LeBron James is adding safe housing to the school he founded in his hometown, so students have a stable place to live while they get their education.

In an exclusive announcement from basketball star Lebron James, he talks about the opening of I Promise Villages by Graduate Hotels, a place that provides transitional housing for students and families experiencing challenges in Akron, Ohio!

NBA Star, Lebron James @Kingjames


“Proud of this!!!!” James tweeted on Monday. “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!!”



“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 in a statement. “We want 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 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.”

James’ foundation opened the school for at-risk third and fourth graders last year and plans to expand to first through eighth grade by 2022. He has also promised free tuition to the University of Akron when the students graduate.

The foundation is working on the project with Graduate Hotels, which operates boutique hotels in college towns around the United States. Graduate will renovate the historic Westmont apartment building, located roughly five blocks from the school in Akron’s Highland Square neighborhood, and the donate it to the school.