Los Angeles, CA – In a heartwarming gesture of compassion and community service, Vanessa Bryant, widow of the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has unveiled a new state-of-the-art homeless shelter in downtown Los Angeles. The facility, named the “Mamba & Mambacita Hope House,” honors the memory of Kobe and their daughter Gianna, both of whom died tragically in a helicopter crash in 2020.
The shelter, which broke ground in early 2024, is now open to the public and promises to provide not only safe housing but also comprehensive rehabilitation services, including mental health counseling, job training, child care, and educational support.
“This is more than a building,” Vanessa said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, flanked by her daughters and city leaders. “This is a second chance for so many who have been forgotten. Kobe and Gigi always believed in giving back—and this shelter represents that belief in action.”
The facility, which can accommodate up to 300 individuals and families, includes private living spaces, medical clinics, a cafeteria serving hot meals, and even a rooftop garden where residents can grow fresh food. It was built in partnership with the Bryant Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit created by Vanessa in 2022 to extend her family’s philanthropic reach.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised Bryant’s initiative, calling it “a model for what public-private partnership should look like.” The city provided land and logistical support, while the Foundation covered the $18 million construction cost.
Former NBA teammates and celebrities, including Pau Gasol and Gabrielle Union, were in attendance, many visibly moved by Vanessa’s speech and the mission behind the project.
“Kobe was all about hard work, love, and lifting people up,” said Gasol. “Vanessa is continuing that legacy in the most powerful way possible.”
Plans are already underway for a second shelter in Long Beach, with the long-term goal of opening five shelters across Southern California by 2030.
“This is just the beginning,” Vanessa said with a smile. “Together, we can rebuild lives—and honor those we love by helping others rise.”