**A Season of Generosity: Andrew Nembhard Invests \$7.5M to Transform a Home for Homeless Youth in Indianapolis**
In the heart of Indiana, where basketball is religion and hope often comes wrapped in a bounce pass, Andrew Nembhard has emerged not only as the Indiana Pacers’ iconic point guard but as a symbol of purpose far beyond the hardwood. During what many call his breakout NBA season, Nembhard shocked fans—not with a buzzer-beater or a behind-the-back assist—but with a deeply personal investment: \$7.5 million of his own contract earnings and endorsement bonuses to transform an abandoned building on the east side of Indianapolis into a fully renovated, state-of-the-art transitional home for homeless youth.
The project, dubbed **“Second Chance House,”** is more than a shelter. It’s a dream given form. Slated to open this fall, the facility will include private rooms for up to 40 residents, an in-house mental health clinic, a job training center, a digital learning lab, and even a rooftop basketball court named **“The Driveway,”** in honor of where Nembhard first honed his skills growing up in Aurora, Ontario.
“This isn’t about charity,” Nembhard said during the emotional unveiling of the facility’s blueprint in May. “It’s about legacy. It’s about community. Every young person deserves a floor to sleep on, not just a floor to hoop on.”
### A Personal Journey
Nembhard, now 25, knows something about the power of support systems. Though he never experienced homelessness firsthand, he often speaks of his childhood friends who bounced between foster homes or slept in cars while still showing up for school and practice.
“There was a kid named Trevon,” Nembhard once shared in an interview. “He could’ve been in the league, easy. But life kept blocking his shots before he ever reached the rim.”
Those memories never left him. Despite the glamor of an NBA life—private jets, sneaker deals, and packed arenas—Nembhard always maintained a grounded demeanor. He credits his family, particularly his mother Mary, a social worker, for instilling the values that now shape his off-court mission.
### From Court Vision to Community Vision
When the Pacers made a surprise run to the Eastern Conference Finals earlier this year, Nembhard’s on-court performance caught national attention. But it was his off-court planning that would redefine his role as a leader in the city.
Working closely with local nonprofits and urban development architects, Nembhard envisioned something lasting—a place where young people didn’t just survive, but thrived. He enlisted the help of Hoosier-born designer Carla Jennings, known for her work on affordable housing and trauma-informed design. The result is a 30,000-square-foot structure that blends modern sustainability with community warmth.
Each bedroom includes a study nook, personalized lighting options, and even a locker to encourage ownership and responsibility. Communal kitchens allow residents to cook family-style meals. Weekly basketball clinics and life workshops will be held in the gym, where motivational quotes from Pacers legends adorn the walls.
“Andrew didn’t want to slap his name on a building and disappear,” Jennings said. “He’s in meetings. He’s picking out color palettes. He’s reading reports on trauma-informed care. This isn’t a headline for him. It’s home.”
### Partnerships, Mentorships, and the Power of Presence
Beyond the building itself, Nembhard pledged to fund scholarships, offer internships, and bring his network of athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs into the fold. Already, former Pacer legends and fellow NBA players like Tyrese Haliburton, Malcolm Brogdon, and even Steph Curry have expressed support, some promising to guest-speak at the home’s mentorship nights.
The Pacers have also partnered with Nembhard, matching a portion of his investment through their “Hoops for Hope” foundation. The team will host annual fundraising games, with ticket proceeds benefiting ongoing operations for Second Chance House.
“This isn’t a one-season thing,” Pacers GM Kevin Pritchard said. “Andrew is helping us build something permanent. We’re not just developing players anymore—we’re developing communities.”
### Changing the Narrative
In a city where nearly 1,200 youth experience homelessness each year, the impact of Second Chance House could be seismic. Social workers say transitional housing is often the missing link between crisis and independence.
“What Andrew’s doing is rewriting the script,” said Tamika Rollins, executive director of Indy Youth Outreach. “These kids aren’t being saved—they’re being empowered. He’s saying, ‘You belong here. You matter.’ That’s life-changing.”
One of the first scheduled residents, 17-year-old Marcus D., says he still can’t believe it. “I used to sleep in the waiting room of a Greyhound station downtown. Now I might get to finish high school in peace, apply to college… and maybe even hoop again.”
Marcus’s eyes lit up when asked if he had met Nembhard yet. “Not yet. But when I do, I’m gonna ask him to play me one-on-one on that rooftop court. Just once.”
### A Ripple Beyond Basketball
Since the announcement, media outlets have flocked to the story. But for Nembhard, it’s not about the press. In fact, he quietly began this project nearly 14 months before it became public, using a pseudonym in early land negotiations and holding closed-door talks with city officials to avoid premature exposure.
“I didn’t want this to feel like a press stunt,” Nembhard said. “This is a love letter to the city that gave me so much.”
That humility has only deepened the city’s admiration for him. Local artists have painted murals near the construction site. Kids from nearby schools walk by the site each day, pointing excitedly at the growing structure.
Already, other athletes are taking notice. WNBA star Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever has hinted at a similar initiative focused on girls in the foster system. Nembhard’s generosity may well become a blueprint for athlete-driven impact nationwide.
### A Legacy Bigger Than Stats
Andrew Nembhard may end this season with career highs in points, assists, and accolades. But in the eyes of many, his most valuable stat isn’t found in box scores—it’s in beds filled, dreams restored, and futures rewritten.
When asked what he hopes people say about him ten years from now, Nembhard paused.
“I hope they say I passed the ball—on and off the court. I saw someone open… and I helped them score.”
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