Lebron’s “I Promise” School to Offer Transitional Housing

November 15, 2019

Los Angeles Lakers superstar, LeBron James announced that his I Promise School in Akron, Ohio, is partnering with Graduate Hotels to offer transitional housing opportunities for families that may be facing including homelessness, domestic violence, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Located within a few blocks of the I PROMISE School, the Village will be renovated and furnished to include individual living units for students and their families who need a safe, comforting place to stay as they work through challenges they may be facing.

The Village is intended to provide immediate shelter, safety and support so that students are still able to attend school as the school assists the family with a long-term plan for their future success.

The public school, which incorporates a STEM-based curriculum, is operated by the LeBron James Family Foundation and Akron Public Schools. It first opened its doors in 2018 and currently includes more than 340 students in third, fourth and fifth grades.

“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,” said LeBron.

“This is about more than just getting kids to school. This is about keeping them alive. We’re seeing families struggling every day with very real and often times unexpected issues that turn their worlds upside down. This will allow the family time and opportunities to grow while not worrying if they’ll have a roof over their head,” added Michele Campbell, Executive Director of the LeBron James Family Foundation.

The I Promise Village is set to officially open before the next academic school year in July. Renovations on the historic Westmont apartment building, which is roughly five blocks from the school in Akron's Highland Square neighborhood, will be underway soon.

Current resources for students include a free food pantry, clothing, transportation, financial literacy programs, mental health services and free annual eye exams.

Among the school’s new additions are a media lab and a colorful outdoor basketball court. In October, 90 students and their families were given free eyeglasses and offered follow-up care along with replacement services.

The LeBron James Family Foundation confirmed to ABC News that no specific families have been selected yet for the I Promise Village. It will include approximately 20 families that are in immediate need of housing.