Community Service Houston

Radio Stations Celebrate "Day of Hope" on Houston Air Waves

Thursday, January 26, 2012 by Scott Arthur

This week Star of Hope has three good reasons to “Thank God It’s Friday.” Starting early Friday morning 93Q (92.9), The Eagle (107.5) and Country Legends (97.1) will each broadcast two commercials an hour featuring testimonies of men, women and children that were homeless and have had their lives changed by the recovery programs at Star of Hope.

Cox Media, 93Q, Country Legends, The Eagle

This “Day of Hope” was inspired by a recent Community Partnership between Cox Media Group and the Houston homeless mission. The main goal is to help listeners realize that our city’s Homeless are not necessarily represented by the man at the intersection with a sign but more likely by the more than ten thousand “Hidden Homeless” ….women, children, men, families sleeping in cars or camp grounds or abandoned buildings … too proud to seek help yet too desperate not to.

Faith-based Star of Hope provides shelter, food, spiritual guidance, life changing recovery programs and day services to about 1,100 of these men, women and children EVERY DAY.

Friday, tune into your favorite Cox radio station to hear real life testimonies and find out more about how our 105 year old organization helps God change lives.

For more information visit sohmission.org, call 713-748-0700 or go to the Star of Hope Mission on Facebook.

Ways to Give Houston
Volunteer Opportunities Houston

Planning for the Future

Thursday, August 11, 2011 by Hank Rush

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.

Join us on September 13 for our 2nd Annual Planned Giving Advisory Council Luncheon

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

Fresh Starts, New Beginnings and a Summer of Hope

Thursday, July 7, 2011 by Scott McKinley

Star of Hope’s July Interactive News is available online. We are still getting kids ready for Summer Camp, but soon the focus will be getting them ready for school. I hope the stories and pictures will inspire you to make this summer a Summer of Hope.

Read stories, watch video and share it with your friends!

This issue of The Light includes:
• Alive with Hope: A summer update from Hank Rush, Star of Hope's President & CEO
• Against All Odds: One girl's victory against homelessness
• School Supplies for Success: Host a drive for needed school supplies
• Prayers and Praises of Star of Hope Children: Read what the kids are saying to God
• Local Lemonade Stand Make More Than a Profit: How Charlotte's compassion is giving the homeless in our community a better life.
•Aye Aye Matey! What A Party!: Key Energy Services makes a splash with Summer of Hope

To get The Light in your email in-box, sign-up today!

• Subscribe to the Newsletter only. You will receive the newest edition of The Light every other month.
• Subscribe for more frequent updates by completing "New User Registration" on our website. Usually, you'll receive one email per week. In addition to our newsletter you will get updates from Hank Rush (Star of Hope’s President & CEO), special needs requests and event invitations.

Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org

Discover other ways to give at Star of Hope Mission - Donation Opportunities Houston

Learning to Serve with Gratitude

Thursday, June 30, 2011 by Troy Williams Sr.

Not only do Star of Hope Alumni (ACTS - Alumni in Community, Transformation & Service) return to the campus to serve and give back, they build relationships and enhance the spiritual life of programmers in a number of ways off campus as well.

Alumni conduct weekend spiritual retreat camps.
They organize many types of fellowships such as bowling fund raisers, acts of service outings, and sporting events to name a few.
Several Alumni pick up current SOH programmers and take them to churches, ministry events and family outings.

A hand full of our alumni have been certified by Texas Department of Criminal Justice to return to prisons to minister to inmates. Each of the alumni who have received certification have felonies and have served time in prison. The good news is that they have already returned on several occasions to give back to inmates behind prison walls.

This year the alumni were privileged to coordinate and participate in the Annual Cancer Relay Walk in Conroe, Texas. The alumni labored 24-hours around the clock and ministered to about three thousand people. The most exciting part however was the fact that they enlisted over 20 programmers from the Star of Hope Men's Development Center to serve in this event. These men manned prayer stations, set up tents and vendor stations, and passed out Christian information about salvation. During this event, ACTS in Worship set a precedent by providing Christian music for the first time ever during this particular Cancer Relay Walk.

As you can see, the alumni not only want to give back to the men in the program. They want to give back to those who have needs that are free and even those the locked up throughout Houston also. The alumni are consciously aware that they have been tremendously blessed by the generous gifts of donors and volunteers of the Star of Hope. "Because they thought enough of us to give their time, talent, and resources, I want to give back to others who may have needs throughout Houston. I was spiritually transformed and socially transitioned to a better state because of their generosity. I just have an Attitude of Gratitude," stated one alumnus.

