In an inspiring move that blends generosity with community responsibility, Parramatta Eels star halfback Mitchell Moses has announced a personal investment of $15 million to convert his home in Parramatta, a suburb of Sydney, into a shelter for homeless youth. The initiative comes after a serious reflection period prompted by a recent personal experience that deepened his awareness of the growing crisis of youth homelessness in Australia.
Moses, a key figure in the National Rugby League (NRL) and one of its most respected players, said the idea was born after witnessing firsthand the struggles faced by disadvantaged young people in his community.
“Football has given me a lot,” Moses said during a press conference announcing the project. “Now it’s time to give back in a way that really matters. These young people need more than just temporary help—they need safety, support, and someone who believes in their future.”
The shelter, set to be called The Horizon House, will provide accommodation, mental health and addiction support, educational programs, and job-readiness training for at-risk youth aged 13 to 21. With construction and renovations slated to begin in the coming months, the shelter is expected to open by the end of 2025.
Moses’s Parramatta residence will be entirely redesigned and expanded to accommodate up to 35 young residents at a time. The project will also involve collaboration with local organisations such as Youth Off The Streets and Mission Australia, ensuring wraparound services are available to help youth overcome the underlying causes of homelessness.
The initiative has drawn widespread praise from community leaders, teammates, and fans alike. With youth homelessness on the rise—particularly in major cities like Sydney—advocates say Moses’s leadership sets a powerful example for other public figures and athletes.
“This is exactly the kind of grassroots action we need,” said Natalie Rees, director of Youth Services NSW. “Mitchell isn’t just donating money—he’s donating his home, his time, and his heart. It’s truly transformative.”
Moses’s decision was reportedly influenced by a recent encounter with a teenage boy sleeping rough just blocks from his home. The meeting left a lasting impression, pushing him to think beyond charity and take direct, meaningful action.
While Moses will relocate to a new residence nearby, he says he’ll remain deeply involved in the shelter’s operations and will serve as a mentor to its residents. “It’s not just about building a place to stay,” he added. “It’s about building lives, building confidence, and building hope.”
With the NRL season underway, Moses continues to lead the Eels on the field—but off the field, he’s proving that true leadership begins with compassion.
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