Salt Lake City, UT — In a stunning act of generosity, dancer, choreographer, and television host Derek Hough has announced that he is donating his entire $12.9 million bonus and sponsorship earnings toward building a network of homeless support centers in his hometown. The initiative will provide both emergency shelter and long-term housing for hundreds of people struggling to survive on the streets.
At a press conference earlier today, Hough revealed the project will fund 150 permanent housing units and 300 shelter beds, designed to offer not just a roof overhead, but also access to food, medical care, counseling, and job training. The initiative is being developed in collaboration with local non-profits and city officials, who called the donation “one of the most significant private contributions to homelessness solutions in Utah’s history.”
Visibly emotional, Hough explained his decision with heartfelt honesty. “I have witnessed people struggling to survive the harsh Utah winters without a roof over their heads, and I promised myself that if I ever had the chance, I would step up,” he said. “No one should have to sleep outside in that kind of cold.”
Hough, who rose to fame through Dancing with the Stars and later as a judge on television’s biggest talent competitions, said he wanted his success to create lasting change at home. “This is not about charity,” he added. “It’s about dignity, humanity, and making sure that every person in this city feels seen and supported.”
Community leaders have praised the move as a turning point. Mayor Erin Mendenhall thanked Hough publicly, saying, “Derek’s generosity shows what it means to give back. This project will save lives and set an example for others with influence and resources to follow.”
Advocates for the homeless echoed the mayor’s sentiments, noting that the timing couldn’t be more urgent. Recent reports have shown a sharp increase in the number of unsheltered people in Salt Lake City, with shelters often at capacity during freezing winter nights. Hough’s initiative aims to directly address that gap.
For Hough, however, the project is only the beginning. He hinted at future plans to expand the model beyond Utah, saying he hopes to inspire other cities — and other public figures — to invest in long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
As applause rang out at the press conference, it became clear that this was more than just a celebrity donation. Derek Hough’s decision represents a powerful commitment to his roots, a message of hope to those in need, and a reminder that compassion, when matched with action, can change lives.