The Star of Hope Alumni, ACTS Ministry would love to host a Spiritual Recovery Retreat, conduct a Worship & Praise Service or just help you on a service project on one of their Servant Saturdays. Contact acts@sohmission.org to get started.

The Star of Hope staff is boasting in the Lord about the great works that the Star of Hope Alumni Ministry is doing in Jesus name. We pray that they continue to grow spiritually and continue to service Houston and surrounding area.

Learn more about ACTS at Star of Hope Mission - Supporting Houston Ministries

Bring It On, Houston-- It's a SUMMER OF HOPE!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011 by Hank Rush

In my last update, we discussed Houston’s problem of significantly rising homelessness in our city. According to the 2011 count of homeless men, women & children in Houston, this population has risen by 25% in just ONE year. In all, 13,000 people in our city are now without a place to live. And on top of that, we are experiencing the highest early-summer record heat recorded!

So what is Star of Hope doing about it? A LOT! This past Friday, we launched our SUMMER OF HOPE Initiative, to lead our community in reaching out and serving those who are homeless, so that we TOGETHER help them get back on their feet. Last year, Star of Hope served over 6,500 individuals during the year, about half the daily number we have today, at a rate of 1,000 people served per day. And this year so far, we have already served almost 30% MORE individuals and families who have come for help.

Star of Hope Mission has always sought to provide not just safe shelter, but proven programs all around our city, to help those who have lost it all, to find HOPE and a reason to live once again, to feel God’s love in their lives, and to once again achieve successful, independent living as productive citizens.

YOU can help us with your ONLINE GIFT right now, as we mobilize key initiatives to beat the heat and serve those on our streets!

Star of Hope’s “Love In Action Van” continues with additional daily routes around the city to distribute cold water and encouragement to street homeless, and transportation to Star of Hope for shelter. And we thank the I Am Waters Foundation for providing the 2,834 cases of water this will require.

As these come in for services, Star of Hope’s Program and Referral Staff are busier than ever serving this 30% larger population, helping them:

meet their immediate needs
get medical and family services partner referrals
work through issues to restore their lives, income and a place to live

Can you help us today, with significant increase in needs in Houston this summer? Summer is when we need your help most, with the extra expenses of 300 children home from school we serve each day, and so many more adults needing help... all at a time when our donations are at an annual low due to summertime.

Most importantly, please keep us and all of these who come in your prayers. And make this a summer someone will remember as their SUMMER OF HOPE!!

“THE KING WILL REPLY, I TELL YOU THE TRUTH, WHATEVER YOU DID FOR ONE
OF THE LEAST OF THESE BROTHERS OF MINE, YOU DID FOR ME.”
-- spoken by Jesus Christ, as recorded in Matthew 25:40

Give today at Supporting Houston Emergency Centers

Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org

Today Is A Day Of Hope

Thursday, May 26, 2011 by Hank Rush

Give hope to families in crisis with Star of Hope

You may have seen the story "Homeless Population Keeps Increasing" in the Houston Chronicle this week, the results of the 2011 Homeless Count for our city. It's no surprise to me that the number of homeless people in Houston has risen by 25% in just one year.

If you've been following my blog the past two years, you know that Star of Hope has served record crowds since 2009, with the greatest overflow occurring at our Women & Family Emergency Shelter downtown. We have averaged 50 per night on the floor, with peaks of up to 118 for the past two calendar years. It's clear that the economy and all the disasters around us are displacing more and more families.

I must say, the most troubling number released yesterday, however, is the 10,933 school age CHILDREN in Houston, who are documented by our Houston area public school systems to be living homeless.

It's clear we need to do more. For some families, housing and job assistance will help get them back on their feet and living independently again. For most however, the causes of their homelessness run much deeper, and they need more comprehensive services to recover.

Star of Hope has been serving Houston's homeless continuously for 103 years now...it is Houston's oldest and largest ministry for our most needy Houstonians. We have learned so much about how to lead our guests into a new and fulfilling life. And we are working harder than ever in our history to expand our services and partnerships to reach the growing numbers of those in need.

The good news is that Today Is A Day Of Hope for thousands of these in our community, as Star of Hope and over 100 other service partners in our community reach out to help them!

Want to help? Go to our website and check out Volunteer Opportunities, or make a financial gift today. Summer is here and the numbers needing help are extremely high.

Houston, we have a problem. But together, with God's help and blessing, we can make a major, and for many, an eternal difference!

Get involved with Star of Hope Mission in helping Houston's homeless men, women and children today!
Visit Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston.

