Being a vibrant mission is not just about caring for the homeless in our city, it's about serving our friends who support our ministry. One of the ways we do this is by sharing the wonderful things that are happening in our shelters to encourage and prepare our clients for re-entering society, with obtainable goals for self-sufficiency.
As you read the blogs written by our staff and guest bloggers, your heart will be touched by the stories about life in the shelters and the experiences of the men, women and children living in them. You will find ways to connect that meet your charitable ideals and many opportunities to deepen your involvement with Star of Hope Mission.
Hank Rush, President & CEO
One of the most amazing things to witness is how God uses our collective prayers and your generosity to change lives. What’s more amazing is that I have the privilege of being a part of His wonderful work. When people come through our doors homeless and desperate for help, they need a new chance—sometimes a second chance—to build a better life for themselves and their families. That’s what we offer. So I am delighted to share my joy with you, and I am immensely grateful for your commitment as donors, volunteers and community partners. I hope that as you read about the day-to-day happenings and the miracles that are occurring in the lives of our clients, you will believe as I do, that Star of Hope is a place where the promises of God are realized.
Star of Hope serves 250-300 children each day, who are staying in our facilities with their parents as they work to recover from homelessness.
Just last week, a group of 5th grade boys at Second Baptist School, arrived at our front door with 19 boxes of children’s books! This all started when a young man named Fielden cleared all of the books he had outgrown from his room after Christmas. As he wondered who could use them he remembered his family serving at Star of Hope’s Women & Family Emergency Shelter downtown. He decided to give the books to the kids at Star of Hope.
Fielden and his mom met with Elizabeth Hatler, Manager of Volunteer Services here at Star of Hope. As he learned how much children who come to Star of Hope experiencing homelessness with their families would love to have books of their own, he decided to do a book drive with his friends at school. Fielden sent out letters to 25 or so of his friends, asking them to help. The 5th graders worked, and then their work was multiplied by a bunch 11 and 12 year olds, who caught the spirit and built the collection. Bags and boxes of books kept coming, as the kids’ and families’ excitement grew!
Last Thursday, Fielden and 15 of his teammates arrived in numerous SUV’s and swooped into our lobby with box after box of children’s books for our kids. After touring the Transitional Living Center, he asked the boys to take a moment to pray that God would use the books, then added, “Tebowing allowed.” In a wave, the boys dropped to their knees and prayed. Not only did they ask that the children at Star of Hope would benefit from their books, but that God would use them to draw the children closer to Him.
There are so many ways to help those experiencing homelessness in our city. We welcome your help in organizing food, clothing, school supplies, diapers, and yes…book drives for those seeking help at Star of Hope. Feel free to contact our Volunteer Services Staff to discuss how your family , church or corporation can help us in this way, as we meet to provide the needs of 1,100 men women and children each day!
Vounteer Opportunities Houston
Host a Drive for Needed Items
Star of Hope Mission
Through your generous giving to underwrite meals for the homeless, Star of Hope was able to serve 87,641 kitchen prepared meals to help people in our community struggling with homelessness during February and March!
Now in April, National Volunteer Month, we encourage you find a place of service at one of our four Star of Hope locations around Houston. There’s plenty to do for all ages.
If you’re one of the lucky “retirees” in our community (or if you know some retirees), there’s no better way to stay healthy in body and happy in heart than volunteering to help someone less fortunate than yourself. Star of Hope’s Manager of Volunteer Services, Elizabeth Hatler, wrote a great article for the current issue Vantage Point. Take a look at Why Volunteering is the Mature Thing to Do on pages 18-19 and share it with a friend.
Star of Hope Volunteer, Jonathan Blue, shared his volunteer story on our guest blog. He wrote, "I would like to give a special shout-out of thanks and appreciation to all of the other Star of Hope volunteers. I am humbled and honored to serve with you!" Read his post and other guest blogs... then share your story with us.
Thanks for all you do as faithful supporters of the Star of Hope!
Every year I live, the meaning of this Holy week becomes more and more powerful to me. It is all about God’s great plan for us, through his Son, Jesus Christ. It is about Abundant Life here on this earth, and a future in Heaven with Him. Jesus said in John 10:10: “The thief comes to steal and destroy, but I have come, that you might have life, and have it more abundantly.” Isn’t that what we are seeking in our journey here on this earth? Haven’t we seen enough thieves in our lives, who’ve stolen our joy and our focus, our relationships, our purpose, our hope….and our abundance in this life?
Every year I live, I also realize more that this life is so short, and that I must be about my Heavenly Father’s business! I must find and do the things He wants me to do while I am on this earth. And I am finding that when I diligently seek to do His will for me, life becomes so much more abundant and fulfilling! I hope you will seek God in a special way this Easter, wherever your life may be right now, and that you will get answers to the things missing in your life. Every time I go to Him with my problems and concerns, He’s there! And I know he will be there for you. Celebrate the resurrected Christ this Easter, accept Him as your own. Let Him give you the new, abundant life He has just for you, and put you to work doing His Kingdom’s work!
And please keep all those in our community who are homeless in your prayers this week, and the Star of Hope too, as we seek to serve their immediate needs with God’s love and teach them about the future and the hope, that only He can give!
Blessings to you this Easter!
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” Isaiah 58:10
This morning I found myself in line at the coffee shop behind a man with heavy, dark eyeglasses, accompanied by a seeing-eye dog. I watched with amazement as he managed his way through hot coffee, sweeteners, napkins, stir sticks and cream containers... all while his faithful dog sat close by. We greeted each other and laughed about his dog’s love for coffee too!
As I stood there, I was immediately struck with a sense of how blessed we are to be able to see the world around us clearly through good eyesight. For most of us, the challenge is seeing our way through the issues and turning points of life, supporting our families, finding meaning and purpose, and making a difference in this world.
I then thought about the thousands of homeless men, women and children in our city today, and pondered as I do every day, how do we really best help them have the sight to see their way to a whole and productive life once again?
How do we provide sight for the homeless of our city to believe in themselves again and become truly independent citizens once more? How do we walk alongside them in the most meaningful way and lead them into mainstream living?
There has been a lot of discussion about the community’s role in this effort: what kind of services should be provided and, most recently, how should caring people feed our homeless brothers and sisters to ensure best practices for the health and safety of everyone.
As I ponder these questions, I immediately think of Jesus’ encounter with a lawyer who asked how to find eternal life. Jesus answered that he was to love the Lord his God with all his heart, soul and strength, and to love his neighbor as he did himself. The lawyer then asked, well, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered with the story of a man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, who fell among robbers and was stripped, beaten and left for dead. A Priest and then a Levite came upon the injured man, but both passed him by on the other side of the road, not wanting to get involved. Then a Samaritan traveler came upon the man, and when he saw him, he felt compassion for him. He immediately came to him, bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He then put the man on his own beast, took him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day he gave money to the innkeeper to care for the man until he could return. Jesus asked the lawyer: "which of these three proved to be a good neighbor?" And he said “the one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said, “go and do the same.”
Sight to See for the Homeless in our City comes from all of us working together, to feed, clothe, and shelter those who have lost their way in this life. But most importantly it comes from us loving them with this kind of love and compassion... and staying with them to provide for their recovery and their road to a new life.
This is what Star of Hope does every day for thousands in our city, within the fabric of over 100 other agencies, and hundreds more churches and individuals who seek to see the homeless restored. Let’s all work together to be "good neighbors"... and help our homeless move out of street life and into a new life filled with Hope and a newfound joy in living, with clear sight to see their way forward!
Ask John what brought him to Star of Hope, and he'll tell you, "A lot of brokenness. It was Easter Sunday. I had messed up, relapsing into drugs and alcohol, and I was separated from my family. I was just broken inside, and I wanted something better out of life."
Watch this video and you’ll see that true life change is not only possible, it happens every day, at Star of Hope!
We invite you to be a part of Star of Hope’s ministry to Houstonians like John, who are at rock bottom and need a second chance. Come volunteer with us, or donate now to help almost 1100 people per day through the Star of Hope Family of Ministries, TODAY. And please keep us in your prayers!
Check out this amazing video of Michael W. Smith, who gave this talk at Star of Hope’s annual gathering just two weeks ago. It was an incredible night! Michael spoke about “The Message for the World Today” and what the solution to our life Identity Crisis truly is.
Join us at Star of Hope in serving those in our community who have lost their way, and need to solve their Identity Crisis once and for all. We’d love to have you!
Last Thursday evening, Star of Hope supporters, volunteers and friends gathered for our annual Anniversary Banquet - Above All. It was truly an amazing night! As always, the stories from Clients who’ve graduated from Star of Hope’s programs were so powerful.
Below is the Hope for Houston’s Homeless video we showed that night. If you were there, please watch it again. If you missed the Banquet this year, you’ve got to see this. And if you’re new to Star of Hope, you’ll feel the spirit of Hope only God can bring to a life.
Below is the Hope for Houston’s Homeless video we showed that night. If you were there, please watch it again. If you missed the Banquet this year, you’ve got to see this. And if you’re new to Star of Hope, you’ll feel the spirit of Hope only God can bring to a life.
That’s the question we are all asking, isn’t it? And when we consider that for our homeless men, women and children in Houston, we know that “2012 will be a year of significantly more needs to be met.”
Star of Hope has always been on the cutting edge of ministry to the homeless. Over the past 105 years of service there have been three distinct transitions in the homeless need:
2011 was a record year…with 25% more homeless people in Houston, and twice as many families homeless as there were just 2 years ago. Star of Hope stepped up, thanks to your amazing support, and served record numbers, all with open arms to anyone who came for help. Thank you for YOUR help…volunteering your time, bringing donations, giving financial gifts…and most importantly remembering us in your prayers.
One thing that you can always count on when you think of Star of Hope…this is a place where God Is At Work in the lives of our most needy individuals, and He does His Miracles here every day. It is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen! And all of us who work here do so with a reverent awe every day!
This new year, we are already focusing on how we can expand our job preparedness and job skills efforts for our clients. We are staying in touch with more of our graduates than ever before, to support them when they stumble or need a little extra help to stay on track. We are working in a more deliberate way than ever, to assist families and individuals who are ABOUT TO BE HOMELESS, by growing our day services and partnering more closely with other great organizations in Houston. And we are expanding our children’s and teen ministries to help prepare the children of our homeless families to live a different life…and break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in their generation.
Sound exciting? Then come join us and let’s make 2012 our best year ever of CHANGED LIVES in our great city!
Blessings to you and your family in the new year, and we look forward to working together with you in 2012.
Star of Hope has always been on the cutting edge of ministry to the homeless. Over the past 105 years of service there have been three distinct transitions in the homeless need:
- Serving men-only for our first 80 years.
- Serving women and families beginning in the mid-80‘s.
- Now, the third transition…serving a growing percentage of our city’s AT RISK and ON THE BRINK of Homelessness population.
2011 was a record year…with 25% more homeless people in Houston, and twice as many families homeless as there were just 2 years ago. Star of Hope stepped up, thanks to your amazing support, and served record numbers, all with open arms to anyone who came for help. Thank you for YOUR help…volunteering your time, bringing donations, giving financial gifts…and most importantly remembering us in your prayers.
One thing that you can always count on when you think of Star of Hope…this is a place where God Is At Work in the lives of our most needy individuals, and He does His Miracles here every day. It is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen! And all of us who work here do so with a reverent awe every day!
This new year, we are already focusing on how we can expand our job preparedness and job skills efforts for our clients. We are staying in touch with more of our graduates than ever before, to support them when they stumble or need a little extra help to stay on track. We are working in a more deliberate way than ever, to assist families and individuals who are ABOUT TO BE HOMELESS, by growing our day services and partnering more closely with other great organizations in Houston. And we are expanding our children’s and teen ministries to help prepare the children of our homeless families to live a different life…and break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in their generation.
Sound exciting? Then come join us and let’s make 2012 our best year ever of CHANGED LIVES in our great city!
Blessings to you and your family in the new year, and we look forward to working together with you in 2012.
Discover ways you can help with Star of Hope today. Visit:
Donation Opportunities Houston
Volunteer Opportunities Houston
Donation Opportunities Houston
Volunteer Opportunities Houston
You have helped restore almost 7,000 lives in Houston in 2011
As I am sitting here in my office, taking a deep breath and thinking back over this past year, I am amazed and humbled at all God has done in our community through the Star of Hope.
Record numbers of people have become homeless in Houston this past year, and as a result, Star of Hope has served more individuals than ever before in our 104 year history this year. Immediate needs met, safety, a place to sleep, clothes, showers, food, a note card of encouragement from a volunteer, a counselor and longer term programs to help begin putting life back together…all offered to each one in an environment filled with the love of Christ.
I am reminded about the young man in his 20’s who graduated from our Men’s Development Center this past summer, who had been left on the doorsteps of a hospital in his home town when he was only 6 weeks old because his mom didn’t want him. He had struggled with the sense that he didn’t belong or have a home his whole life. But here at Star of Hope he “came home” to Christ and found new purpose and his eternal identity in Him. Or the young 15 year old girl, who came to us with her family, two years behind in school because of all the moves the family had made the prior couple of years. Through our Stars of 2morrow Teen Ministry this young lady caught up in school and graduated from high school in the top 7.5% of her class this past spring. She is at the University of Texas this Christmas on a scholarship! And there are hundreds of other stories just like these, inspiring and life-changing, all because Houstonians like you CARE.
A month ago, the children of the Yellowstone Academy Middle School held a fundraiser for Star of Hope, and together raised $176.28 to give to children less fortunate than themselves here at the Star of Hope. These precious children, whose families’ average income is about $10,000 per year, came on a school bus and joyfully brought us their Christmas gift.
Yesterday, a young man named William rode a bus to downtown from a west Houston grocery store where he works as a sacker, then took a train from downtown to the Medical Center, then a cab to Star of Hope, to bring his $200 gift he had been saving up. He does not have a car, but wanted to bring his Christmas gift in person this year somehow, some way.
So I am humbled at how God uses it all…our gifts, our volunteer hours, our staff and facilities, and most of all, our prayers to change and restore lives from the depths of despair, to heartfelt joy once again.
From all of us to you, thanks for making this all possible! We look forward to serving our community, with you, in 2012.
As I am sitting here in my office, taking a deep breath and thinking back over this past year, I am amazed and humbled at all God has done in our community through the Star of Hope.
Record numbers of people have become homeless in Houston this past year, and as a result, Star of Hope has served more individuals than ever before in our 104 year history this year. Immediate needs met, safety, a place to sleep, clothes, showers, food, a note card of encouragement from a volunteer, a counselor and longer term programs to help begin putting life back together…all offered to each one in an environment filled with the love of Christ.
I am reminded about the young man in his 20’s who graduated from our Men’s Development Center this past summer, who had been left on the doorsteps of a hospital in his home town when he was only 6 weeks old because his mom didn’t want him. He had struggled with the sense that he didn’t belong or have a home his whole life. But here at Star of Hope he “came home” to Christ and found new purpose and his eternal identity in Him. Or the young 15 year old girl, who came to us with her family, two years behind in school because of all the moves the family had made the prior couple of years. Through our Stars of 2morrow Teen Ministry this young lady caught up in school and graduated from high school in the top 7.5% of her class this past spring. She is at the University of Texas this Christmas on a scholarship! And there are hundreds of other stories just like these, inspiring and life-changing, all because Houstonians like you CARE.
A month ago, the children of the Yellowstone Academy Middle School held a fundraiser for Star of Hope, and together raised $176.28 to give to children less fortunate than themselves here at the Star of Hope. These precious children, whose families’ average income is about $10,000 per year, came on a school bus and joyfully brought us their Christmas gift.
Yesterday, a young man named William rode a bus to downtown from a west Houston grocery store where he works as a sacker, then took a train from downtown to the Medical Center, then a cab to Star of Hope, to bring his $200 gift he had been saving up. He does not have a car, but wanted to bring his Christmas gift in person this year somehow, some way.
So I am humbled at how God uses it all…our gifts, our volunteer hours, our staff and facilities, and most of all, our prayers to change and restore lives from the depths of despair, to heartfelt joy once again.
From all of us to you, thanks for making this all possible! We look forward to serving our community, with you, in 2012.
Discover ways to help with Star of Hope Mission.
Visit Volunteer Opportunities Houston and Donation Opportunities Houston today!
Like Star of Hope on Facebook and see more pictures from 2011.
Visit Volunteer Opportunities Houston and Donation Opportunities Houston today!
Like Star of Hope on Facebook and see more pictures from 2011.
Christmas excitement builds at Star of Hope . . . thanks to you!
There are only a few days remaining until Christmas! Last-minute preparations are underway all over Star of Hope, especially making sure we’ll have enough special Christmas gifts for all the boys and girls who will spend the holiday here with their families. That’s a bigger challenge than ever this year, as we’ve seen a 25% increase in the number of homeless families in Houston.
For two hundreds families in residence with us this year, Star of Hope will be “home” for Christmas. And even the men in our men’s programs enjoy special time with their families at Christmas.
I’ll never forget what I saw last year at our Men’s Development Center downtown at their annual Family Christmas Day. We were enjoying a festive Christmas party with our men and their families, who had come for the day’s activities. I was visiting with a young man who was telling me how much the Men’s Center had meant to him, when I saw out of the corner of my eye another young man, with his three school-aged boys trailing behind him, headed for the Christmas tree near the front of the building. He joyfully took his boys to the tree, and reached down and picked up the gifts he had for each of them, which were nestled under our tree, hugging each one of them. I was moved to watch this dad sharing his love for his children, as if they were in their own home! That sight just made Christmas for me, and I believe God used the Star of Hope to bring healing to that family as they are recovering from their dad’s former addictions.
There are dozens of other stories I could share with you about Christmas at Star of Hope. We all thank you for being a part of all of it, through your prayers and gifts. May God fill your own home and holiday time with His peace, joy and the celebration of His great gift to all of us, His Son, Jesus Christ! Merry Christmas to you from the Star of Hope!
There are only a few days remaining until Christmas! Last-minute preparations are underway all over Star of Hope, especially making sure we’ll have enough special Christmas gifts for all the boys and girls who will spend the holiday here with their families. That’s a bigger challenge than ever this year, as we’ve seen a 25% increase in the number of homeless families in Houston.For two hundreds families in residence with us this year, Star of Hope will be “home” for Christmas. And even the men in our men’s programs enjoy special time with their families at Christmas.
I’ll never forget what I saw last year at our Men’s Development Center downtown at their annual Family Christmas Day. We were enjoying a festive Christmas party with our men and their families, who had come for the day’s activities. I was visiting with a young man who was telling me how much the Men’s Center had meant to him, when I saw out of the corner of my eye another young man, with his three school-aged boys trailing behind him, headed for the Christmas tree near the front of the building. He joyfully took his boys to the tree, and reached down and picked up the gifts he had for each of them, which were nestled under our tree, hugging each one of them. I was moved to watch this dad sharing his love for his children, as if they were in their own home! That sight just made Christmas for me, and I believe God used the Star of Hope to bring healing to that family as they are recovering from their dad’s former addictions.
There are dozens of other stories I could share with you about Christmas at Star of Hope. We all thank you for being a part of all of it, through your prayers and gifts. May God fill your own home and holiday time with His peace, joy and the celebration of His great gift to all of us, His Son, Jesus Christ! Merry Christmas to you from the Star of Hope!
Christmas is my very favorite time of the year, and I often read the Christmas Story along with my family this time of year. As we read it, I have thought many times, as you may have, about that innkeeper who turned Joseph and Mary and the unborn Jesus away that Christmas evening. What was he thinking when he did such a seemingly uncaring deed? I’ve thought to myself and you may have too, “I’d never have let anyone, let alone God’s only Son, be born in the stable! I would have made room for them in my inn!”
It may not be practical for you and I to take someone into our homes each Christmas, but I hope you know that every time you give to Star of Hope, you are providing “room in the inn” for many in great need of a new start in life, and a new look at God’s roadmap for their lives. They find warmth, safety, and help with their personal needs, but most of all, they find His Love at the Star of Hope. As He said in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.” (NIV).
This has been an extraordinary year of need in the Houston community…more families and individuals have experienced homelessness than in many years. And the Star of Hope has been called on to serve more people than ever before, in our 104 year history! But we need your help right now as recent donations have not kept up with the demands we are experiencing.
Help us make the “Star of Hope Inn” that warm and special place for those who have literally nowhere else to go…as Mary and Joseph experienced, this Christmas. Now just as then, it is our choice that can make all the difference in someone’s life and journey back to wholeness and hope. Please donate online now!
Blessings to you this Christmas!
If you missed it on the news, watch this video from ABC 13 - KTRK:
Star of Hope Asks for Your Help for Homeless
It may not be practical for you and I to take someone into our homes each Christmas, but I hope you know that every time you give to Star of Hope, you are providing “room in the inn” for many in great need of a new start in life, and a new look at God’s roadmap for their lives. They find warmth, safety, and help with their personal needs, but most of all, they find His Love at the Star of Hope. As He said in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.” (NIV).
This has been an extraordinary year of need in the Houston community…more families and individuals have experienced homelessness than in many years. And the Star of Hope has been called on to serve more people than ever before, in our 104 year history! But we need your help right now as recent donations have not kept up with the demands we are experiencing.
Help us make the “Star of Hope Inn” that warm and special place for those who have literally nowhere else to go…as Mary and Joseph experienced, this Christmas. Now just as then, it is our choice that can make all the difference in someone’s life and journey back to wholeness and hope. Please donate online now!
Blessings to you this Christmas!
If you missed it on the news, watch this video from ABC 13 - KTRK:
Star of Hope Asks for Your Help for Homeless
With Thanksgiving only a few days away, I’m counting my blessings — and I want you to know you are a big part of my gratitude! This has been such an exciting year of service at the Star of Hope, as record numbers of individuals and families have come for help.You have shown the true spirit of our Lord and of the compassion of our city. It has truly made a difference for thousands… because of your help, your volunteer time, your food and clothing drives, your cards and letters, meals served for our Clients, and most importantly your prayers.
Every day at the Star of Hope God changes lives. It is amazing to watch and is such a humbling place to serve. We feel a profound sense of gratefulness to God, and are constantly amazed at His incredible power to heal a broken heart, forgive a broken past, and bring new Life and Hope alive in a life once again.
Right now, we are caring for almost 1,100 men, women and children in urgent need of basic necessities and long-term, life changing solutions to their problems. And in this incredibly busy Thanksgiving, we’ll all be counting you as one of our blessings, and praying for God’s rich blessings for you and your family. Thank you for partnering with us this holiday season at the Star of Hope!
Discover ways to give and help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope.
Visit Donation Opportunities Houston.
Visit Donation Opportunities Houston.
There are only a few weeks now until Thanksgiving and whatever plans we are making, they most certainly will include a gathering event focused on food! Fortunately for most of us, we’ve never really had to wonder where our next meal, or our Thanksgiving meal, was coming from.
Recently, a mother and her three teenage children staying at our Women and Family Emergency Shelter expressed deep gratitude for the meals provided by our generous supporters. She was moved to tears when talking about the compassionate care they were receiving at our Shelter.
She told us that before coming to Star of Hope, they were literally starving. One night, her three children shared one can of tuna fish, while she had to go without food. They decided to come for help, and she was so grateful to have good food for her kids and herself!
This Thanksgiving…when you pray the Lord’s Prayer and ask God to give you your daily bread, why not also include a prayer for families who you are helping feed during this holiday season? You can make a tremendous difference in the lives of families like this mom and her three teens, by giving what you can to provide meals to them.
Every year at this time, we are amazed and humbled to see how God uses so many of us in our community to come together to feed and care for our neighbors in need. Join us now, by making a gift and include them in your hearts and prayers during the Thanksgiving holidays.
Blessings to you and yours this Thanksgiving!
Give today and help Houston's homeless men, women and children with Star of Hope.
Visit Food Donation Houston.
Visit Food Donation Houston.
Thanksgiving is a time we all count our blessings, and I want you to know that hundreds of Star of Hope’s residents and graduates are thanking God for you!
In our special Thanksgiving edition of The Light, we’ve included some heartfelt thank-yous from three ladies whose lives were completely transformed by the food, shelter, spiritual support and long-term care you help provide . . . like Michelle.
Michelle arrived at Star of Hope in deep grief after the loss of her mother. For a while, she’d tried to “medicate” that grief with addiction, but she knew that could only lead to more heartbreak, so she humbly asked for help at our Women & Family Emergency Shelter downtown.
With homelessness on the rise among Houston families, we didn’t have a room for her right away, but Michelle was grateful just to sleep on a clean “overflow” mat for a few days. She knew it was the first step to stability. You won’t want to miss her inspiring words about her journey . . . or the other stories and photos of lives you’ve changed.
Thank you for being part of stories like Michelle’s through your ongoing support and prayers. These are difficult days for many in our city, and your help really matters!
Read Star of Hope's October edition of The Light and share it with your friends!
Discover ways to give with Star of Hope Mission.
Visit Donating to Charitable Organizations Houston.
In all of our lives, there have been times when we have felt like no one cares about us. We can all remember changing schools and not knowing anyone, and feeling daunted as we were surrounded by strangers. Or changing jobs, and wondering how we would fit in and who would be our friends. Or enduring a difficult family situation that left us alone.For those who come to Star of Hope, the feeling that no one cares about them is not just focused on a new workplace or school, however. For most, there is absolutely no one they can turn to for help. Most who come to Star of Hope facilities have absolutely no other option. They are truly alone.
So what do you think JOB ONE is at Star of Hope? It is to love and to care for each one who enters, no matter what their condition or need or situation. And that love, combined with a safe place, good food, clean beds and new clothing, helps them feel like someone DOES care!
I’d like to share a short story from one of our recent adult clients at Star of Hope. Her name is Cassandra, and she found here a caring atmosphere that put her on the path to a new life!
Cassandra said recently, “I came to Star of Hope because I was on my last leg and I needed help, but I had no idea the help that I was going to get. They are awesome. There’s so much that’s here for you, and all you have to do is apply yourself a little and ask. The people really, really care. I love it. I feel God’s presence throughout the shelter and throughout me. To the donors, I want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Your continuing support is a vital as we provide meals, shelter, counseling, education and long-term solutions to more Houstonians than ever before. They come because they have no other options…but you provide, through your gifts and volunteer help, a new and wonderful second chance…and a way back into a fulfilling life once again.
Thank you for being one of the people who “really, really cares”, as we minister and serve daily here at Star of Hope!
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." -- Psalm 147:3
Discover ways to Give and Volunteer at Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston!
Discover ways to Give and Volunteer at Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston!
Your support has given Terrick a safe bed, all the healthy food he needs, classes to help his mom learn to become a better parent, tutoring, Bible studies — and Star of Hope staff who show him love every single day.
One day Terrick raised his hand during his children’s Bible study... and you just won’t believe what came out of his mouth. Be sure to watch his video to find out, you’ll be glad you did! You’ll be reminded, as I am, what really matters in this life!
Your support is providing hundreds of opportunities and brighter futures for families and children in need every day. So today, when you see a child, think of the 250+ here at Star of Hope, make an online gift, and know that God will take your gift and use it to touch a life of one of these! THANK YOU for all you do for Houston’s homeless men, women and children... won’t you help a child today?
Discover ways to give at Star of Hope Mission - Donation Opportunities Houston
Get Involved Today! Visit Volunteer Opportunities Houston
Get Involved Today! Visit Volunteer Opportunities Houston
I don’t know about you, but it seems to me that every day now, we are confronted with a new, major crisis in our world. Here at home in Houston, we have all dealt with the excruciating heat and lack of rain for four or five months now. Texas wildfires are all around us, forcing hundreds from their homes and destroying their property.
For thousands in Houston, the severe weather and drought along with economic or domestic crises, have driven them to homelessness this year. Star of Hope has been here….serving already this year over 1,000 MORE men, women & children who have become homeless than we did last year.
Sometimes life’s greatest blessings rise out of tears, and for many we have served this year, God’s blessings have poured down in their lives, even though the rains for Houston have not. When we go through a period of great loss, we all tend to stop in our tracks, paralyzed and unable to move. Many of us LOOK UP in such times, to seek God’s face once again. True life change happens when we confront our past head on, confess our sins, and seek God’s help and guidance once again in our lives.
2 Chronicles 7:13-14 tells us clearly God’s requirements for blessings: Humility, Prayer, Devotion, and yes, Repentance. I believe with all my heart that the miraculous life change we see every day at Star of Hope comes from true humility and repentance before the Living God, who is still in the forgiving and healing business, thankfully!
Roberto’s story is a wonderful example of this:
Roberto spoke at Star of Hope’s 2011 Annual Banquet this past February
We invite you to Save the Date: February 2, 2012, for the 2012 Star of Hope Banquet – Above All. Plan to come and celebrate with us what God is doing in lives that were parched and dry, and have found His Blessings once again. Join us for one of the greatest Christian celebrations held in Houston each year, as we celebrate God’s great Work in the lives of so many in our city!"If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land." -- 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 NASB
Star of Hope Mission - Houston Homeless Shelter
Discover ways to give at Donation Opportunities Houston
About two months ago, an 11 year old girl named Faith arrived at Star of Hope's downtown Women & Family Emergency Shelter with her grandmother. She was quiet, polite and read during her free time. Soon, Faith was invited to attend Summer Camp where she experienced a week of freedom from her difficult family life in the Piney Woods of East Texas. She opened up and had such a great time!
One night at dinner time, Faith shared with her counselor that she had been struggling with the idea of taking her life. When her dad died, she had tried to jump in front of a car, but it swerved just in time to spare her young life. Faith has felt so alone. Her mom abandoned her as a baby, her brother disconnected from the family, and her high school age sister has moved away.
As she shared her deep scars that night, a whole new world opened up for Faith, as our staff shared with her the truth of God’s love for her, through His Son, Jesus Christ. Faith placed her trust and hope in Christ that evening, and began a new journey. Today she is learning from God’s Word and about God’s Plan for her life…the future and the hope He has for her!
We thank God for his infinite wisdom and perfect timing. We also thank so many of you who provided financial resources for Faith, and over 100 other homeless children and teens who attended Summer Camp this year!
Faith and Hope are very much alive, this summer, through the Children’s Ministries of the Star of Hope Mission.
One night at dinner time, Faith shared with her counselor that she had been struggling with the idea of taking her life. When her dad died, she had tried to jump in front of a car, but it swerved just in time to spare her young life. Faith has felt so alone. Her mom abandoned her as a baby, her brother disconnected from the family, and her high school age sister has moved away.
As she shared her deep scars that night, a whole new world opened up for Faith, as our staff shared with her the truth of God’s love for her, through His Son, Jesus Christ. Faith placed her trust and hope in Christ that evening, and began a new journey. Today she is learning from God’s Word and about God’s Plan for her life…the future and the hope He has for her!
We thank God for his infinite wisdom and perfect timing. We also thank so many of you who provided financial resources for Faith, and over 100 other homeless children and teens who attended Summer Camp this year!
Faith and Hope are very much alive, this summer, through the Children’s Ministries of the Star of Hope Mission.
"Like" Star of Hope on Facebook
Get involved and help homeless Houston families.
Visit Star of Hope - Supporting Houston Ministries.
Get involved and help homeless Houston families.
Visit Star of Hope - Supporting Houston Ministries.
As Star of Hope is into its SECOND CENTURY of serving Houston’s homeless men, women and children, we are working hard on partnerships and new life-changing programs which will move Houston "down the field and toward the goal line" of significantly reducing homelessness in our city! Our Board, leadership and many of you in our community have developed and approved a 5 year plan, called “VISION 2015.” Its principal goal is to double the number of homeless served in our city, from 1,000 men, women and children per day, to 2,000 per day, though the Star of Hope "Family of Ministries" around Houston.
This exciting plan is set to the backdrop of ever growing homelessness in Houston. We are now experiencing as a community our 3rd year of record, serious overflow at our Women & Family Emergency Shelter at 419 Dowling, and something must be done! Our city, state, federal budgets are strapped and doing all they can, and we already work closely with over 100 health, housing, recovery, education, job training, and independent living partners in our city. VISION 2015 will take us to the next step.
It’s important to remember WHY we should serve those who have lost their way. God’s Word, in Jesus’ own words, teaches us in Matthew 25:31-40 that it is our duty and calling to love, feed, clothe and care for those in need, and in so doing, we are serving Christ himself. In our service, He changes lives! Watch this video of how a family has been restored; I know you’ll be as moved as I was:
And thanks to Bryan Bullington of the Pearland Chick-fil-A for hosting a donations drive and outdoor event at his store earlier this month.
If you want to serve on a long term basis, there is no better way than making a Legacy Gift to the Star of Hope. We all need to plan for our financial futures, and as you do, we want to invite you to consider including the Star of Hope in your estate plans. In this way, you can leave a lasting "Legacy of Hope" Gift to help accomplish the work Christ commanded us to do, for years to come.
If you’re interested in learning more, we have a new website with a WILLS PLANNER for your use. Visit sohlegacy.org. Review the various topics there, and click: “Plan Your Will” to get started. Also, we are having our 2nd Annual Planned Giving Advisory Council Luncheon coming up September 13th. Get more information and register today for this complimentary and informative luncheon. We hope to see you there!
This exciting plan is set to the backdrop of ever growing homelessness in Houston. We are now experiencing as a community our 3rd year of record, serious overflow at our Women & Family Emergency Shelter at 419 Dowling, and something must be done! Our city, state, federal budgets are strapped and doing all they can, and we already work closely with over 100 health, housing, recovery, education, job training, and independent living partners in our city. VISION 2015 will take us to the next step.
It’s important to remember WHY we should serve those who have lost their way. God’s Word, in Jesus’ own words, teaches us in Matthew 25:31-40 that it is our duty and calling to love, feed, clothe and care for those in need, and in so doing, we are serving Christ himself. In our service, He changes lives! Watch this video of how a family has been restored; I know you’ll be as moved as I was:
And thanks to Bryan Bullington of the Pearland Chick-fil-A for hosting a donations drive and outdoor event at his store earlier this month.
If you want to serve on a long term basis, there is no better way than making a Legacy Gift to the Star of Hope. We all need to plan for our financial futures, and as you do, we want to invite you to consider including the Star of Hope in your estate plans. In this way, you can leave a lasting "Legacy of Hope" Gift to help accomplish the work Christ commanded us to do, for years to come.If you’re interested in learning more, we have a new website with a WILLS PLANNER for your use. Visit sohlegacy.org. Review the various topics there, and click: “Plan Your Will” to get started. Also, we are having our 2nd Annual Planned Giving Advisory Council Luncheon coming up September 13th. Get more information and register today for this complimentary and informative luncheon. We hope to see you there!
Discover other ways to give at Star of Hope Mission - Houston Non Profit Donations
Powered by Compendium