Great News: Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day Makes Powerful Statement Off the Field by Donating \$3.6 Million to Turn Family Home Into Safe Haven for Homeless Youth and Vulnerable Communities
In a remarkable act of generosity and leadership far beyond the football field, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is making headlines for all the right reasons. Day has invested a staggering \$3.6 million to transform a family-owned property into a full-service shelter dedicated to helping homeless youth and underserved individuals in the Columbus area.
This move, which caught many by surprise, is not just a philanthropic gesture—it’s a deeply personal mission for Day, whose commitment to mental health advocacy and youth welfare has been well-documented in recent years. Now, he’s taking that passion a step further by turning a once-private residence into a facility that will provide shelter, food, counseling, and life-skills training to young people in need.
“I’ve always believed that being a coach means more than just winning games,” Day said in a statement released by Ohio State’s athletic department. “It’s about showing up for your community, especially for kids who don’t have the support they need. My family and I are honored to do our part to give them a place of hope and healing.”
The house, located in a quiet neighborhood just outside Columbus, will undergo extensive renovations to become a safe, welcoming space capable of housing dozens of teens and young adults. According to sources familiar with the project, the facility will include dorm-style living quarters, counseling offices, educational support rooms, and a fully equipped kitchen and dining space.
Partnering with local nonprofits, mental health professionals, and youth advocates, Day’s initiative aims to provide a holistic support system for residents. The goal is not just to offer a temporary roof, but to provide a sustainable path forward—through mentorship, therapy, education, and vocational training.
Community leaders and university officials have praised Day’s efforts, calling the donation a “game-changer” in the fight against youth homelessness in Ohio. According to state data, thousands of young people experience homelessness every year, often due to family instability, abuse, or aging out of the foster care system.
“What Coach Day is doing goes beyond charity,” said one local youth advocate. “He’s stepping into the lives of young people who have felt forgotten and giving them a chance to rebuild their future. This is leadership in its highest form.”
Day’s announcement has also inspired an outpouring of support from Buckeye fans, alumni, and former players. Social media was flooded with messages of admiration, many highlighting how the coach’s off-field impact rivals his achievements on game day.
This isn’t Day’s first foray into community support—he and his wife Christina launched The Ryan and Christina Day Fund for Mental Health in 2020, focusing on early intervention and support for children struggling with mental health issues.
