BREAKING NEWS: ECU baseball coach Cliff Godwin Invest $20 Million to Transform House Into Shelter for Homeless, less privilege and……

BREAKING NEWS: ECU Baseball Coach Cliff Godwin Invests $20 Million to Transform Home Into Shelter for Homeless, Less Privileged, and At-Risk Youth

Greenville, NC — In a powerful act of generosity and compassion, East Carolina University (ECU) baseball head coach Cliff Godwin has made national headlines by investing $20 million of his personal fortune to convert his private estate into a full-service shelter for the homeless, less privileged families, and at-risk youth in the Greenville community.

In a press conference held outside the gates of his soon-to-be transformed property, Coach Godwin stood alongside city leaders, non-profit organizers, and ECU athletes to announce what he called “the most important project of my life.”

“I’ve coached some great games, seen incredible victories, and mentored amazing athletes,” Godwin said. “But nothing compares to what we’re about to do here. This isn’t about baseball — this is about people. It’s about giving hope to the forgotten and a future to those who’ve been told they don’t have one.”

The estate, a 20,000-square-foot residence located just outside city limits, will be repurposed into a state-of-the-art shelter and community center named The Safe Haven Project. The facility will include over 40 residential rooms, a commercial kitchen, medical and mental health services, job training areas, classrooms, and recreational spaces. The project is expected to open in early 2026.

Godwin emphasized that this initiative is personal. Raised in a modest home and shaped by the values of faith, hard work, and service, he said he felt a deep responsibility to “give back in a way that actually changes lives.”

“I’ve been blessed beyond measure, and I believe blessings are meant to be shared,” he said.

ECU Chancellor Philip Rogers praised Godwin’s commitment, calling it “one of the most extraordinary acts of community leadership this university has ever seen.”

“Coach Godwin is a role model not just for his players, but for all of us,” Rogers said. “He’s proving that leadership off the field is just as important as what happens on it.”

Godwin also announced that a portion of the funds will be allocated for scholarship opportunities for children in the shelter who wish to pursue higher education — especially at ECU. Additionally, he pledged to create internship opportunities for student-athletes to work and volunteer at The Safe Haven Project, strengthening the connection between the university and the local community.

Reactions from fans, players, and community members were swift and overwhelmingly positive.

“He’s not just building a shelter — he’s building a legacy,” said senior outfielder Tyler Monroe. “Coach always tells us to use our platform for good. Now he’s showing us how it’s done.”

Construction on the facility is expected to begin this summer. In the meantime, Godwin has partnered with local shelters and nonprofits to support transitional services and provide immediate aid to families in need.

As Coach Godwin wrapped up his remarks, he shared a simple message that resonated far beyond the field:
“It’s not about what you have — it’s about what you do with it. And I plan to do all I can.”

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