BREAKING NEWS : Toronto blue Jays Former superstar Justin Smoak, Roberto Osuna Donates Entire $12.9 Million Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Homeless Shelter Initiative to Help Fund 150 Units Housing with 300 Shelter Beds… “I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew……. Read more

BREAKING NEWS: Toronto Blue Jays Former Superstars Justin Smoak, Roberto Osuna Donate Entire $12.9 Million Bonus and Sponsorship Earnings to Homeless Shelter Initiative, Funding 150 Units and 300 Shelter Beds

In a stunning act of generosity, former Toronto Blue Jays stars Justin Smoak and Roberto Osuna have made headlines by donating their combined $12.9 million in bonuses and sponsorship earnings to a groundbreaking housing initiative aimed at combating homelessness across Toronto.

The former MLB teammates, who once electrified fans at Rogers Centre, are now making waves off the field. Their donation will fully fund the construction of 150 transitional housing units, each with long-term supportive care services, and 300 emergency shelter beds throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

“I’ve seen the effects of homelessness firsthand growing up, and I knew I wanted to do something real,” said Justin Smoak in an emotional press conference held this morning. “This isn’t charity — it’s a responsibility. Everyone deserves a roof over their head, a hot meal, and a sense of safety.”

Smoak, who played for the Blue Jays from 2015 to 2019, grew up in a working-class family in South Carolina. He often recalls the struggles he witnessed in his own community, from food insecurity to families sleeping in cars.

Roberto Osuna, who joined the Blue Jays as a teenager and quickly rose to All-Star closer status, echoed Smoak’s sentiment.

“I was given a chance when I had nothing,” Osuna said. “This city, these fans — they embraced me like family. It’s time I give that back, not with words, but with action.”

The initiative — called “Safe Start Toronto” — is a joint partnership with local nonprofit housing agencies, the City of Toronto, and private developers who have agreed to waive profit margins to accelerate the project.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow issued a public statement, calling the donation “a moment of profound impact and humanity in the face of one of our city’s greatest challenges.”

What the Funds Will Do

The $12.9 million donation will cover:

• Construction costs for 150 transitional housing units across four sites in Toronto.
• 300 shelter beds, designed to meet both emergency needs and long-term recovery support.
• On-site mental health services, addiction recovery programs, and employment training.
• 24/7 support staff and security to ensure safe and dignified living environments.

The first units are expected to open by spring 2026, with shelter beds operational as early as January 2025, due to expedited zoning and construction approvals.

A Movement, Not Just a Moment

Advocates believe the high-profile nature of the donation could help shift public perception around homelessness.

“We’re not just talking about housing — we’re talking about healing,” said Cynthia LaFlamme, director of the Downtown Eastside Housing Project. “What Smoak and Osuna have done is set an example for other athletes, businesses, and private citizens to follow.”

Rumors are already swirling that other former Blue Jays players may join the effort, possibly creating a ripple effect across the sports world.