CHICAGO — In a rare and powerful gesture of unity and compassion, Ian Happ, Dansby Swanson, and the entire Chicago Cubs roster have come together to donate a $1 million team award toward transforming a house in South Bend, Indiana, into a shelter for homeless youth.
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The players, who were recognized with the MLBPA’s prestigious “Team Service Award” for their collective commitment to community work, made the unanimous decision to turn the prize money into lasting impact — providing a safe space for vulnerable young people in need of stability, care, and opportunity.
“We wanted to do something that mattered — something that would still matter 10, 20 years from now,” Ian Happ told reporters. “This is bigger than baseball.”
The shelter, currently under renovation, will serve as transitional housing for teens and young adults experiencing homelessness in South Bend. According to team officials and local partners, the facility will offer counseling services, life skills programs, and educational support to help residents find a path forward.
According to Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, the idea wasn’t driven by a single person — but rather by a shared belief inside the clubhouse that their off-field impact should match their on-field efforts.
“There were no second thoughts,” Swanson said. “Every guy wanted to be a part of this.”
The Cubs partnered with a South Bend-based nonprofit that specializes in youth housing and outreach services. Construction on the shelter is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with doors opening in early 2026.
For many fans, the story has resonated as a shining example of how athletes can use their platforms for positive change — especially at a time when sports headlines are often dominated by controversy and competition.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised the team’s decision, calling it a reflection of the culture they are building in the organization.
“It speaks volumes about who these guys are,” Counsell said. “They care — not just about winning games, but about leaving things better than they found them.”
As news of the donation spread across social media, fans from Chicago to Indiana flooded team channels with messages of support, admiration, and gratitude.