SANTO DOMING In a heartwarming act of generosity and commitment to his roots, Cincinnati Reds star Elly De La Cruz has invested $3.6 million to convert a large estate in his hometown in the Dominican Republic into a modern shelter for homeless and at-risk youth.
The 22-year-old shortstop, who has quickly become one of Major League Baseball’s most electric talents, announced the project in an emotional press conference Friday afternoon. De La Cruz, a native of Sabana Grande de Boyá, said the initiative is deeply personal and a tribute to the challenges he overcame on his path to professional baseball.
“This isn’t just a building,” De La Cruz said. “It’s a second chance for kids like me—kids who grew up with nothing but dreams. I want them to feel safe, to feel hope, and to know someone believes in them.”
The shelter, named *La Casa de la Esperanza* (The House of Hope), is set to open by the end of the year. It will provide housing for up to 60 children and teenagers, offering access to education, vocational training, meals, counseling, and recreational programs. The property spans more than 10,000 square feet and includes dormitories, classrooms, a computer lab, a small sports facility, and green space for farming and gardening.
De La Cruz revealed that the investment came entirely from his personal funds, including endorsement earnings and his MLB salary. He emphasized that the shelter is not a publicity move, but a promise kept to his community and younger self.
“I know what it’s like to go to bed hungry. I know what it’s like to feel invisible. I promised God and my family that if I ever made it, I’d come back for the others. This is just the beginning,” he said.
The project is being carried out in partnership with local non-profit organizations and will be staffed primarily by professionals from the Dominican Republic, creating job opportunities in the region. De La Cruz also plans to visit regularly during the MLB offseason to mentor the children and oversee development.
Teammates, fans, and fellow athletes have applauded De La Cruz’s initiative, calling it a rare and genuine act of philanthropy in the world of professional sports.
“Elly’s always been a player with heart,” said Reds manager David Bell. “But what he’s doing off the field—that’s even more powerful than any home run.”
As the Dominican Republic continues to face rising youth homelessness, *La Casa de la Esperanza* stands as a beacon of compassion and a powerful reminder of how one person’s success can uplift an entire community.
