BREAKING: Cooper Flagg Invests $3.3 Million to Transform Historic Home into Safe Haven for Homeless Youth in Maine
In a stunning display of generosity and commitment to his community, rising basketball star Cooper Flagg has announced a $3.3 million investment to transform a historic home in his hometown of Newport, Maine into a state-of-the-art living facility for homeless youth.
The 17-year-old phenom, who has been turning heads nationally for his talents on the court, is now earning praise off the court for his dedication to social impact. The new initiative, named “Flagg House,” will offer shelter, educational support, mental health services, and career training to teens and young adults who have fallen through the cracks of the system.
The three-story Victorian home at the center of this project dates back to the late 1800s and has sat abandoned for more than a decade. Flagg’s investment will breathe new life into the structure, converting it into a 20-bed facility equipped with private and semi-private rooms, a communal kitchen, therapy rooms, a small gym, and a learning center equipped with high-speed internet and tutoring services.
“Growing up in Newport gave me everything,” Flagg said during a press conference held outside the historic property. “It gave me values, work ethic, and a community that believed in me. I’ve been blessed with so many opportunities, and I just want to make sure the youth in my town and across Maine have the same kind of support—even if their path looks different than mine.”
Flagg, who is projected to be a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, emphasized that the project isn’t just about housing—it’s about hope and second chances. He revealed that the idea came after a visit to a local school where he learned that several students were struggling with homelessness and food insecurity. “It really shook me,” he said. “Some of these kids are my age or younger, and they’re worrying about where they’ll sleep at night. That shouldn’t be the case in any town, let alone my own.”
The facility will be run in partnership with New Beginnings, a nonprofit based in Lewiston, and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Together, they will provide 24/7 staffing, social work support, life coaching, and access to substance abuse recovery programs.
Local officials and community leaders have applauded Flagg’s initiative, calling it a game-changer for the region. “This is not just a generous act—this is transformative,” said Newport Mayor Karen Ellis. “Cooper is setting a new standard for what it means to give back.”
Construction is expected to begin this summer, with doors opening by spring 2026. Flagg noted that this is just the beginning, hinting at future projects aimed at youth development, both in Maine and beyond.
“This isn’t about headlines or being a hero,” he said. “It’s about using whatever platform I have to make a real difference. If even one kid finds safety, finds purpose, or just finds a reason to believe again—then it’s all worth it.”
With a heart as big as his vertical leap, Cooper Flagg is proving that true greatness is defined not just by what you accomplish, but by what you give.