Zach Edey, the towering former Purdue Boilermakers basketball star and national college basketball icon, has made headlines again—this time off the court. Edey has invested a staggering $3.6 million into transforming a historic residence near Purdue University into a state-of-the-art shelter and resource center for homeless youth.
Dubbed the “Boilermaker Haven Project,” the shelter will provide housing, educational resources, mental health support, and job training programs aimed at helping young people in the Greater Lafayette area rebuild their lives. The facility is scheduled to open by spring 2026 and will operate in collaboration with local nonprofits, Purdue social work faculty, and student volunteers.
In a statement released earlier today, Edey said:
“I’ve been fortunate to have support in my life and career, and I know that not everyone has the same opportunities. This project is about giving young people a chance—real support, not just a roof over their heads, but the tools to move forward.”
The house, a 1900s-era property located just blocks from Purdue’s campus, will be renovated to include 18 beds, a commercial kitchen, classrooms, and counseling offices. The initiative also includes a $500,000 endowment to support ongoing operating costs.
Purdue President Mung Chiang praised the move, calling Edey “an exemplary Boilermaker on and off the court” and noting that the project aligns with the university’s commitment to community service and student engagement.
Leave a Reply