BREAKING: Olympic Star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Dedicates $3.6 Million to Launch Shelter for Homeless Youth in Dunellen
In an inspiring act of compassion and community commitment, Olympic gold medalist and world-record hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has pledged $3.6 million of her personal funds to create a safe haven for homeless youth in her hometown of Dunellen, New Jersey. The project, which involves renovating a historic but long-neglected property in the heart of the borough, aims to offer refuge, resources, and renewed hope for vulnerable young people who are facing homelessness in Union County and surrounding areas.
This philanthropic endeavor is more than just a building makeover. It’s a heartfelt mission that reflects McLaughlin-Levrone’s deep ties to the town that raised her, the values instilled by her family, and a growing commitment to social impact that she says goes far beyond her track and field accolades.
A Legacy Rooted in Giving Back
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is no stranger to the spotlight. From shattering world records in the 400-meter hurdles to capturing Olympic gold in Tokyo, the 24-year-old athlete has emerged as one of the most celebrated track stars of her generation. But beyond her record-breaking speed and graceful composure on the track lies a woman increasingly determined to use her platform for lasting change.
“Dunellen shaped me in ways I can’t even begin to describe,” McLaughlin-Levrone said in a statement released Friday morning. “I wanted to give back in a way that would truly make a difference, not just now, but for years to come. The youth in our communities need support, stability, and love — especially those who’ve had the hardest start.”
The investment — totaling $3.6 million — is not a symbolic gesture. It’s a comprehensive redevelopment initiative that will see the transformation of an aging two-story house on North Avenue into a fully functional, state-of-the-art transitional shelter for at-risk youth between the ages of 16 and 24.
Details of the Shelter
The facility, named “The Hurdle House” in a symbolic nod to McLaughlin-Levrone’s athletic career and the obstacles many homeless youth face, will accommodate up to 20 residents at a time. It will provide short- and medium-term housing solutions, vocational training, mental health counseling, educational support, and access to mentorship programs.
The shelter will also feature communal areas for meals and recreation, private rooms for residents, offices for case workers and therapists, and security measures to ensure the safety of all occupants. A garden and outdoor training space will be added in the back, a reflection of McLaughlin-Levrone’s belief in the therapeutic power of nature and physical wellness.
The project is being undertaken in partnership with the local nonprofit Youth Futures of New Jersey, which has been serving homeless and at-risk youth in the area for over 15 years. The group will operate the shelter on a day-to-day basis, supported by a small team of volunteers and professionals that McLaughlin-Levrone is helping to recruit and fund.
From Idea to Action
According to sources close to the athlete, the idea for the shelter was born following a visit McLaughlin-Levrone made to a local high school in early 2023. There, she was deeply moved by a student assembly that included testimonies from teens affected by homelessness. One student revealed that he had been sleeping in his car for weeks.
“She walked out of that auditorium visibly shaken,” said one teacher present at the event. “She said, ‘This isn’t just a statistic anymore — these are our kids, in our neighborhoods.’ That was the moment, I think, that lit the fire.”
Since that day, McLaughlin-Levrone quietly began working with local leaders, architects, and social service professionals to explore how best to make a meaningful and sustainable impact. The $3.6 million she is investing covers both the purchase of the property and its extensive renovation — including ADA compliance upgrades, environmental work, staffing startup costs, and the first 18 months of operational expenses.
A Personal Commitment to Faith and Community
Throughout her career, McLaughlin-Levrone has spoken openly about her Christian faith, family values, and belief in servant leadership. Her social media presence and public statements often emphasize humility, gratitude, and a calling to serve others.
“This isn’t about headlines. It’s about heart,” she said during a recent church gathering in Piscataway. “I’ve been blessed beyond belief in my career. I have a responsibility — a joyful responsibility — to give back in ways that reflect God’s grace in my life.”
Her husband, former NFL wide receiver Andre Levrone Jr., has been an active supporter of the initiative, helping to coordinate outreach efforts and fundraising strategies for future expansions of the shelter program. The couple has hinted that if the Dunellen shelter proves successful, they may launch similar initiatives in other New Jersey communities.
Local and National Reactions
Word of McLaughlin-Levrone’s project has been met with widespread admiration across New Jersey and the wider athletic community.
Mayor Jason Cilento of Dunellen issued a formal proclamation thanking her for “an extraordinary contribution that reflects the best of our hometown spirit and sets a powerful example of civic responsibility.” A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for later this summer, with local students and community members invited to participate.
On social media, tributes poured in from fans and fellow athletes alike. “This is what real greatness looks like,” tweeted fellow Olympian Allyson Felix. “Sydney is blazing a trail — not just on the track, but in the world.”
Advocates for youth experiencing homelessness also praised the initiative. “Too many young people slip through the cracks because of stigma, poverty, and broken systems,” said Marla Jenkins, Executive Director of Youth Futures. “What Sydney is doing is nothing short of transformational.”
The Bigger Picture
Homelessness among youth remains a growing crisis in the United States. According to the National Network for Youth, an estimated 4.2 million young people experience some form of homelessness each year, with many suffering from trauma, lack of access to education, and health risks. In New Jersey, hundreds of youth shelters report being at or near capacity.
The creation of The Hurdle House in Dunellen represents not just a lifeline for the young people it will serve, but a challenge to other athletes, celebrities, and philanthropists to use their resources and influence for systemic change.
“This is just the beginning,” McLaughlin-Levrone said. “If we all commit to seeing and loving the people in our communities, there’s no limit to the impact we can make.”
