In a remarkable act of philanthropy, Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway has donated his entire $7.5 million in prize money and sponsorship earnings to the Homeless Housing Initiative, a Central Florida-based organization dedicated to addressing the region’s homelessness crisis. The donation, announced at a press conference on August 20, 2025, will fund the construction of 150 homes, providing 300 beds for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Lagway’s contribution marks a significant step toward alleviating a growing issue in Florida, where homelessness has surged by 18.5% from 2022 to 2023, with over 30,809 people reported as homeless last year, including 15,706 unsheltered individuals.
Lagway, a sophomore and former five-star recruit, shared a personal motivation behind his generosity. “I saw firsthand the effects of homelessness as a child through my friends, and I knew if I had the means, I would make a meaningful contribution,” he said during the press conference. “No one should have to sleep on the sidewalk.” His words resonate deeply in a state grappling with a severe shortage of affordable housing, a key driver of homelessness alongside rising living costs and stagnant wages.
The Homeless Housing Initiative, partnered with organizations like the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, will use Lagway’s donation to develop permanent housing solutions. The planned 150 homes will prioritize vulnerable populations, including families, veterans, and seniors, who represent a growing segment of Florida’s homeless population. According to the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness, the cost of supporting a chronically homeless individual on the streets averages $84.93 per day, or over $30,000 annually, compared to just $26.59 per day for those in supportive housing programs. Lagway’s contribution will thus provide a cost-effective, long-term solution, potentially saving millions in public resources while transforming lives.
This donation builds on Lagway’s history of impactful giving. In March 2025, he donated a six-figure sum to Florida Gators’ women’s sports programs, demonstrating his commitment to using his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings for social good. His latest gift aligns with the Housing First approach, which emphasizes stable housing as a foundation for addressing other challenges like mental health and unemployment. By funding 300 beds, Lagway’s donation directly addresses the critical shortage of shelter beds in Florida, where only 18,250 are available statewide, with 86% occupied during the last count in January 2024.
The announcement comes at a critical time, as Florida’s new anti-homelessness law, effective October 2024, criminalizes sleeping in public spaces, pushing municipalities to find alternative solutions like designated camps. Critics, including Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, argue such measures fail to address root causes, predicting a “tsunami of lawsuits” without meaningful housing investments. Lagway’s donation offers a proactive counterpoint, showcasing how private contributions can support systemic change.
Community leaders have praised Lagway’s selflessness. “DJ’s generosity is a game-changer,” said Maria De Jesus, Director of Housing Programs at the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. “These homes will provide dignity and stability to those who need it most.” As Central Florida works toward ending homelessness, Lagway’s donation sets a powerful example, inspiring hope and action in a region where nearly 14,600 people sought housing assistance last year alone.
