Local Softball Tournament Hopes to Strike Out Homelessness for Vets in Humboldt County

FORTUNA, Ca (KIEM)– A weekend softball tournament in Fortuna hopes to strike out homelessness for veterans in Humboldt County.

The North Coast Veterans Resource Center hosted the two-day event. It began Saturday at Newburg Park. Ten teams signed up to play in efforts to raise money for homeless veterans. One of the organizers of the event was once a homeless veteran herself.

“Veterans homelessness is a big issue. We have, on any given time, 300,000 veterans that are homeless on the street. I’m a veteran myself, I’ve been homeless before. So it’s a very near and dear project for me,” said Sara Sweaney, Tournament Director.

“I think it’s pretty important because they sat there and served our country and have been sitting there saving us. So why not help [veterans] out and make it so they can live. Have nice living facilities and be able to stand on their feet and get through like everyone else,” said Zachary Cook, a participant in the softball tournament.

The North Coast Veterans Resource Center hopes to raise $4,000 from the softball tournament this year. For more information on how to donate go to Vetsresource.org.