JUST NOW: Texans Rookie Jayden Higgins Donates $3.6 Million to Build Shelter for Homeless Youth in Houston
In a heartfelt and unexpected move off the field, Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins has committed $3.6 million to convert a large residential property into a shelter for homeless youth in the heart of Houston, Texas. The announcement, made today by the Texans and the Jayden Higgins Foundation, has already sparked praise from fans, city leaders, and fellow NFL players.
The 22-year-old rookie, drafted by the Texans in the 2025 NFL Draft, said the project is “deeply personal,” citing his own upbringing and passion for giving back to vulnerable young people in underserved communities.
> “I know what it’s like to feel like the odds are stacked against you,” Higgins said during a press conference at NRG Stadium. “This is my way of making sure the next kid doesn’t have to face those odds alone.”
The facility, which will be named the Higgins House of Hope, will provide emergency housing, mentorship programs, education services, career coaching, and mental health support for at-risk youth between the ages of 13 and 21. It will be operated in partnership with local non-profits, including Covenant House Texas and The Beacon, and is expected to open in late 2026.
The $3.6 million contribution will cover the full renovation, staffing costs for the first two years, and startup funding for job placement and college readiness programs. In addition, Higgins pledged to dedicate part of his offseason to volunteering at the shelter and creating hands-on mentorship opportunities for residents.
> “Jayden has been with us for just a few months, and already he’s setting the gold standard for what it means to be a leader in this city,” said Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans. “He’s not just a great player—he’s an incredible human being.”
Fans and teammates alike have taken to social media to applaud Higgins’ generosity, with many calling it a rare display of maturity and purpose from a first-year player. The Texans organization also confirmed that they will support the initiative with additional fundraising and community outreach programs during the upcoming season.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a statement of support, calling the project “a transformative gift for the city’s youth.”
As Higgins prepares for his rookie campaign, he’s already proving that his greatest impact may not just be on the field—but in the lives he’s changing off of it.