CHARLOTTE, NC — In a powerful and unexpected act of generosity, NASCAR star Kyle Larson has pledged $7.5 million of his own money to transform his personal estate in Charlotte into a fully operational shelter and resource center for homeless individuals and families.
The announcement came during a press conference held outside the now-vacant residence, where Larson stood with city officials, local nonprofit leaders, and members of the Charlotte community. The move, which stunned fans and observers across the country, is already being hailed as one of the most compassionate acts by a professional athlete in recent memory.
“I’ve been blessed with a career I never could have imagined,” Larson said. “But I’ve also seen, especially in Charlotte, how many people are struggling—people who need a roof over their head, a warm meal, and a shot at a better life. This is the least I can do.”
The shelter, tentatively named “Larson Haven,” will house up to 120 residents at a time, providing not only food and lodging but also access to medical care, mental health support, job training, and counseling. Construction crews are already on site, working to reconfigure the sprawling property into a welcoming, multi-use facility with private rooms, communal kitchens, a wellness wing, and recreational spaces for children and families.
Larson’s home, previously valued at over $6 million, sits on a quiet stretch of land just outside uptown Charlotte. Rather than selling the home for profit or relocating to a larger estate, Larson decided it could serve a greater purpose—especially in a city where homelessness has been on the rise.
The initiative is being supported in part by local nonprofits like Roof Above and Charlotte Family Housing, who will partner with Larson’s team to manage operations and provide ongoing services. The city has also expressed its full support, with Mayor Vi Lyles in attendance at the announcement.
“This is what leadership looks like,” Mayor Lyles said. “Kyle Larson didn’t just write a check—he gave up something personal and valuable to make a direct impact on the lives of people in his community. Charlotte is proud of him.”
In addition to the transformation of his home, Larson has also launched the Drive Forward Foundation, aimed at addressing housing insecurity across the Southeast. The foundation will work alongside city governments and nonprofits to identify high-need areas and fund long-term housing projects.
The NASCAR world has responded with admiration and praise. Fellow drivers, including Bubba Wallace and Chase Elliott, took to social media to share their respect and support, calling Larson’s decision “game-changing” and “a call to action.”
Larson, known for his quiet demeanor and intense focus on the track, has previously contributed to charities, especially those focused on youth and diversity in motorsports. But this latest move represents a major step forward in his philanthropic journey—and one that could inspire others in professional sports to take bold action.
As for Larson himself, he says this isn’t a goodbye to Charlotte, but a new beginning.
“I’ll still be part of this city, just in a different way,” he said. “I want this place to be a home filled with hope. A place where people rebuild, restart, and realize they matter.”
