In a powerful act of generosity and purpose, Arkansas Razorbacks star Boogie Fland Bolding has pledged \$11.3 million of his own money to build a transitional shelter for homeless youth in his hometown of Little Rock. The facility, named The Fland Foundation House of Hope, will transform Bolding’s childhood home into a state-of-the-art support center and is expected to open in spring 2026.
Known as much for his leadership and grounded personality as for his basketball skills, Bolding made the announcement during an emotional event at the very house where he grew up. Flanked by community leaders and nonprofit partners, he spoke from the heart, describing how the home shaped him and how he now hopes it will serve as a lifeline for young people facing adversity.
“This house made me who I am,” Bolding shared in his speech. He explained how the struggles, dreams, and sacrifices lived out within those walls inspired his desire to give back. His goal is to create a safe space where vulnerable youth can find hope and believe in a brighter future.
Bolding’s connection to this cause is deeply personal. He grew up facing hunger, homelessness, and hardship, with his mother Carla working multiple jobs to keep their family together. He often credits mentors and local support systems for helping him stay off the streets and focused on his dreams.
Carla Bolding, standing proudly beside her son during the announcement, praised his commitment to the community. She said Boogie always vowed to come back and make a difference if he ever “made it,” and now he’s doing exactly that—honoring a promise to uplift those in need.
The House of Hope will be much more than just a shelter. The project will offer around-the-clock housing for up to 40 youth aged 14 to 21, as well as mental health counseling, educational resources, job training programs, and creative outlets like music and art. The center aims to empower residents rather than simply provide temporary refuge.
A special focus will be placed on dignity and independence. Each resident will have a private room, and meals will be made by rotating chefs from the community, including alumni of Bolding’s own scholarship program. The shelter’s design will reflect the warmth and structure of a true home.
The initiative, while privately funded to start, is drawing widespread institutional backing. The University of Arkansas is offering student internship programs at the center, and Little Rock’s mayor has pledged city-wide support for youth homelessness prevention efforts, inspired by Bolding’s example.
Interest is growing on a national level as well. Homeless youth advocacy groups have expressed their support, and a leading tech company is considering partnering with Bolding to provide digital literacy training for shelter residents. The House of Hope may soon serve as a model for similar projects across the country.
Even as he thrives on the court—averaging 19.4 points per game and leading Arkansas to the Sweet Sixteen—Bolding says basketball is just a tool for something greater. His latest endeavor reflects a broader mission to turn personal pain into community purpose. As he watched the first beams of the shelter being installed, he humbly stated, “This isn’t my legacy. It’s theirs.”
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