Houston’s Pro Pickleball Team is Helping Veterans: Camp Hope has partnered with the Houston Hammers pickleball team to assist veterans recovering from PTSD. The collaboration includes pickleball clinics and fundraising events to support Camp Hope’s mission of helping veterans rebuild their lives.
Chris Fahey, a Navy veteran and Camp Hope graduate, now works as a developmental specialist for the nonprofit. After completing the program, he found purpose in helping others on their recovery journey.
Helping Veterans Through Pickleball
The Houston Hammers, the only professional pickleball team in Houston and part of the National Pickleball League, held their second clinic on March 18 at their Sugar Land facility. The event introduced Camp Hope veterans to pickleball, providing a supportive community through the sport.
“A recovered lifestyle is very simple, but it’s not easy,”.
“It means doing the next right thing and being a part of someplace, hopefully a community that openly loves you, that you can love back.”-(Chris Fahey)
Finding a New Purpose
Fahey’s journey to Camp Hope was difficult. After serving 20 years in the Navy as a photojournalist, PTSD took control of his life. Ignoring the diagnosis, he tried to move on but found himself struggling.
“One day, I walked away from my family, I walked away from my life—literally just walked away from it because I felt too ashamed and too broken to be a part of it,”
. “I was voluntarily homeless for a year [in] Conroe and Third Ward, and I was actively trying to die.”-(Chris Fahey)
A misdemeanor charge led to his stay at the Montgomery County Jail, where Sergeant Kim Anderson directed him to Camp Hope. There, Fahey found the support he needed. He now studies psychology while assisting fellow veterans through the program.
“When I graduated from Camp Hope in 2022, I was terrified. I wasn’t terrified of life or of living. I was terrified of not having the routine and the support that I had found at Camp Hope,”.
“I hadn’t built any new activities, I hadn’t met any new friends and I didn’t know where to belong.”-(Chris Fahey)
Expanding Support for Veterans
Houston Hammers co-owners Amy Blumrosen and Hugh Zhang aim to create a positive social impact through pickleball. Their mission includes fundraising efforts and future events to further aid Camp Hope.
In April, the team will collaborate with the Houston Astros for a pickleball night at Daikin Park, where Camp Hope will have an informational booth. On July 8, the Hammers will partner with local law firms to host a fundraising event, with proceeds supporting Camp Hope.
The Houston Hammers also plan to install permanent pickleball courts at Camp Hope to give veterans a recreational outlet.
Making a Lasting Impact
Fahey highlighted the financial needs of the program, stating that it costs $177 per day, or about $26,000 total, to support a veteran through Camp Hope’s program.
“We’ve got about 20 guys over there right now, and current studies are showing that roughly 44 combat veterans are killing themselves per day,”.
“Forty-four people are going to die today. There’s 20 guys over there today that are not even going to think about it, thanks to this sport.”-(Chris Fahey)
By continuing to work with Camp Hope, the Houston Hammers aim to provide veterans with meaningful activities, a sense of belonging, and critical support after their initial recovery.
News in Brief: Houston’s Pro Pickleball Team is Helping Veterans
Camp Hope and the Houston Hammers have teamed up to support veterans with PTSD through pickleball. The Hammers hosted a pickleball clinic in March and have upcoming fundraising events with the Houston Astros and local law firms. They also plan to build permanent courts at Camp Hope to provide ongoing recreational opportunities for veterans.
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