to Homeless Housing Project, Supporting the Construction of 180 Housing Units with 350 Shelter Beds
In a stunning and heartwarming act of generosity, golf legend Tiger Woods has donated a staggering $12.9 million—his entire savings and sponsorship earnings from the past two years—to a nationwide housing initiative aimed at fighting homelessness in the United States. The donation will fund the construction of 180 permanent supportive housing units and provide 350 shelter beds across multiple cities most affected by housing insecurity.
This remarkable philanthropic move marks one of the largest single contributions by a professional athlete to directly address homelessness, and signals a deepening of Woods’ ongoing commitment to humanitarian work outside of golf.
A Bold Step in a Growing Crisis
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported in 2024 that over 653,000 Americans were experiencing homelessness, the highest number recorded in more than a decade. Alarmed by the worsening crisis, Woods reportedly began researching housing-first models in late 2023 after conversations with longtime friend and fellow philanthropist Serena Williams, who has also backed several housing initiatives.
In a statement released this morning by the TGR Foundation—Woods’ charitable organization—he said:
“I’ve been fortunate to live an extraordinary life through golf, but I’ve also seen the harsh realities many Americans face daily. Housing is a basic human need. If we can provide a safe place to sleep, a roof to live under, and supportive services, we give people a real chance to rebuild their lives.”
Details of the Project
Woods’ $12.9 million donation will be administered through a public-private partnership involving the TGR Foundation, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and a consortium of urban planning nonprofits and construction firms.
According to early plans, the funding will be distributed as follows:
• 180 permanent housing unitswill be constructed in Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and Phoenix, designed to provide stable housing for individuals and families facing chronic homelessness.
• 350 shelter bedswill be added to emergency shelters in New York City, San Francisco, and Detroit, with expanded mental health, addiction recovery, and job placement services.
• A 3-year follow-up fundof $1.7 million, carved out of the total donation, will ensure wraparound services—such as case management, health care, and job training—are provided in the newly constructed facilities.
Architects working on the project have pledged to design trauma-informed, sustainable spaces that promote dignity and long-term recovery. Groundbreaking on the first facility is expected in September 2025 in Los Angeles’ Skid Row district.
Industry and Public Reaction
The response to Woods’ decision has been overwhelmingly positive across social media and among public figures.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised the move, calling it “a historic act of empathy and leadership.” She added, “Tiger Woods has set a new bar for what it means to give back. This is not just charity—it’s structural impact.”
NBA star LeBron James tweeted:
“Salute to Tiger. Real champions lift others up. 180 homes and 350 beds will change hundreds of lives. Let’s go!”
Even President Joe Biden weighed in, briefly commenting during a press conference this afternoon:
“This is the kind of American generosity we should all be proud of. Tiger Woods is doing what leaders do—building a better future.”
Not the First, but the Most Impactful
Though Woods has long been involved in philanthropy—primarily through educational initiatives and youth development—this donation marks a significant pivot toward social housing and poverty alleviation.
The TGR Foundation, which was founded in 1996, has already helped more than 2 million young people with scholarships, STEM education, and mentorship. Woods’ inner circle indicates this latest gift is part of a broader personal evolution, inspired in part by time spent away from golf after injuries and surgeries in recent years.
“Tiger has been reflecting a lot,” said a source close to the foundation. “He’s at a point in life where legacy means more than trophies.”
A Call to Action
Woods concluded his official statement with a challenge to others in positions of privilege and influence:
“I hope this inspires more athletes, celebrities, and business leaders to look around and ask, ‘What can I do?’ We all have something to give—whether it’s money, time, or a platform. The homeless crisis won’t fix itself. It takes all of us.”
With this monumental act, Tiger Woods has not only made a meaningful difference in the lives of hundreds—possibly thousands—but also reignited a national conversation on housing justice and the power of giving.
