NFL star Herschel Walker has announced a transformative $102.9 million pledge aimed at addressing the growing homelessness crisis in his home state. The funding will directly support the construction of 152 new permanent housing units across multiple Georgia counties, a move hailed by local leaders, advocates, and communities as a game-changer in the fight against poverty and housing insecurity.
Walker, widely revered for his legendary run with the Georgia Bulldogs and commitment to public service, stated that the initiative stems from his personal encounters with homelessness and his belief in the dignity of every individual. “I’ve seen what it means to have nothing and fight your way back,” Walker said during an emotional press conference in Atlanta. “This isn’t just about bricks and buildings — it’s about hope, second chances, and giving people a stable place to call home.”
The project, dubbed “Project 34: A Home for Every County,” will see strategic investments made in Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, Macon, and other underserved regions. Each of the 152 housing units will be fully furnished and include access to on-site social services such as mental health support, job training, and addiction recovery programs. The initiative will also partner with local nonprofits and veterans’ organizations, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the tailored care they need.
Governor Brian Kemp praised Walker’s unprecedented contribution, calling it “a heroic investment in the people of Georgia.” City mayors and housing advocates also lauded the move, emphasizing how rare it is for high-profile athletes and public figures to engage in such expansive and personally funded philanthropic work. “This is more than charity — it’s leadership,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “Walker is redefining what it means to give back.”
Walker’s pledge comes amid rising homelessness rates across Georgia, particularly in urban areas. According to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, over 10,000 individuals experienced homelessness in the state in 2024, a number that has steadily risen due to housing shortages, inflation, and the residual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Project 34 aims to reduce that figure substantially over the next five years, with additional expansions already being explored.
As the blueprint for the housing units is set to roll out this fall, Herschel Walker is expected to personally oversee many of the groundbreaking ceremonies and regularly visit the completed sites. “My goal is not just to fund change — I want to witness it,” Walker declared. “Georgia gave me everything, and it’s my turn to give something meaningful back.” With this historic commitment, the Bulldog legend has ensured his legacy will extend far beyond the football field and into the heart of every Georgian family affected by homelessness.
