BREAKING: Buffalo Bills and Head Coach Sean McDermott Invest $3.7 Million to Create Youth Housing Facility in Orchard Park In a significant move to address youth homelessness in Western New York, the Buffalo Bills organization and head coach Sean McDermott have jointly announced a $3.7 million investment to transform a residential property into a comprehensive living facility for homeless youth in Orchard Park. The initiative, revealed during a press conference this morning at Bills Stadium, marks one of the largest single investments in youth homelessness solutions in Erie County history. The project will convert a former single-family residence on South Abbott Road into a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide not only shelter but comprehensive support services for up to 24 young people at a time. This community has embraced me and my family since the day we arrived,” McDermott said during the announcement. “When we learned about the growing crisis of youth homelessness in Western New York, we knew we had to take action. These kids deserve stability, safety, and a chance to build their futures.”

The 6,500-square-foot property, located approximately two miles from Bills Stadium, will undergo extensive renovations over the next eight months. Plans include creating private and semi-private living spaces, community areas, a teaching kitchen, computer lab, counseling offices, and outdoor recreational spaces. Bills CEO Terry Pegula, standing alongside McDermott during the announcement, emphasized the organization’s commitment to creating meaningful change in the community. “The Buffalo Bills have always been more than just a football team,” Pegula stated. “We’re a vital part of this community, and that means addressing critical needs when we see them. Coach McDermott brought this opportunity to our attention, and we immediately recognized its potential impact.” According to data from local homeless services organizations, approximately 400 youth between the ages of 16-24 experience homelessness in Erie County on any given night. The new facility aims to make a significant dent in those numbers while providing comprehensive support. The project will operate under the name “Bills Youth Foundation House” and will partner with established local nonprofit organizations specializing in youth homelessness. These partners will help manage day-to-day operations and provide essential services, including mental health counseling, education assistance, job training, and life skills development.

McDermott, who has contributed $1.2 million of his personal funds to the initiative, explained that the facility will focus particularly on young people aging out of foster care, LGBTQ+ youth, and those fleeing unsafe home environments. “Every young person deserves a safe place to sleep at night and support to help them grow,” McDermott said. “This isn’t just about providing beds-it’s about creating opportunities for these kids to discover their potential and build fulfilling lives.” County Executive Mark Poloncarz, who attended the announcement, praised the initiative as a model public-private partnership. “This project demonstrates what’s possible when our community leaders step up to address critical social issues,” Poloncarz said. “The Bills organization and Coach McDermott are setting an example we hope others will follow.” Construction is scheduled to begin next month, with an anticipated opening in early 2026. The facility is expected to create approximately 18 full-time jobs, including case managers, residential advisors, and administrative staff.

Several Bills players have also committed to supporting the project through volunteer work and mentorship opportunities. Quarterback Josh Allen, who appeared at the announcement, pledged to establish a scholarship fund for residents pursuing higher education or vocational training. “Coach McDermott always talks about building a culture of care and responsibility,” Allen noted. “This project perfectly embodies those values, and I’m proud to support it however I can.” The investment has been welcomed by local youth advocacy organizations, who have long highlighted the need for additional resources to combat youth homelessness in the region. “This facility will fill a critical gap in our continuum of care for homeless youth,” said Maria Gonzalez, executive director of Western New York Youth Services Coalition. “Having a dedicated space specifically designed for young people, with comprehensive support services on-site, will transform how we can serve this vulnerable population.” Community response to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, with many local businesses already reaching out to offer additional support. Orchard Park Mayor Patrick Smith expressed enthusiasm about welcoming the facility to the community.

“This project aligns perfectly with our values as a town,” Smith said. “We’re proud to host a facility that will make such a profound difference in young people’s lives.” The Bills Youth Foundation House will operate year-round and plans to implement a model focused on both immediate stabilization and long-term development. Residents will have access to educational support, career counseling, financial literacy training, and healthcare services. “We’re taking a holistic approach,” McDermott explained. “Many of these young people have experienced significant trauma and instability. Our goal is to create an environment where they can heal, grow, and develop the skills they need to live independently.” The $3.7 million investment covers acquisition of the property, renovation costs, and operational funding for the first two years. The Bills organization and McDermott have also committed to establishing an endowment to ensure the facility’s long-term sustainability. This initiative continues the Buffalo Bills’ long history of community involvement through their charitable foundation, which has invested more than $25 million in Western New York communities over the past decade.