Tyrese Harliburton and his wife Jade Jones donated their whole $12.9 million bonus and sponsorship earnings to a homeless shelter initiative, funding 150 units of housing and 300 shelter beds. Growing up, I seen firsthand the repercussions of homelessness

Tyrese Haliburton and Jade Jones Pledge Entire Bonus to Combat Homelessness

Tyrese Haliburton, one of the NBA’s most promising young stars, and his wife Jade Jones have made a powerful and deeply personal statement by donating all of Haliburton’s latest bonus and sponsorship earnings to support the homeless. Their decision, rooted in both compassion and lived experience, has already begun to change lives in a tangible way. By directing their entire windfall to fund permanent housing units and emergency shelter beds, they have shifted the spotlight from the game to the community.

In an emotional interview, Haliburton opened up about the motivations behind the monumental gesture. His words were filled with reflection and resolve. “Growing up, I seen firsthand the repercussions of homelessness,” he shared. The streets he once walked were lined with stories of struggle, survival, and silence. He saw how easy it was for families to fall through the cracks, and how difficult it was to climb back up once that fall began.

Jade Jones, his wife and a longtime advocate for social welfare, played a key role in turning that empathy into action. With her background in community organizing and outreach, she had spent years volunteering in shelters and transitional housing centers. When the bonus arrived, the couple didn’t see it as an opportunity for luxury—they saw it as a responsibility. “We didn’t hesitate,” said Jones. “We knew where that money needed to go.”

The initiative they chose to support focuses on both immediate relief and long-term stability. It funds the construction and operation of affordable housing units, as well as temporary shelter beds that offer a clean, safe space for those with nowhere else to turn. But beyond the buildings and beds, it also includes counseling services, job placement programs, and addiction recovery support.

Haliburton and Jones visited several of the housing units under construction, personally engaging with the architects and community leaders spearheading the development. Their approach has been hands-on from the beginning. They didn’t just sign a check and disappear—they stayed involved, asked questions, and committed to long-term partnership.

For Haliburton, this is about more than charity. It’s about dignity. He remembers classmates who disappeared from school without explanation, later learning their families had lost their homes. He recalls neighbors who quietly lived out of their cars, doing whatever they could to keep their children fed and hidden from judgment. Those memories shaped him.

Jade Jones echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the importance of shifting public perception. “Homelessness is not a failure of the individual,” she said. “It’s a failure of the system. And systems can be changed if enough people care enough to act.” Her voice, calm and firm, carried the clarity of purpose.

The couple’s donation has not gone unnoticed. Advocacy groups across the country have praised their boldness and humility. Many pointed out how rare it is for celebrities or athletes to donate not just a portion, but the entirety of their earnings from bonuses and sponsorships to social causes. Their act stands apart.

Haliburton is aware of the attention, but he’s not interested in being congratulated. “This isn’t about being praised,” he said. “This is about doing what’s right. I’ve been blessed, and I don’t want to forget where I came from.” His eyes told the story of a young man who has seen struggle and hasn’t let success erase that vision.

As the new housing units near completion, families are already being matched to future homes. Single parents, veterans, and displaced youth—many of whom had given up hope—are now looking toward a future with a roof over their heads. And the shelter beds are making an immediate impact, especially as cities across the nation battle rising housing insecurity.

For the Haliburton-Jones family, this is only the beginning. They plan to expand their efforts, launching a foundation dedicated to eradicating homelessness through policy reform, community investment, and education. They believe their visibility can be used as a tool to inspire others in positions of privilege to step up.

Their team, from agents to publicists, initially expressed surprise at the decision. But as the couple laid out their vision, support quickly followed. Friends and fellow athletes have since reached out, expressing interest in joining the cause or launching their own initiatives. Momentum is building.

The ripple effect of this donation goes beyond concrete numbers. It sends a message to young fans and aspiring athletes: that compassion and leadership are not mutually exclusive. That greatness isn’t just defined by stats, but by the legacy you leave behind in people’s lives.

Haliburton has continued to play at an elite level, showing that purpose off the court can fuel performance on it. His calm demeanor and strategic play are now matched by a growing reputation for integrity and activism. Teammates speak of his grounded presence and the respect he carries.

In post-game interviews, he rarely brings up the donation unless asked. But when he does, his passion is clear. “It’s not just about basketball,” he reminds people. “We’ve all got a role to play in the world. Mine just happens to come with a platform I didn’t ask for—but I won’t waste it.”

Jade Jones, ever thoughtful, believes that real change happens in community. She continues to volunteer regularly and says the most rewarding moments are not in boardrooms or press releases, but in the quiet gratitude of a mother finding safety for her children or a teenager taking the first steps into stable housing.

Together, Haliburton and Jones are rewriting the narrative of what athletes can be. Not just stars on the court, but champions for those who often go unseen. Their journey is a testament to empathy, responsibility, and the unshakable belief that no one should be without a place to call home.