Good News: Minnesota Wild Owner Craig Leipold Invests $6.4 Million to Turn Cleveland Mansion into Homeless Shelter, Commits to Expanding Initiative Nationwide
In an inspiring act of philanthropy, Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold has invested $6.4 million to transform a historic Cleveland mansion into a state-of-the-art shelter for the homeless — and he’s just getting started.
Leipold announced the project earlier today, revealing that the newly renovated facility will not only provide emergency housing but also offer comprehensive support services, including job training, mental health resources, addiction recovery programs, and long-term housing placement.
“This is more than just a shelter — it’s a fresh start,” said Leipold. “Every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and hope. We’re creating a place where people can rebuild their lives with real support behind them.”
The property, formerly a private estate, has been redesigned to house over 50 individuals at a time in private and semi-private rooms, with shared common spaces and on-site staff. The shelter is expected to open later this year, serving one of Cleveland’s most vulnerable populations.
But Leipold’s commitment doesn’t stop there. He also announced plans to expand the initiative to other U.S. cities, starting with Minneapolis and St. Louis, in what he’s calling the “Second Chance Housing Project.” His goal: to partner with local organizations and replicate the Cleveland model, focusing on cities facing growing homelessness and housing insecurity.
“This isn’t charity — it’s responsibility,” Leipold emphasized. “If you have the means to help, you have the obligation to act.”
Community leaders and housing advocates have praised the move as a bold, compassionate step in the right direction, offering not just shelter, but a real pathway out of homelessness. The Cleveland shelter is expected to begin welcoming residents before winter, just in time to offer warmth, stability, and a new beginning.