LeBron James has become an NBA legend with his amazing track record in the league but off the court, he is more focused on giving back to his home community of Akron, Ohio. This week, the NBA superstar’s nonprofit previewed its newly refurbished building that has been converted into transitional housing for underserved families called the I PROMISE Village.
Cleveland WKYC reported that the housing will be open to families struggling with homelessness in addition to those dealing with issues surrounding domestic violence and other challenges. The building is conveniently located by the I PROMISE campus to provide families a safe housing option that wouldn’t take children too far from their school. The new facility also offers residents financial literacy, cooking, home repair, and other skill workshops. Families will receive free meals several nights a week and enjoy amenities including a laundry room, study space, and a community garden where families can learn how to grow their own fruits and vegetables.
“Being able to offer this safe haven for our families is transformational in every sense of the word,” Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation, said when construction first started according to Oceanpop. “This is about more than just getting kids to school. This is about keeping them alive. We’re seeing families struggling every day with very real and oftentimes unexpected issues that turn their worlds upside down. This will allow the family time and opportunities to grow while not worrying if they’ll have a roof over their heads.”