BREAKING NEWS: Javon Small of the West Virginia Mountaineers Invests $3.6 Million to Transform Tennessee House into Shelter for Homeless Youth
In a stunning act of generosity that transcends college sports, West Virginia Mountaineers basketball star Javon Small has announced a $3.6 million personal investment to convert a historic but deteriorating house in Nashville, Tennessee, into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth.
The 22-year-old guard, known for his fierce competitiveness on the court and soft-spoken demeanor off it, revealed the news in a heartfelt press conference on Saturday morning. Flanked by family, teammates, and members of the local Tennessee community, Small called the project “a dream fulfilled” and “a personal mission born out of pain, growth, and purpose.”
A Deeper Purpose
Though Small plays college basketball more than 500 miles away in Morgantown, West Virginia, the Tennessee-born athlete has long considered Nashville home. He spent much of his early childhood in and around the city, and his connection to its community has never wavered.
“This isn’t just about basketball or philanthropy,” Small said. “This is about giving back to the streets that raised me and showing kids that no matter how rough life gets, there’s always a path forward.”
Small spoke candidly about experiencing housing insecurity during his youth. While never entirely homeless, he described stretches where he lived in overcrowded or unstable conditions. At times, he shared a one-bedroom apartment with as many as eight relatives, struggled to find meals, and bounced between temporary residences.
“People see the athlete, the highlight reels, the box scores,” he said. “But I was that kid looking for somewhere to sleep, for someone to care. If I can now be that someone for another kid, then I’ve won—on and off the court.”
The Shelter: “The Anchor House”
The facility, named The Anchor House, will be a 12-bedroom transitional housing shelter with wraparound services, including counseling, academic support, job placement assistance, and mental health care. Renovations are already underway, with an opening planned for early 2026.
Small’s team has partnered with local nonprofit organizations including Youth Villages and Room In The Inn, two respected Tennessee-based groups specializing in youth homelessness and trauma-informed care. The historic house—originally built in 1922—sits just outside downtown Nashville and was purchased by Small earlier this year after months of quiet planning.
According to early designs, The Anchor House will offer 24/7 staffing, safety monitoring, communal dining areas, a media room, a basketball half-court in the backyard, and art therapy spaces. The project is designed not just as a place for shelter, but as a home where growth, healing, and transformation can flourish.
From NIL to Impact
What makes Small’s donation even more remarkable is the source of his funding. While most collegiate athletes are just beginning to leverage their names through NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, Small has managed to land a suite of endorsements over the past year that include regional apparel brands, wellness products, and a tech-based tutoring app. By all accounts, his total NIL valuation sits just under $5 million—making his $3.6 million investment all the more extraordinary.
“I’m not trying to stack millions,” Small said with a smile. “I’m trying to spend them where it matters.”
When asked about the decision to invest such a large percentage of his NIL earnings, Small said he had “no second thoughts.”
“Look, NIL money changed my life, no doubt. But if it’s not changing someone else’s life too, then what’s the point?”
Reactions Across the Country
Social media erupted with praise following the announcement. NBA players, NCAA coaches, and influencers flooded Twitter and Instagram with messages of admiration. Former West Virginia star Jevon Carter called the move “next-level leadership,” while ESPN’s Jay Bilas tweeted, “Javon Small just raised the bar for what NIL power can be. Incredible.”
West Virginia head coach Josh Eilert also weighed in.
“We talk a lot about character in our locker room,” Eilert said. “But what Javon just did? That’s character in action. He’s changing lives before he’s even graduated.”
Teammates echoed the sentiment, calling the decision “inspiring” and “unforgettable.” Many mentioned that Small had long spoken about wanting to give back but kept most of the planning under wraps.
A Broader Message
Homelessness among youth continues to be a growing concern in the U.S. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, more than 4.2 million young people experience homelessness every year. In Tennessee alone, the number of homeless youth has increased by nearly 15% over the past five years, with a severe shortage of long-term transitional housing programs.
With The Anchor House, Small aims to help address not only immediate needs but long-term recovery.
“People don’t just need shelter. They need love. They need mentorship. They need opportunity,” he said. “That’s what we’re going to give them.”
Looking Ahead
Javon Small’s senior year at West Virginia is expected to be his best yet. Coming off a strong 2024-25 season where he averaged 18.3 points and 6.7 assists per game, he’s projected to be a second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Scouts love his floor vision, two-way play, and maturity—traits that this latest move only amplifies.
Yet, when asked about the NBA, Small redirected the conversation.
“Basketball will come. Draft day will come. But this right here?” he said, motioning to the rendering of The Anchor House behind him. “This is the legacy I care about most.”
As the press conference closed, a group of local teens—many of whom are currently homeless or in temporary foster care—gathered to thank Small. One, 16-year-old Tyrese Jackson, stood in front of the crowd and simply said, “You didn’t just build a shelter. You built hope.”
And just like that, a college basketball star became somet
hing even greater: a symbol of purpose, compassion, and change.