**BREAKING NEWS: Memphis Grizzlies Superstar Ja Morant Donates Entire \$12.9 Million Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Homeless Shelter Initiative to Help Fund 150 Units Housing with 300 Shelter Beds**
In a world where professional athletes are often celebrated for highlight reels and championship rings, **Ja Morant** is choosing to be remembered for something deeper — something that transcends basketball. In a stunning act of compassion and leadership, the **Memphis Grizzlies’ electrifying point guard** has announced he is donating **100% of his recent \$12.9 million in bonus and sponsorship earnings** to launch a groundbreaking **homeless shelter initiative** in the heart of Memphis.
The initiative, formally titled the **”Rise Up Housing Project,”** will fund the **construction of 150 permanent supportive housing units and 300 shelter beds**, offering not just a place to sleep, but a full spectrum of resources designed to help individuals and families escape the cycle of homelessness.
“I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up,” Morant said at an emotional press conference held outside the vacant lot where the new facility will be built. “I knew that if I ever had the chance, I’d help create something different — not just to offer shelter, but hope.”
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### **A Gift That Changes Lives**
Ja Morant’s journey from **Dalzell, South Carolina**, to the bright lights of the NBA is a story of talent, grit, and perseverance. But even as his star rose rapidly — from Murray State to NBA superstardom — he never forgot his roots or the challenges he witnessed along the way.
“Too many people just one step away from the streets,” he continued. “I’ve had friends who had to sleep in cars, couch-hop, or hide their pain. I made a promise to myself: if I ever had enough, I’d share it. This is just the beginning.”
According to project organizers, Morant’s donation will **fully fund the first phase** of the initiative, which includes:
* **150 permanent supportive housing units** with access to caseworkers and addiction services
* **300 short-term emergency shelter beds**, including safe spaces for women and families
* **On-site mental health clinics**, vocational training, childcare, and legal aid
* **Recreational facilities** including basketball courts, fitness areas, and green spaces
“This is one of the largest single donations from an active NBA player to a community initiative,” said **Dr. Lena Thompson**, director of the Memphis Housing Alliance, who will co-lead the project. “Ja’s contribution isn’t just monetary — he’s invested in this with his heart, time, and name.”
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### **How the Money Is Being Used**
The \$12.9 million donation includes Morant’s recent **All-NBA bonus**, plus endorsement money from top sponsors including **Nike, Beats by Dre, and Powerade**. According to his agent, Morant instructed his financial team to **redirect his latest earnings to a Memphis-based foundation** he quietly set up earlier this year: **Elevate 12 Foundation** — named after his jersey number and belief in rising above circumstances.
The foundation has partnered with multiple city departments, local non-profits, and national experts to ensure the Rise Up Housing Project is **sustainable, effective, and replicable**. Architectural renderings released with the announcement show a modern campus-style development, designed to be both welcoming and practical.
“This is not a Band-Aid,” said Thompson. “This is a systemic solution to a systemic issue.”
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### **Community and NBA Reaction: Widespread Admiration**
News of Morant’s donation quickly spread across social media and sports networks. NBA commissioner **Adam Silver** praised the move, calling it “one of the most powerful acts of leadership I’ve seen from any player in this generation.”
“He’s not just changing the game,” Silver said in a statement. “He’s changing lives.”
Memphis Mayor **Vanessa Dandridge** declared July 3rd **“Ja Morant Community Day”** in the city and confirmed that city council would match part of Morant’s gift with infrastructure support, including transit access, zoning adjustments, and public health services.
“Ja Morant has always been Memphis’ son,” Mayor Dandridge said. “Today, he becomes one of our city’s greatest heroes.”
NBA players around the league also voiced admiration. **Jayson Tatum** tweeted, “Salute to Ja. Big-time play off the court. That’s legacy.”
**LeBron James** reposted the story on Instagram, adding, “This is what greatness looks like. Respect.”
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### **The Story Behind the Mission**
While Morant’s act stunned the sports world, those closest to him say it’s been a long time coming.
“He’s been working on this behind the scenes for almost a year,” said **Tee Morant**, Ja’s father. “He didn’t want the spotlight on it. He just wanted to make it real.”
Ja’s mother, **Jamie Morant**, recalled moments from his childhood when the family supported friends and neighbors going through hard times.
“We always tried to help people when we could,” she said. “Now he’s in a position to do it on a whole new level.”
His agent, **James Hudson**, revealed that Ja passed on multiple lucrative appearances and partnerships this past year to prioritize building Elevate 12 and organizing this project.
“He said, ‘I don’t want another sneaker drop or billboard. I want to put my name on something that matters.’ And he meant it.”
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### **What’s Next: A Model for the NBA and Beyond**
The Rise Up Housing Project is scheduled to break ground in **October 2025**, with the first shelter beds expected to open by **Summer 2026**. But for Morant, this is only the beginning.
In a one-on-one interview following the press conference, Morant outlined his broader ambitions:
> “I want this to be something other cities can copy. Atlanta, Chicago, L.A. — this crisis is everywhere. If athletes step up, not just with money but with action, we can change the narrative.”
He’s also partnering with Memphis schools to create youth mentorship programs aimed at preventing homelessness before it starts — by offering support for at-risk teens, education funding, and mental health awareness.
Already, Elevate 12 has committed an additional \$2 million toward those efforts.
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### **Memphis Residents Speak Out: “This Is Real Love”**
At the press event, dozens of local residents stood by, some in tears, others applauding as Morant unveiled the project site. Among them was **Tyrone Wells**, 38, who has experienced homelessness for the past six years.
“I never thought I’d see the day someone like Ja would look out for us,” he said, voice cracking. “This ain’t charity. This is real love.”
Another resident, **Marsha Holloway**, a single mother of two, called Morant’s actions “the most Memphis thing I’ve ever seen.”
“We ride or die for our city. And Ja just showed the world that he does too.”
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### **Beyond the Court: A New Chapter in Ja’s Legacy**
On the basketball court, Ja Morant remains one of the NBA’s most electrifying talents. Known for his explosive dunks, jaw-dropping agility, and fearless competitive spirit, he’s become the face of the Grizzlies franchise. But with this move, Morant is stepping into a different kind of spotlight — one defined by leadership, compassion, and responsibility.
“For me, legacy isn’t trophies or stats,” Morant said as he wrapped up the press conference. “Legacy is: who did you lift up when they needed it most? Who did you fight for, when nobody else did?”
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### **Closing Thoughts: A Rising Star Turns Beacon of Hope**
In an era where so many conversations around professional athletes revolve around controversies, salaries, and headlines, **Ja Morant** is rewriting the script. He’s showing what’s possible when celebrity meets purpose. And for Memphis — a city that has embraced him since day one — this act of generosity will ripple for generations.
In a quiet moment after the speeches and interviews, Morant stood at the edge of the construction lot, looking over the field that will soon become a sanctuary for hundreds.
A young fan approached him with a notepad.
“Why’d you do all this?” the boy asked.
Ja smiled.
“Because I remember what it felt like not to know where I belonged. And now I do — right here, helping others find their way home.”
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**Stay tuned to Sports Impact News for continuing coverage on the Rise Up Housing Project and Ja Morant’s ongoing legacy of impact both on and off the court.**
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