want every young person who’s fallen on hard times to know they’re not alone. They matter. They deserve a second chance.”
The shelter is expected to open in the spring of 2026 and will be managed in collaboration with local non-profits, including Youth Haven Knoxville and Volunteers of America Southeast. The facility will also offer a transitional program for residents aged 18–24, many of whom are at high risk of aging out of foster care or facing chronic homelessness.
Local leaders are praising the initiative, calling it a “game-changer” for the region. Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon said, “Candace Parker has always been a champion on the court, but what she’s doing off the court—this is legacy work. It’s going to change lives for generations.”
The investment is among the largest private donations ever made to support youth homelessness in Tennessee. Parker’s team confirmed that the funding is entirely personal and not connected to any corporate sponsorship.
Parker, who played under legendary coach Pat Summitt at Tennessee from 2004 to 2008, has remained a beloved figure in Vol Nation. In recent years, she has used her platform to advocate for gender equality, racial justice, and education reform. Now, she’s turning her attention to one of the most pressing—and often overlooked—crises in America: youth homelessness.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, more than 4,000 young people experience homelessness in Tennessee every year. Many lack access to stable housing, healthcare, or employment opportunities.
For Candace Parker, this shelter is more than just a building—it’s a promise.
> “When I was a student here, I was part of a team that believed in each other,” she said. “Now, I want to build a new kind of team—a community that believes in these kids, no matter what they’ve been through.”
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