Cat Stevens Donates $5 Million to Build Homeless Support Centers in His Hometown of Hicksville, New York

In a moving act of generosity, legendary singer-songwriter Cat Stevens has announced that he will donate his entire $5 million in recent tour bonuses and sponsorship earnings to fund the creation of a series of homeless support centers in Hicksville, New York, the town where he grew up. The initiative, which will establish 150 permanent housing units and 300 temporary shelter beds, represents one of the most significant charitable gestures by a musician in recent years — and one deeply rooted in Stevens’s lifelong belief in compassion, dignity, and community.

At a press conference held earlier this week, the artist — known for timeless classics like Father and Son, Wild World, and Peace Train — spoke with emotion about the personal connection behind his decision. “I’ve seen too many folks back home fighting to survive cold nights without a roof over their heads,” Stevens said. “I promised myself that if I ever had the chance, I’d step up. No one should have to sleep outside in that kind of cold.”

The plan, developed in collaboration with local nonprofits, housing organizations, and the Hicksville City Council, will prioritize providing both safe shelter and long-term support for people facing homelessness. Beyond housing, the centers will offer job training, mental health counseling, addiction recovery programs, and educational workshops designed to help residents rebuild their lives. According to Stevens’s representatives, construction on the first facility is expected to begin early next year, with completion targeted for mid-2026.

Community leaders have praised the initiative as both timely and transformative. Over the past decade, Hicksville — like many parts of New York — has seen a steady rise in housing insecurity. Rising rents, limited access to affordable housing, and economic displacement have left many individuals and families struggling to find stable shelter. Local advocates say Stevens’s contribution could make a measurable difference. “Cat’s gift isn’t just about bricks and walls,” said Karen Phillips, director of the Long Island Community Outreach Network. “It’s about restoring hope, dignity, and humanity to people who’ve been left behind.”

For Stevens, whose music often reflects themes of empathy, spiritual reflection, and social awareness, this project feels like a natural extension of his values. Over the years, he has supported numerous humanitarian efforts, from refugee aid to education initiatives. His foundation, Small Kindness, has long been involved in global relief work, but this new effort marks a powerful return to his roots — focusing on the community that shaped him. “Hicksville is where my story began,” he said. “It’s where I learned what struggle looks like, but also what kindness can do.”

The centers will be built using sustainable materials and eco-friendly designs, featuring solar panels, community gardens, and shared common spaces to encourage connection and healing. Each resident will have access to individualized case management, aiming not just to provide temporary relief but to create long-term stability. “We want these centers to represent a fresh start,” Stevens explained. “A place where people feel seen, supported, and ready to rebuild.”

Fans and fellow musicians have taken to social media to celebrate the announcement. “This is what true artistry looks like — using your success to lift others up,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another commented, “Cat Stevens has always sung about love and peace — now he’s building it.”

City officials have also expressed gratitude for the donation, emphasizing how it will complement ongoing public initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness. Hicksville Mayor Tom Reynolds noted that the project will “help bridge the gap between emergency relief and permanent housing,” calling it “a game-changer for our most vulnerable citizens.”

Stevens’s gesture comes at a time when many artists are rethinking their role in addressing social challenges. With the cost of living continuing to rise and shelter shortages affecting communities nationwide, his action serves as a reminder that change often begins with individual commitment. “It’s easy to sing about peace,” Stevens said near the end of his remarks. “It’s harder — but far more meaningful — to build it.”

The first center will be named The Peace Train Housing and Wellness Center, a nod to one of Stevens’s most iconic songs, symbolizing hope and forward movement. Subsequent centers will carry names inspired by his music and values, each intended to serve as a beacon for compassion and community renewal.

As construction plans move forward, Stevens has pledged ongoing involvement in the project, promising to perform a benefit concert in Hicksville next summer to raise additional funds for staffing and maintenance. For the singer who has long believed that music can heal, this initiative may be his most powerful composition yet — one written not in notes and lyrics, but in kindness, humanity, and the shared promise of a better home for all.

More details will be announced soon on CMT, including how fans can contribute to or volunteer for the project.