GREAT DEAL: Kansas State Rising Star Avery Jackson Invests $3.3 Million to Transform House Into Shelter for Homeless Youth in Manhattan
Kansas State University’s star point guard Avery Jackson is turning heads off the court with a game-changing move that’s transforming lives. The 20-year-old rising NCAA basketball sensation has made headlines with a $3.3 million personal investment to convert a large, unused property in Manhattan, Kansas, into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless youth. Known for his speed, leadership, and scoring ability, Jackson is now proving he’s just as committed to making plays in his community.
The renovated facility—named The Breakthrough House—will offer much more than just a roof over young heads. The shelter is designed to provide wraparound services including mental health counseling, job readiness programs, educational support, and even sports activities to help young people rediscover their potential. With 20 rooms, communal kitchens, and mentorship spaces, it aims to become a haven for 50–60 homeless or at-risk youth annually.
Jackson, who experienced housing instability in his own childhood, said the idea has been brewing since his freshman year. “Basketball gave me an opportunity,” he said in a press conference on Thursday. “Now I want to create opportunities for others—especially the ones who feel like they’ve been forgotten.”
The project is being developed in partnership with local nonprofit organizations and Kansas State University’s School of Social Work. The university has also pledged to provide interns and faculty advisors to help guide youth residents toward a stable future. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2026.
Community leaders have praised Jackson’s bold move, calling it one of the most generous and impactful philanthropic gestures by a college athlete in recent memory. Coach Jerome Tang lauded his point guard, saying, “Avery’s leadership on the court is incredible, but what he’s doing off the court is legendary. He’s not just playing the game—he’s changing it.”
Jackson’s initiative arrives at a time when youth homelessness is on the rise across America, particularly in college towns. His project shines a light on the broader role athletes can play as community leaders and social innovators.
As Kansas State pushes toward March Madness next season, fans won’t just be cheering for Avery Jackson’s performance in the paint—they’ll be standing behind a young man turning his platform into a force for good.
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