Breaking: Jalen Hurts and Jalen Milroe, two Alabama Crimson Tide stars, have invested $5.8 million with their teammates to convert a house in Tuscaloosa into a sanctuary for elderly people experiencing homelessness.

In a groundbreaking move that has already begun to ripple across the state of Alabama and the broader college and professional football communities, Jalen Hurts and Jalen Milroe—two of the most recognizable quarterbacks to ever don the Alabama Crimson Tide uniform—have teamed up for a cause much bigger than football.

With a combined investment of $5.8 million, joined by contributions from several former and current Alabama players, Hurts and Milroe are transforming a historic Tuscaloosa residence into a sanctuary for elderly individuals experiencing homelessness. The initiative, formally called “The House of Hope,” aims to not only provide permanent shelter but also medical care, social support, and community integration for one of society’s most vulnerable and often forgotten populations.

Though separated by several years on the Alabama depth chart, the bond between Jalen Hurts and Jalen Milroe is forged from shared experiences and a unique understanding of the pressure and privilege that come with representing the Crimson Tide.

Hurts, now a star quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, made national headlines during his college years for his grace, resilience, and team-first attitude, particularly during the quarterback shuffle involving Tua Tagovailoa. Milroe, Alabama’s starter in the post-Bryce Young era, has frequently cited Hurts as a role model—someone who exemplifies perseverance, leadership, and humility.

“Jalen [Hurts] taught me that being a leader isn’t just about what you do on the field,” Milroe said during a press conference announcing the initiative. “It’s about how you carry people with you. That’s what this project is about—carrying people who need us, giving them a place where they’re not invisible.”

Hurts, known for his low-profile philanthropy in Philadelphia and his strong ties to Alabama, echoed the sentiment. “This isn’t charity. This is community. This is family,” he said. “We’re doing what we can to give dignity back to people who’ve been ignored.”

According to data from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the number of elderly people experiencing homelessness in the United States has been steadily rising. In Tuscaloosa County alone, local shelters report that seniors make up nearly 20% of the homeless population. Many of them face a devastating mix of factors: fixed incomes that no longer stretch far enough, lack of family support, chronic illnesses, and the ever-increasing cost of housing.

For Hurts and Milroe, that need became personal.

“My grandmother used to say, ‘You judge a community by how it treats its elders,’” Hurts explained. “When we started looking into homelessness in Tuscaloosa, we were shocked by how many older people were out on the streets with nowhere to go. We knew we had to act.”

Milroe added, “These people have worked hard their whole lives. They deserve more than a cot in a gym or a spot on a park bench.”

The house in question sits in the heart of Tuscaloosa’s historic district. Built in the early 1900s, it was originally a private residence and more recently functioned as a bed-and-breakfast before being abandoned during the pandemic. Now, thanks to the vision of Hurts, Milroe, and their network of teammates and community leaders, the house is being transformed into a first-of-its-kind transitional sanctuary specifically tailored for elderly individuals.

Renovations began in early April, and the 12-bedroom, 6-bathroom property will include:

• Private living quarters with accessibility features for all mobility levels
• A 24/7 medical clinic staffed by volunteer physicians and nursing students from the University of Alabama
• Mental health services, including trauma therapy and addiction counseling
• Common spaces for meals, recreation, and spiritual services
• Job placement and life skills training, where appropriate
• Outdoor gardens maintained by residents as therapeutic activity

An estimated $2.5 million has already been committed toward renovations, with the remaining funds supporting ongoing operations, staff salaries, and partnerships with local non-profits.

While Hurts and Milroe have received the most media attention, they are not alone in this effort. A number of current and former Alabama players have also invested time and money into the initiative. Names like Will Anderson Jr., DeVonta Smith, Najee Harris, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Terrion Arnold have all contributed.

“Being a part of this project is a reminder that we’re more than just athletes,” said Anderson. “We have a responsibility to be stewards of change, especially in a place that gave us so much.”

The initiative has also drawn praise from Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, who succeeded Nick Saban following the legendary coach’s retirement earlier this year.

“This is what leadership looks like,” DeBoer said. “Jalen Milroe is setting the tone not just for his team, but for every student-athlete in the country.”

Tuscaloosa mayor Walt Maddox called the project “one of the most inspiring acts of civic commitment we’ve ever seen from young leaders.”

“The fact that they’re choosing to invest their resources and energy into this—something that doesn’t bring them any trophies, likes, or stats—shows the kind of men they are,” Maddox said.

Local residents have also expressed overwhelming support. A grassroots volunteer effort has already begun, with dozens signing up to help with landscaping, interior painting, and meal preparation for future residents.

“I’ve lived in this neighborhood for 35 years,” said Laverne Williams, a retired schoolteacher who lives two blocks from the sanctuary site. “We’ve had our fair share of challenges, but what these young men are doing? It’s nothing short of a blessing.”

Homelessness, particularly among aging populations, is a growing crisis in many cities across the South and the country at large. Advocates say that “The House of Hope” could be a prototype for similar initiatives in other college towns or NFL cities.

Dr. Myron James, a social policy professor at the University of Alabama, believes this could be a transformative model.

“What makes this effort special is the integration of athletics, education, and social service,” James said. “It’s a sustainable solution—not just a shelter, but a community ecosystem. I wouldn’t be surprised if this became a national movement.”

Already, discussions are reportedly underway about launching sister programs in Philadelphia and Houston, two cities closely tied to Hurts and Milroe, respectively.

Faith has played a central role in both Hurts’ and Milroe’s public lives, and the name “House of Hope” is not accidental.

“This is more than a roof and four walls,” Milroe said. “It’s about giving people a reason to keep going. A lot of these people lost hope a long time ago. We want to help restore that.”

For Hurts, the project is also part of a larger commitment to using his platform responsibly.

“I don’t take my blessings for granted,” he said. “If God gave me this voice, this success, this opportunity—it wasn’t just for me. It was so I could be a vessel for others.”

The project is on track to open its doors in September 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony expected to draw city officials, university leaders, and players past and present. Initial capacity will support 24 residents, with room to expand as additional funding becomes available.

Organizers are also launching a companion initiative—Hope Ambassadors—which will allow college students to serve as mentors and companions for residents through weekly visits, letter-writing, and community events.

“We don’t want our residents to feel like they’re just being warehoused,” Milroe said. “We want them to feel celebrated, connected, and—most of all—loved.”

In an era when headlines about athletes often center around NIL deals, transfer drama, or off-field controversies, the story of Hurts, Milroe, and the House of Hope offers a rare and refreshing example of purpose-driven action.

Jalen Hurts and Jalen Milroe won’t get a stat line for this. There won’t be highlights on ESPN or postgame interviews. But the impact they’re making will resonate far beyond the gridiron.