**BREAKING NEWS: Portland Trail Blazers Star Anfernee Simons Donates Entire \$12.9 Million Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Homeless Shelter Initiative — “I’ve Seen the Effects of Homelessness Firsthand Growing Up, and I Knew…”**
In an unprecedented act of personal sacrifice and social leadership, **Anfernee Simons**, star guard for the **Portland Trail Blazers**, has announced that he is donating the **entirety of his recent \$12.9 million in bonuses and sponsorship earnings** to help combat homelessness in the Pacific Northwest. The donation will fund the development of **150 permanent housing units** and **300 shelter beds** across Portland and surrounding communities.
The announcement, made this morning in a packed press conference outside Portland’s City Hall, was met with astonishment, gratitude, and applause from civic leaders, housing advocates, and Simons’ peers across the NBA.
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### “This Is Deeply Personal”
Standing with city officials, housing advocates, and his family, Simons spoke candidly about what led him to this decision.
> **“I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up,”** Simons said, his voice thick with emotion. **“There were nights my family had to make impossible choices—between rent and food, bills and safety. I knew that if I ever made it, I wouldn’t forget where I came from.”**
The 25-year-old guard, drafted by the Blazers in 2018 and now considered one of the NBA’s most promising young stars, said he’s been quietly working on the initiative for over a year. What began as a personal goal to “give back meaningfully” evolved into a large-scale project after conversations with local housing leaders and a tour of the city’s growing network of emergency shelters.
> **“This isn’t just about cutting a check,”** Simons said. **“It’s about making sure that people—especially families, veterans, and kids—have not just a roof, but a chance.”**
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### Where the Money Will Go: 150 Units, 300 Shelter Beds, A Community Transformed
Simons’ \$12.9 million donation—sourced from his performance bonus following a career-best season and several high-profile sponsorships with Nike, Gatorade, and Tissot—will fund the first phase of the **“From Streets to Stability” Initiative**, a public-private collaboration between Simons, the City of Portland, **Transition Projects**, and other housing-focused non-profits.
Key details include:
* **150 permanent supportive housing units** in Northeast and Southeast Portland, with on-site mental health and job training services.
* **300 emergency shelter beds**, divided between two new facilities—one targeting displaced youth and another prioritizing elderly residents and disabled individuals.
* Construction of **two community wellness centers** that will offer medical care, substance use counseling, and after-school programs for families at risk of eviction.
* Hiring and training of **75 full-time staff** in housing, social work, and support services.
According to Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, the project is “a game-changer.”
> **“We are dealing with one of the most challenging housing crises in the country,”** Wheeler said. **“What Anfernee Simons has done today isn’t just generous—it’s visionary. This sets a new benchmark for athlete-led philanthropy.”**
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### “He Walks the Walk”: Praise from Community and NBA Stars
The announcement sent ripples throughout the NBA community and beyond. Within hours, players and coaches from around the league had taken to social media to salute Simons.
* **Damian Lillard**, Simons’ former teammate: *“Always knew Ant was built different. This is leadership. Proud of you, lil bro.”*
* **CJ McCollum**, another former Blazer turned New Orleans Pelican, tweeted: *“Big respect. This is how we change the game off the court.”*
* NBA Commissioner **Adam Silver** released an official statement calling the gift “one of the most meaningful acts of giving in NBA history.”
Off the court, housing and social service organizations were stunned by both the scale and intent of the gift.
> **“This is the most substantial private donation we’ve ever received,”** said Trina Odom, Executive Director of Transition Projects. **“Anfernee isn’t just funding buildings—he’s funding futures.”**
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### Growing Up With the Struggle
Born and raised in Central Florida, Simons was no stranger to housing insecurity during his early years. In interviews prior to the draft, he spoke about the difficulties his family faced—sometimes doubled up in cramped homes with relatives, other times on the brink of eviction. His mother worked multiple jobs, and his father often skipped meals so Anfernee could eat.
> **“There were a lot of nights where I didn’t know what was going to happen next,”** Simons shared. **“That fear doesn’t leave you. I wanted to do something so that kids growing up now don’t have to feel that same fear.”**
His journey from that hardship to NBA stardom has been marked by resilience, work ethic, and now, an unmistakable sense of duty to those who are still struggling.
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### The Project Timeline and Beyond
Construction on the first housing site is set to begin in **October 2025**, with the initial 75 units and 150 shelter beds expected to be operational by **early 2027**. The remaining units and services will roll out in phases, with full completion projected by **late 2028**.
Simons isn’t stopping there. He and his team have launched a foundation—**The Simons Shelter Fund**—to continue raising money and awareness for housing initiatives across the U.S. The foundation’s first major fundraising gala is already slated for Spring 2026 in Portland, with appearances expected from NBA stars, musicians, and local business leaders.
> **“This is just the beginning,”** Simons said. **“I want every kid walking these streets to know—you’re not invisible. You’re not forgotten. We see you. We’re fighting for you.”**
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### More Than a Game: A New Kind of MVP
For a league often defined by its stats, trades, and championship chases, Anfernee Simons’ donation redefines what it means to be valuable.
> **“Anfernee might not lead the league in scoring this year,”** said Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups. **“But he just became the most important player in Portland.”**
As Simons exited the press conference, surrounded by community leaders, housing advocates, and a dozen formerly unhoused individuals who now serve as peer mentors, one sign stood tall in the crowd:
**“Thank You, Anfernee. You Gave Us Hope.”**
And maybe that’s what matters most.
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