Olympic gold medalist and world-record hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has pledged $3.6 million of her personal funds to establish a shelter for homeless youth in her hometown of Dunellen, New Jersey. The initiative involves renovating a historic property in the borough to provide refuge and support for young individuals facing homelessness in Union County and surrounding areas.
A Personal Commitment to Community
McLaughlin-Levrone, renowned for her achievements in track and field, including multiple Olympic gold medals and world records, has expressed a deep connection to her roots in Dunellen. She stated, “Dunellen shaped me in ways I can’t even begin to describe. I wanted to give back in a way that would truly make a difference, not just now, but for years to come.” Her dedication to serving her community extends beyond athletics, reflecting her commitment to social impact and community development.
The Hurdle House: A Beacon of Hope
The facility, named “The Hurdle House” in a symbolic nod to McLaughlin-Levrone’s athletic career and the obstacles many homeless youth face, will accommodate up to 20 residents at a time. It will provide short- and medium-term housing solutions, vocational training, mental health counseling, educational support, and access to mentorship programs. The shelter will also feature communal areas for meals and recreation, private rooms for residents, offices for case workers and therapists, and security measures to ensure the safety of all occupants. A garden and outdoor training space will be added in the back, reflecting McLaughlin-Levrone’s belief in the therapeutic power of nature and physical wellness.
Collaboration with Youth Futures of New Jersey
The project is being undertaken in partnership with the local nonprofit Youth Futures of New Jersey, which has been serving homeless and at-risk youth in the area for over 15 years. The organization will operate the shelter on a day-to-day basis, supported by a small team of volunteers and professionals that McLaughlin-Levrone is helping to recruit and fund.
Inspiration and Vision
The idea for the shelter was conceived following a visit McLaughlin-Levrone made to a local high school in early 2023. She was deeply moved by a student assembly that included testimonies from teens affected by homelessness. One student revealed that he had been sleeping in his car for weeks. This experience highlighted the urgent need for support systems for homeless youth in the community.
Since that day, McLaughlin-Levrone has been working with local leaders, architects, and social service professionals to explore how best to make a meaningful and sustainable impact. The $3.6 million she is investing covers both the purchase of the property and its extensive renovation, including ADA compliance upgrades, environmental work, staffing startup costs, and the first 18 months of operational expenses.
A Legacy of Faith and Service
Throughout her career, McLaughlin-Levrone has spoken openly about her Christian faith, family values, and belief in servant leadership. Her social media presence and public statements often emphasize humility, gratitude, and a calling to serve others. She has expressed that this initiative is not about headlines but about making a heartfelt difference in the lives of young people in her community.
Her husband, former NFL wide receiver Andre Levrone Jr., has been an active supporter of the initiative, helping to coordinate outreach efforts and fundraising strategies for future expansions of the shelter program. The couple has hinted that if the Dunellen shelter proves successful, they may launch similar initiatives in other New Jersey communities.
Community and National Recognition
Word of McLaughlin-Levrone’s project has been met with widespread admiration across New Jersey and the wider athletic community. Mayor Jason Cilento of Dunellen issued a formal proclamation thanking her for “an extraordinary contribution that reflects the best of our hometown spirit and sets a powerful example of civic responsibility.” A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for later this summer, with local students and community members invited to participate.
Advocates for youth experiencing homelessness have also praised the initiative. Marla Jenkins, Executive Director of Youth Futures, stated, “What Sydney is doing is nothing short of transformational.”
Addressing a Growing Crisis
Homelessness among youth remains a growing crisis in the United States. According to the National Network for Youth, an estimated 4.2 million young people experience some form of homelessness each year, with many suffering from trauma, lack of access to education, and health risks. In New Jersey, hundreds of youth shelters report being at or near capacity.
The creation of The Hurdle House in Dunellen represents not just a lifeline for the young people it will serve, but a challenge to other athletes, celebrities, and philanthropists to use their resources and influence for systemic change. McLaughlin-Levrone has expressed that this is just the beginning and that if everyone commits to seeing and loving the people in their communities, there’s no limit to the impact that can be made.
Through this initiative, McLaughlin-Levrone is demonstrating that true greatness extends beyond athletic achievements and is measured by the positive impact one has on the lives of others.