NEWS FLASH: Cooper Flagg Spends $3.3 Million to Convert a Historic House into a Safe Haven for Maine’s Homeless Youth

In a move that has stunned both sports fans and humanitarians alike, Duke basketball phenom Cooper Flagg has made a transformational investment off the court. The 17-year-old projected top NBA Draft pick and Maine native has spent $3.3 million of his NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) earnings to purchase and convert a historic 19th-century estate into a safe haven for homeless and at-risk youth in his home state. This remarkable act of generosity not only cements Flagg’s status as a generational basketball talent, but also as a compassionate leader determined to uplift his community.

The sprawling Victorian mansion located in Newport, Maine dates back to 1878. Once a symbol of industrial prosperity during the lumber boom, the structure had long fallen into disrepair—abandoned, weathered, and left to decay like so many rural landmarks in New England. But where others saw rot and ruin, Cooper Flagg saw potential.

The newly renamed Flagg House of Hope will soon open its doors as a fully renovated, state-of-the-art facility offering shelter, education, and counseling for Maine’s homeless youth. The initiative will begin housing residents by late summer 2025, with space for up to 40 individuals aged 14–20. In partnership with Maine Housing Authority, Youth & Family Outreach, and private donors, Flagg’s vision is quickly becoming a reality.

“This is about more than basketball,” Flagg said in a statement. “It’s about doing something real for the people who need it most, right where I come from.”

Though now recognized on the national stage, Flagg hasn’t forgotten his roots. Raised in Newport, a small town with a population of just over 3,000, Flagg grew up seeing first-hand the deepening challenges rural Maine faces—from rising addiction rates to generational poverty and homelessness.

According to a 2024 report from the Maine Department of Education, over 2,400 students statewide experienced homelessness or unstable housing in the previous academic year. Many of those young people lacked access to reliable support systems or safe spaces.

Flagg’s own parents, both educators, instilled in him the value of service. His mother, Kelly Flagg, taught physical education and volunteered in local youth programs. His father, Ralph Flagg, coached basketball and worked with community outreach groups. The Flagg household, as locals remember, was known for taking in kids who needed a meal or a ride or just someone to listen.

“Cooper saw that firsthand—kids his own age who were falling through the cracks,” said a family friend and teacher at Nokomis Regional High. “He’s never been about the spotlight. He’s always cared about making things better.”

While most top basketball prospects use NIL money to secure luxury cars, endorsements, or branded apparel lines, Flagg has gone a different route entirely. Since signing a multimillion-dollar NIL deal with multiple national sponsors including Gatorade, Nike, and Panini America, Flagg has made a point of reinvesting in his home state.

The $3.3 million used to purchase and renovate the mansion was drawn entirely from his NIL earnings, Flagg’s agent confirmed. Flagg has also declined to attach any corporate branding to the project—no logos, no naming rights, no PR gimmicks. Instead, the Flagg House of Hope is being managed by a non-profit foundation set up in his name, governed by a local board of directors and in consultation with youth advocates.

“We believe in long-term solutions,” Flagg explained in a press conference. “This isn’t just a place to sleep for a night. It’s a place to find yourself again.”

When completed, the 12,000-square-foot Flagg House of Hope will offer a wide range of services, including:

• Emergency Housing: 24/7 supervised rooms for up to 40 residents.
• Mental Health & Substance Abuse Counseling: Licensed therapists and peer support programs.
• Education Access: GED preparation, tutoring, and vocational training.
• Athletics & Fitness Center: A gym and outdoor courts inspired by Flagg’s own basketball journey.
• Job Readiness Programs: Resume workshops, interview skills, and employer connections.
• Community Garden & Meals Program: A garden-to-table model that teaches sustainability and feeds residents.

It’s a holistic approach that not only provides safety but aims to build self-worth and long-term independence.

Back in Newport, the mood is one of reverent pride. In the diner where Flagg once ate pregame pancakes before Nokomis High matchups, there are tears from longtime residents as they discuss the project.

“This is the kind of thing you hear about in big cities, not in little towns like ours,” said Linda Cote, a Newport City Council member. “And to think it’s Cooper—our Cooper—doing it? It just shows his heart is still right here with us.”

Flagg’s coaches at Nokomis and Montverde Academy both praised the move as emblematic of the maturity he’s always displayed.

“He’s an old soul,” said Coach Kevin Boyle of Montverde. “Even when he was dominating on the court, he always made time for others. You can’t teach that kind of character.”

Flagg’s meteoric rise has captivated the basketball world. As a freshman at Duke, he’s already turning heads with his all-around dominance—averaging 17.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and earning comparisons to legends like Kevin Garnett and Larry Bird. Many scouts already project him as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

But for Flagg, greatness isn’t measured by draft status or stat sheets—it’s about impact.

“When I put my head on the pillow at night,” he told The Portland Press Herald, “I want to know I did something good—not just scored points, but helped people who needed help.”

His coach at Duke, Jon Scheyer, echoed that sentiment.

“He leads by example. Not just in the locker room, but in life. This initiative is Cooper Flagg in a nutshell: selfless, committed, and wise beyond his years.”

Although the Flagg House of Hope hasn’t even opened its doors, momentum is building. Thanks to Flagg’s seed investment, additional donations have started rolling in, including a $500,000 grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation and an ongoing partnership with MaineHealth to provide medical and psychological services.

There are already discussions to expand the program to Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland over the next five years, depending on outcomes and community need. Flagg’s foundation has also committed to conducting annual impact reports, ensuring transparency and accountability.

“This is not a one-off,” said board member and social worker Trina Bell. “It’s the start of a movement.”

Flagg’s example could reshape how young athletes view their platforms. In an era where social media fame often overshadows real-life impact, his focus on meaningful change is a powerful reminder of sports’ potential as a force for good.

At just 17, Flagg has demonstrated a level of foresight, humility, and social responsibility that defies his age. By choosing to lift others up—especially those most often overlooked—he is setting a new standard for what it means to be not just a star athlete, but a complete person.

As crews put the final touches on drywall, gardens, and basketball courts outside the newly christened Flagg House of Hope, the message is clear: This is not charity—it’s opportunity. For the forgotten teens of rural Maine, Cooper Flagg has built a launchpad. A place not just to survive, but to grow, to thrive, to reclaim the possibility of tomorrow.

“Every kid deserves a shot,” Flagg said. “A safe place. Someone who believes in them. That’s what this house is for. It’s for the next Cooper Flagg—who just hasn’t been seen yet.”