𝑬𝑺𝑷𝑵 𝑹𝑬𝑷𝑶𝑹𝑻: Texas Tech Coach Grant McCasland Pledges $3.6M to Create Shelter for Homeless Youth in Texas
LUBBOCK, TX — In a deeply moving act of leadership that goes far beyond the basketball court, Texas Tech Red Raiders Head Coach Grant McCasland has pledged $3.6 million of his personal earnings to transform a local property into a shelter for homeless youth across Texas.
The initiative, titled “The Red Haven Project,” aims to offer not just temporary shelter, but long-term support systems—access to education, mental health services, mentorship programs, and job readiness training. The shelter will be located just 10 minutes from Texas Tech University, in the heart of Lubbock.
> “This isn’t charity. This is responsibility,” McCasland said at a press conference announcing the project. “These kids are our future. If we don’t invest in them now, we’re failing them. And I won’t be part of that failure.”
McCasland, known for his discipline, passion, and deeply rooted values, has long emphasized that building a winning program isn’t only about championships—it’s about building young men who lead lives of purpose. This new shelter is a reflection of that philosophy—taking what he teaches on the hardwood and applying it directly to the lives of the most vulnerable in his community.
The house being renovated was formerly a private residence on the edge of city limits. Under McCasland’s plan, it will be completely refurbished into a 15-room transitional living center equipped with study rooms, wellness areas, and a community kitchen.
> “Coach always says, ‘Legacy is not what you leave behind. It’s what you give while you’re here,’” said Red Raiders forward Keron Wesley. “Seeing him actually live that—it makes us all want to be better men.”
The announcement has already begun generating a wave of support across Texas and the college sports world. Athletes, alumni, and even rival coaches have publicly praised McCasland’s commitment to social impact.
Texas Tech Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt called it “one of the most powerful things I’ve ever witnessed in collegiate athletics.”
> “It’s not just about wins and losses anymore,” Hocutt said. “It’s about leading by example. And Grant McCasland just set one for the entire country.”
The shelter is expected to open in Spring 2026, staffed by volunteers, social workers, and Red Raiders players who will mentor and support the youth living there.
At a time when headlines are dominated by money, NIL deals, and transfers, McCasland’s action reminds us of something deeper: the true power of a coach’s platform—used not just to change games, but to change lives.