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**๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ก๐ฒ๐๐: Nebraska Softball Star Bhal Invests \$2 Million to Create Shelter for Homeless Youth**
**Lincoln, NE โ May 29, 2025**
In an inspiring turn of events, University of Nebraska softball phenom Bhal Thompson has made headlines beyond the diamond. The 22-year-old All-American pitcher and team captain announced today a personal investment of \$2 million to convert a historic home in downtown Lincoln into a fully functional shelter and resource center for homeless youth. The initiative, named **”Safe Base,”** aims to provide emergency housing, counseling, and life-skills programs for vulnerable teens and young adults.
Bhal, who grew up in nearby Grand Island, said the project was inspired by a close friend she lost to homelessness during high school. โI made a promise to myself back then that if I ever had the means to help kids like Jordan, I would do it,โ she told a crowd of reporters and community members at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. โThis isnโt charity โ this is about investing in people, in potential, in hope.โ
The renovated structure, a 10-bedroom Victorian house built in 1911, now includes a commercial-grade kitchen, classrooms, therapy rooms, and private living spaces for up to 20 residents at a time. Residents will be connected with mental health resources, educational support, and job training through partnerships with local nonprofits and the University of Nebraskaโs own social work and education departments.
Lincoln mayor Carla Benson called the effort โa game-changer,โ noting that youth homelessness in Lancaster County has risen by nearly 12% in the last year. โBhalโs investment is a bold, tangible response to a crisis that often goes unseen,โ Benson said. โHer leadership is setting a new standard for what it means to be a student-athlete and a citizen.โ
Coach Mike Reilly, who has led the Cornhuskers softball program for over a decade, said he wasnโt surprised by Bhalโs actions. โSheโs always been the kind of player who lifts everyone around her โ now sheโs doing it off the field. This team plays with heart, and sheโs its heartbeat.โ
The announcement comes on the heels of Nebraskaโs dramatic College World Series run, where Bhal pitched three shutouts and helped secure the Huskersโ first title berth in 15 years. While her future in professional softball or broadcasting seems bright, Bhal made it clear today that her priorities go deeper than fame.
โSoftball taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to fight through failure,โ she said. โBut Safe Base is about making sure the next generation has a fighting chance โ no matter where they start from.โ
Applications for residency at Safe Base open next week, with the first residents expected to move in by mid-June. The shelter will also host community events, workshops, and volunteer days throughout the year.
As the sun set behind the red-trimmed home and crowds lingered, Bhal smiled and hugged a young girl wearing a Huskers jersey. โThis isnโt just my story,โ she said. โItโs ours.โ
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