BREAKING NEWS: Wisconsin Badgers Legend Barry Alvarez Invests $22.5 Million to Transform House into Shelter for Homeless Youth in……see more

In a powerful and deeply personal act of generosity, Wisconsin Badgers football legend Barry Alvarez has announced a $22.5 million investment to convert one of his private properties in Madison into a state-of-the-art shelter for homeless and at-risk youth. The new facility — to be named The Alvarez House — will offer housing, education support, mental health care, and life skills training for young people facing homelessness in Dane County and beyond.

Alvarez, the winningest coach in Wisconsin football history and a revered figure in college athletics, said he was inspired by a growing crisis in his home state and a desire to make a lasting impact beyond sports.

“I’ve spent my life helping young people succeed on the football field,” Alvarez said in a press release. “Now I want to help them succeed in life — especially those who’ve never had a fair shot.”

A Vision Beyond the Game

The property — a sprawling 20,000-square-foot estate just outside of downtown Madison — will be redesigned and renovated over the next several months to accommodate up to 60 young residents at a time. The shelter will cater specifically to individuals aged 16 to 24, many of whom are aging out of foster care, escaping unsafe home environments, or navigating poverty and mental health challenges.

The Alvarez House will offer:

• Private and shared living spaces designed with dignity and comfort in mind

• On-site counseling services for trauma recovery, substance abuse, and mental health

• Education and GED programs, in partnership with local schools and colleges

• Career training and job placement through partnerships with local businesses

• Recreational and mentoring programs to build life skills and community

Alvarez is personally funding the project in its entirety, covering both the real estate conversion and three years of operational costs to ensure the shelter can launch without financial hurdles.

Wisconsin Roots, Lifelong Commitment

Barry Alvarez has long been a symbol of resilience, leadership, and community spirit in Wisconsin. After taking over as head coach in 1990, he led the Badgers to three Big Ten titles and three Rose Bowl victories, helping turn a struggling program into a national powerhouse. He later served as athletic director, overseeing one of the most successful eras in the school’s sports history.

Now retired from athletics, Alvarez says this new project is his next chapter — one focused on “giving back to the community that gave me everything.”

“This is about more than a roof over someone’s head. It’s about restoring hope, offering stability, and helping young people find their path forward,” Alvarez said.

Community Response and Partnerships

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway praised the move, calling it “a transformative gesture” and “an example of leadership rooted in compassion.”

“Barry Alvarez has already shaped the lives of thousands of young people in our state. With The Alvarez House, he’s going to impact thousands more — not with a playbook, but with heart and humanity,” the mayor said.

Local organizations, including the Madison Youth Project and Dane County Social Services, have expressed support for the initiative and are working with Alvarez’s team to provide staffing, outreach, and long-term programming.

Opening in 2026

Renovations are set to begin immediately, with The Alvarez House expected to open its doors by March 2026. The facility is also exploring a scholarship program, funded by private donors, to help residents pursue college or vocational training after transitioning out of the shelter.

Alvarez, now 78, reflected on his legacy: