Katy police officers and local businesses teamed up to raise $14,000 for combat veterans struggling with PTSD, crushing the Brookshire Police Department in a monthlong friendly fundraising competition that netted $16,150 for Camp Hope.

The challenge, called S.O.S. for Vets, pitted the two departments against each other beginning in June to coincide with PTSD Awareness Month. Katy PD's Crisis Intervention Team organized the effort, according to the Katy Times. Brookshire PD contributed $2,150 to the total.

Mark Garsee of the Katy Police Department and Officer Darryl Phillips of the Brookshire Police Department presented a mock check for the full $16,150 to David Maulsby, executive director of Camp Hope. Katy Mayor William H. "Dusty" Thiele and Brookshire Mayor Robert Richards both backed the effort.

Every dollar went to Camp Hope.

Katy PD raised its share through donations from local businesses and personal contributions. The PTSD Foundation of America said the competition featured custom T-shirts, hats, raffles and other events, with 100% of proceeds going directly to support combat veterans.

The Katy Police Department said on its Facebook page in early August that the challenge demonstrated what communities can accomplish when they unite around a shared purpose, adding that every supporter made a difference in the lives of those who sacrificed for the country.

What Camp Hope does

Camp Hope is a PTSD Foundation of America facility on a five-acre campus in northwest Houston at 9724 Derrington Road. Founded in 2012, it offers a six-to-nine-month interim housing program for combat veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress. The campus has five residential buildings with 120 beds and can serve up to 80 veterans at a time.

The program pairs veterans with peer counselors, many of them combat veterans themselves, for one-on-one support, mentoring and professional development. First responders are also eligible.

In 2025, Camp Hope served 212 veterans and provided more than 9,400 counseling sessions, including individual, family and peer sessions, according to the foundation. Since opening, more than 16,000 veterans and family members have received help through the foundation's programs.

Camp Hope's service area includes Fort Bend, Harris and Waller counties, covering the same region as Katy and Brookshire.

How to help

Residents who want to support Camp Hope or learn more can visit ptsdusa.org. The PTSD Foundation of America's 24-hour combat trauma help line is 877-717-7873.