Breaking News: Behren Morton of the Texas Tech Red Raiders Has Invested \$3.6 Million to Transform a House Into a Shelter for Homeless Youth in Texas Tech After
LUBBOCK, Texas — In a remarkable act of generosity and community spirit, Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton has invested a staggering \$3.6 million to convert a historic home near the Texas Tech University campus into a safe haven for homeless youth.
The initiative, which has captured the attention of both local and national media, aims to provide a lifeline to at-risk young people who are either experiencing homelessness or teetering on the edge of it. The move follows months of quiet planning, which began after Morton reportedly had a deeply personal encounter with a homeless teen near the university in late 2024. That experience, sources close to him say, changed everything.
“That moment stuck with him,” said Jenna Carlisle, a spokesperson for the newly announced Morton Youth Foundation. “He didn’t want to just donate money—he wanted to create a lasting impact, something that gave these kids real opportunities and support.”
The house, a large two-story property that had been vacant for years, is now being fully renovated to include dormitory-style bedrooms, a full-service kitchen, counseling rooms, and a recreation area. The facility will also offer educational support, mental health services, and job readiness training.
The shelter is expected to serve up to 30 young people at a time, focusing specifically on youth between the ages of 16 and 22. Staff will include licensed counselors, educators, social workers, and volunteers from the Texas Tech student body.
“I’ve been incredibly blessed in my life and career,” Morton said in a brief public statement. “But I’ve also seen the struggles that many people my age face, especially those without a home, without support. This is my way of giving back and trying to make a real difference.”
The investment is one of the largest personal charitable contributions by a collegiate athlete in recent memory, especially in the context of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) earnings. Morton, who has several high-profile sponsorships, reportedly allocated a significant portion of his recent endorsement earnings to fund the project.
Texas Tech University administrators and city officials have voiced overwhelming support for the initiative.
“Behren Morton represents the very best of Texas Tech,” said Dr. Lawrence Elkins, Vice President of Student Affairs. “His commitment to serving others is inspiring and reflects the values we strive to instill in every Red Raider.”
The shelter is slated to open its doors in early 2026, with renovations already underway. Community members are being invited to contribute through volunteer work, donations, or simply spreading awareness of the cause.
While the full impact of Morton’s investment will unfold over time, one thing is clear: this young quarterback has already made a championship-worthy contribution off the field—by giving hope, dignity, and a future to the most vulnerable youth in his community.
