BREAKING NEWS: Seattle Mariners Rising Star Cal Raleigh Invests $7.5 Million to Transform House Into Shelter for Homeless Youth in……
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is known for his power at the plate and leadership behind it — but now, he’s making news for something much beyond baseball. In a sincere and transformative gesture of kindness, Raleigh has revealed he is personally contributing $7.5 million to turn a large historic mansion in Seattle into a comprehensive shelter and support center for homeless adolescents in Washington State.
The initiative, titled “Cal’s Cornerstone House,” will offer safe housing, mental health services, educational resources, and job readiness programs for young people aged 13 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness, many for the first time.
Speaking at a press conference held outside the home — a 1920s Tudor-style mansion in Seattle’s Central District — Raleigh was emotional as he described the reason behind the ambitious move.
“This city has given me so much,” Raleigh remarked. “And I’ve seen firsthand that too many kids out here are fighting just to survive. They don’t need a handout — they need a home, someone to believe in them, and the means to build a future. That’s what Cal’s
Seattle Reacts: “This Is the Spirit of Our City”
The response to Raleigh’s announcement was fast and extremely positive.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell hailed the move, adding, “This is a great example of how our sports heroes can be real-life heroes, too. Cal Raleigh has demonstrated he’s not only an MVP for the Mariners, but for the entire Seattle community.”
His Mariners teammates also chipped in. Star outfielder Julio Rodríguez called the move “inspiring,” adding on Instagram, “Proud to call this guy my
Social media flooded with praise from fans and locals, many noting Raleigh’s low-key reputation and humility. “Cal didn’t do this for attention — he did it because it was the right thing to do,” one user posted. “That’s what makes it even more powerful.”
A Growing Crisis
The issue of youth homelessness is growing in Washington, particularly in urban areas like Seattle, where rising housing costs, family breakdown, and systemic inequities have pushed thousands of young people onto the streets. According to a 2023 report by the Washington State Department of Commerce, more than 13,000 youth and young adults experienced homelessness across the state that year.
Raleigh said a visit to a temporary shelter last year made a lasting influence on him.
