Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is known for his power at the plate and leadership behind it — but now, he’s making headlines for something far beyond baseball. In a heartfelt and transformative act of generosity, Raleigh has announced he is personally investing $7.5 million to turn a large historic home in Seattle into a comprehensive shelter and support center for homeless youth 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.
“This Is About Giving Kids a Fighting Chance”
Raleigh, only 27, has become a fan favorite not just for his clutch performances on the field, but also for his down-to-earth character and quiet commitment to community service. Now, with this monumental project, he’s taking that commitment to a whole new level.
Speaking at a press conference held outside the home — a 1920s Tudor-style mansion in Seattle’s Central District — Raleigh was emotional as he explained the reason behind the bold initiative.
“This city has given me so much,” Raleigh said. “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 tools to build a future. That’s what Cal’s Cornerstone House is about.”
The center will be operated in partnership with local nonprofit organizations, including YouthCare and Mary’s Place, both of which have long histories of working to combat youth homelessness in Seattle and King County.
A Full-Service Safe Haven
Raleigh’s $7.5 million donation will cover the purchase and full renovation of the building, as well as the first three years of operational funding. Once completed, the shelter will provide housing for up to 60 young people at a time, with on-site counselors, education specialists, career coaches, and mentors.
The center will also include a commercial kitchen for culinary training, a creative arts room, computer labs, and recreational facilities — including, fittingly, a small indoor batting cage donated by the Mariners.
Raleigh insisted that the facility be more than a shelter: “This isn’t just about a roof and four walls. This is about restoring dignity and giving kids the same chances I had — maybe even better ones.”
Seattle Reacts: “This Is the Spirit of Our City”
The response to Raleigh’s announcement was swift and overwhelmingly positive.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell praised the move, saying, “This is a shining example of how our sports heroes can be real-life heroes, too. Cal Raleigh has proven he’s not only an MVP for the Mariners, but for the entire Seattle community.”
His Mariners teammates also chimed in. Star outfielder Julio Rodríguez called the move “inspiring,” adding on Instagram, “Proud to call this guy my teammate. That’s bigger than baseball.”
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 had a lasting impact on him.
“I met a 14-year-old kid who hadn’t been to school in months and was scared every night he went to sleep,” Raleigh said. “That conversation stuck with me. I knew I had to do more than just donate — I had to do something real.”
A Legacy Beyond the Game
Construction is expected to begin this summer, with Cal’s Cornerstone House projected to open its doors by mid-2026. Raleigh also announced the creation of a charitable foundation under the same name to help fund future expansion and encourage other athletes and public figures to join the fight against youth homelessness.
When asked if this was the beginning of a broader mission, Raleigh nodded.
“This isn’t a one-time thing. I’m in it for the long haul.”
As the Mariners chase postseason dreams this season, their catcher is already securing a different kind of victory — one that could change countless lives and reshape the future for vulnerable youth across Washington.