JUST IN: Houston Dynamo’s Ezequiel Ponce Commits $3.6M to Create Shelter for Homeless Youth in Texas
HOUSTON, TX — In an inspiring display of heart, leadership, and humanity, Houston Dynamo forward Ezequiel Ponce has committed $3.6 million of his personal funds to convert a large home in the city into a shelter for homeless youth, a move already drawing widespread praise across Major League Soccer and beyond.
The Argentine striker, who joined the Dynamo with high expectations and an aggressive attacking style, is now making an impact off the field that may ultimately define his legacy even more than his performances on it.
> “I’ve been blessed to live my dream playing football,” Ponce said in a heartfelt statement. “But dreams are a luxury for too many kids. I want to give them a place to sleep, to feel safe, to dream—and to start again.”
The facility, named “La Casa Esperanza” (The House of Hope), will serve as a transitional housing and support center for youth ages 14 to 21 who are currently homeless or aging out of foster care. In addition to housing, the shelter will offer educational support, life-skills training, therapy services, and sports-based mentoring—with Ponce himself planning to regularly volunteer and host weekend training clinics.
According to officials close to the project, renovations on the property will begin in Fall 2025, with a targeted opening in Summer 2026.
> “This is not a publicity stunt,” said Dynamo head coach Ben Olsen. “This is who Ezequiel is. From the moment he arrived in Houston, he’s been talking about how to give back. Now he’s doing it in a way that could change lives.”
Team captain Héctor Herrera added,
> “We talk a lot in this game about leadership. Ezequiel just showed us what it looks like when your actions speak louder than your words.”
The announcement came during a post-training press conference at Shell Energy Stadium, where Ponce stood alongside local nonprofit leaders, city officials, and several youth advocates. The energy was emotional and deeply personal, with Ponce tearing up as he described his own experiences growing up in modest conditions in Argentina.
> “I’ve seen what happens when someone believes in you,” he said. “That belief saved me. Now I want to pass that forward.”
Social media lit up following the announcement, with Dynamo fans and rival clubs alike applauding the gesture. #PoncePromise began trending on X (formerly Twitter) within hours.
In a sport increasingly driven by contracts and headlines, Ezequiel Ponce just reminded the world that the beautiful game still has a beautiful heart.