Just in: Chris Klieman just made the biggest assist of his life — donating $5.6 million to turn a mansion into a shelter for homeless youth. The “Klieman House of Hope” will open in 2026, offering housing, mentorship, and education. “This is bigger than football,” Klieman said. A true act of leadership beyond the gridiron. See full details below.
Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman has made headlines once again—but this time, it’s not for anything that happened on the football field. In an unexpected act of generosity, Klieman announced a personal donation of $5.6 million toward transforming a historic Manhattan, Kansas mansion into a permanent shelter for homeless youth. The property, located just a few miles from Bill Snyder Family Stadium, will soon become the “Klieman House of Hope,” a facility that aims to change the lives of hundreds of young people every year.
The vision for the House of Hope is both ambitious and deeply personal. Klieman, who has spent years mentoring student-athletes, said the idea came after learning about the growing number of teenagers in Kansas without stable housing or family support. His plan is to create more than just a shelter—it will serve as a full rehabilitation and mentorship center. The mansion will include 30 private rooms, a library, classrooms, recreational spaces, and counseling offices designed to provide a safe, empowering environment for young residents.
Construction is set to begin in early 2025, with a grand opening projected for the summer of 2026. Local architects and volunteers from Kansas State University have already partnered with the initiative to ensure that the renovation maintains the building’s historical charm while modernizing it for comfort and safety. Klieman’s wife, Rhonda, has also taken an active role, coordinating with local nonprofits and churches to recruit social workers, educators, and life coaches for the program’s launch phase.
The House of Hope won’t just provide a roof—it will offer a roadmap. Residents will have access to education through scholarship partnerships with local schools, career training programs, and community volunteering opportunities. The long-term goal is to prepare each youth not only to survive but to thrive independently. Every resident will also be paired with a personal mentor, many of whom will come from the Wildcats’ football staff, former players, and local business leaders inspired by Klieman’s gesture.
Klieman’s philanthropic act has already drawn admiration from across the college football world. While the Wildcats prepare for another competitive Big 12 season, Klieman has shown that leadership isn’t defined only by wins and losses. His decision reinforces his reputation as a coach who values character development as much as athletic success. Players who were initially surprised by the news have since pledged to volunteer at the shelter during off-season programs, showing how his actions continue to influence the culture he’s built at Kansas State.
Beyond football, community leaders in Manhattan are calling this one of the most impactful charitable projects in the city’s history. Local organizations expect the Klieman House of Hope to serve as a model that other college towns could replicate, uniting athletics, education, and compassion under one mission. It’s rare for a public sports figure to invest so personally in a cause of this scale, and Klieman’s gift is already being hailed as a turning point in how coaches can use their platform for lasting change.
For Chris Klieman, this isn’t just a headline—it’s a legacy. Long after the stadium lights fade, the Klieman House of Hope will continue to tell the story of a man who understood that real success isn’t measured in trophies, but in lives transformed. As the Wildcats head into another season under his guidance, it’s clear that Klieman’s greatest victory may come not from football, but from the hope he’s building for others.
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