LeBron James announced he will be providing housing for families in need of students at his I Promise School in Akron, Ohio, according to CNN.
The midwest native said the "transitional housing community" will benefit families struggling with homelessness and domestic violence.
“Initially, our work was focused on helping these kids earn an education. But we’ve found that it is impossible to help them learn if they are struggling to survive — if they are hungry, if they have no heat in the freezing winter, if they live in fear for their safety,” James said. “We wanted this place to be their home where they feel safe, supported, and loved, knowing we are right there with them every step of the way as they get back on their feet.”
The new initiative will be in collaboration with Graduate Hotels, which will renovate an apartment building about five blocks away from the school. Graduate Hotels currently operates boutique hotels in other college towns.
"The I Promise Village by Graduate Hotels will be a monumental next step for us and LeBron and his Foundation's commitment to the future of the students and their families," said Graduate Hotels founder and CEO Ben Weprin in a statement. "It's humbling to see the change they are affecting on a daily basis and we're honored to be a part of the journey."
After construction is complete on the 22-unit apartment building, which is set to begin immediately, it will be donated to the school, according to the 34-year-old's foundation, The LeBron James Family Foundation.
The school, which opened in 2018, houses at-risk third and fourth graders with plans to expand to eighth grade by 2022, Sports Illustrated reported. The students have also been guaranteed free tuition to the University of Akron upon graduation.
James shared his excitement about the new opportunity on Twitter.
"Proud of this!!!!! There's always more to be done when it comes to giving my kids an opportunity to be successful in life. Every barrier we remove can possibly change their family’s life and we're never going to stop!!" the tweet read.
Proud of this!!!!! There's always more to be done when it comes to giving my kids an opportunity to be successful in life. Every barrier we remove can possibly change their family’s life and we're never going to stop!! pic.twitter.com/i90sfja4i4
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 4, 2019
The apartment building is expected to be ready in July ahead of the new school year.