BREAKING: Mark Pope Donates Entire $12.9 Million Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Shelter the Homeless in Lexington — 150 Units, 600 Beds to Be Built
In a stunning act of generosity and humanity, University of Kentucky head basketball coach Mark Pope has announced that he is donating his entire $12.9 million in bonuses and sponsorship earnings to fund a large-scale housing initiative for the homeless in Lexington. The bold move, which has already sparked national headlines and admiration across the sporting world, will directly support the construction of 150 permanent housing units and create 600 emergency shelter beds aimed at helping individuals and families facing homelessness.
At a press conference held on Thursday morning, Pope stood in front of a crowd of reporters, city officials, and community leaders, visibly emotional as he explained the inspiration behind his decision.
“I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew if I ever had the means, I’d give back in a meaningful way,” he said. “No one deserves to sleep on the streets. No one deserves to be forgotten.”
The project, which is being launched in partnership with local non-profits, Lexington city housing authorities, and private developers, is being described as one of the most ambitious public-private efforts to tackle homelessness in Kentucky’s recent history. Pope’s $12.9 million donation will jumpstart the construction of the housing units and provide immediate funding for temporary shelters, mental health support, addiction recovery programs, and job training services.
“This isn’t just about putting up walls and roofs,” Pope said. “It’s about restoring dignity, hope, and the chance to start over. These shelters and homes will be staffed with the people and resources necessary to help get folks back on their feet.”
Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton praised Pope’s leadership and vision.
“What Coach Pope has done today goes far beyond basketball. It’s a reflection of deep compassion and civic responsibility,” she said. “He has not only made Kentucky proud on the court, but now he’s making a lasting impact in our neighborhoods and streets.”
Pope, who took over as head coach of the Wildcats in 2024, has quickly become one of the most beloved figures in Lexington — not only for his coaching success but also for his commitment to the community. Since arriving, he’s participated in multiple local outreach efforts, volunteered at food banks, and has consistently used his platform to amplify social causes.
But this move — a full sacrifice of his bonus and sponsorship income — represents a different level of commitment. Several of Pope’s corporate partners have pledged to match portions of his donation, potentially pushing the total amount raised for the initiative past $20 million.
Fans have flooded social media with admiration, using hashtags like #CoachWithAHeart and #PopeGivesBack. One fan wrote, “Forget the Final Four — Mark Pope just won something much bigger.” Another tweeted, “We’ve always loved him for what he’s doing with our boys on the court, but today? Today he became a Kentucky legend for life.”
Construction on the housing project is set to begin this fall, with the first units and shelters expected to open by early next year. Pope emphasized that this is just the beginning:
“This isn’t a one-time thing. I’m committed to being part of this fight for as long as it takes.”
With homelessness rising across the nation, Mark Pope’s act of giving stands as a powerful reminder of what leadership can look like beyond fame, trophies, and wins. In the heart of Lexington, one man’s decision to give everything is about to change everything for hundreds of people who need it most.
