BREAKING NEWS: Mason Matthews of Memphis Invests $3.6 Million to Transform House Into Shelter for Homeless Youth
In a groundbreaking act of generosity and community commitment, Memphis native and philanthropist Mason Matthews has announced a $3.6 million personal investment to convert a historic property in Midtown Memphis into a state-of-the-art shelter and resource center for homeless youth.
The facility, set to open in early 2026, will be named “Matthews House” and will serve as a safe haven for vulnerable teens and young adults between the ages of 16 and 24. Designed to provide more than just shelter, the center will offer comprehensive support services including mental health counseling, career readiness programs, educational support, and transitional housing assistance.
Matthews, 38, made the announcement Tuesday morning at a press conference held outside the property on Union Avenue. Standing before city leaders, local activists, and members of the press, he spoke emotionally about the inspiration behind the project.
> “I grew up just a few blocks from here and saw firsthand how many young people were slipping through the cracks,” Matthews said. “This isn’t charity—it’s justice. Every kid deserves a chance to grow, to heal, and to succeed.”
The home, formerly a 12-bedroom Victorian-era mansion, will undergo a full renovation beginning this summer. The project will retain the building’s historical integrity while modernizing the interior for residential and community use. The design includes individual bedrooms, a commercial kitchen, study lounges, therapy rooms, and a rooftop garden.
City officials have praised Matthews’ initiative, calling it a major step forward in addressing Memphis’s ongoing youth homelessness crisis. According to the latest figures from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, more than 1,200 youth in Shelby County experienced homelessness last year.
Mayor Lee Harris expressed his support:
> “What Mason is doing here is more than admirable—it’s transformative. Matthews House will change lives and give countless young people the dignity and support they deserve.”
Matthews has also committed to funding the first five years of operational costs, estimated at an additional $1.2 million annually. A nonprofit board will oversee the shelter, partnering with local organizations such as Youth Villages, Room in the Inn, and the Memphis Center for Reentry.
The announcement has sparked a wave of support across social media and the Memphis business community, with several local companies already pledging donations, volunteer hours, and in-kind services.
Construction is slated to begin in August, with Matthews House expected to welcome its first residents in the spring of next year.