Our Clients are Well Worth a Nice Meal

Wednesday, May 4, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

Provide meals for Houston's homeless. Donate food, funds or time.

People are hungry in Houston. The hunger exceeds the physicality of pain and weakness and goes further into the longing and hunger for love, attention, support, comfort and acceptance. Those emotional hungers are fed at Star of Hope only after a nutritious meal physically sustains the children, men and women who haven’t eaten a full meal for days.

Since one of the first gifts from Star of Hope for a lot of clients is a hot meal, we would like to give a really great first impression of Christ’s love. Obviously, we aren’t striving to be a five star restaurant, but the thing is our clients are well worth a nice meal. The client’s value is why we are now looking for chefs to volunteer for a day, teach our kitchen staff gourmet secrets and douse the food with love.

If you know of a chef or are a chef that would be interested in sharing your knowledge with Star of Hope then please contact us. To get started, send and email to info@sohmission.org. We would love to hear from you.

Help Houston's homeless men, women and children with Star of Hope. Visit Community Service Volunteers Houston to get involved!

God Fits Us All Together to Serve Those in Need

Saturday, April 30, 2011 by Elizabeth Hatler

Isn’t it amazing how God who created the universe give each one of us our own unique gifts, talents and abilities?!? And then, He fits all of those gifts, talents and abilities together so that the needs of those less fortunate are met and He is glorified. I see His marvelous work each and every day at Star of Hope Mission through our volunteers.

Although I’ve never met her face-to-face, Sue Cherry is an artist who uses a pair of knitting needles to bless our clients. As the weather begins to get colder, small boxes arrive from Sue every so often. Each box contains maybe eight or ten knit hats and scarves. Sue uses beautiful jewel-tone yarn and weaves intricate textures and patterns into each piece. You could not buy the quality and love that Sue knits into these special hats and scarves.

Friday nights find Ric and Marla Hartung serving dinner at the Transitional Living Center. But their work begins long before they arrive at Star of Hope. On Thursday evenings, they race home from work to bake several large trays of homemade goodies - cake, dessert bars and brownies. Friday night dinner is served with something sweet and lots of love.

Mark Brockman is a CPA who works in our Finance department. However, Mark came to Star of Hope many years ago as a volunteer GED tutor, and even after joining our staff, remained committed to sharing his knowledge with our clients. Each tax season, Mark volunteers evenings and weekends to assist clients with their returns.

Although she ministers during chapel services at the Men’s Development Center throughout the year, Thanksgiving dinner would not be the same without singer and yodeler Charlotte Henson. While the men enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving turkey feast, Charlotte performs holiday favorites, all of the traditional Christmas carols and a few fun numbers like Drop Kick Me Jesus through the Goalposts of Life.

I’ve heard volunteer Eliot Young referred to as “the original granola girl”. Elliot gets clients in the Transitional Living Center’s Personal Development classes excited about healthy lifestyles, good nutrition and keeping fit. In her professional career, Rhada Ristau manages portfolios of the very wealthy. As another Personal Development volunteer, Rhada teaches our clients those same basic principles of sound money management.

There are stories just like these repeated throughout Star of Hope every day - volunteers who use their unique God-given gifts, talents and abilities to meet the needs of Houston’s homeless men, women and children. We are grateful for each volunteer God sends to minister alongside our staff and pray God will abundantly bless their participation in our mission today and always!

Get involved at Community Service Volunteer Opportunities Houston

Eagle Scout Projects = Tremendous Blessings for Star of Hope

Friday, April 29, 2011 by Elizabeth Hatler

On behalf of Star of Hope, I would like to extend special congratulations to Mark Camero and Kevin Sweat from Boy Scout Troop 642, which meets at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Few scouts would tackle such demanding projects or set such a high standard of excellence!

In addition to constructing large storage units for our Women & Family Emergency Shelter, Eagle Scout Mark Camero collected 1,408 children’s books. Many of the books were new and they all will provide many hours of reading fun and adventure for the children who come through our doors.

Eagle Scout Kevin Sweat designed and built a beautiful playground seating area and walkway for the Transitional Living Center. Parents now have the perfect place to watch their little ones and their children feel more secure to play, learn and explore with mom or dad watching over them.

What a blessing it’s been for our mission to have an opportunity to work with several other awesome scouts. This week, David Reeves delivered 15 wide, sturdy outdoor benches for the TLC cafeteria courtyard. Once he decided on a design and built a prototype, he had a small team cut the lumber on Day 1. He organized such a big crew for Day 2 that the project was completed in only two hours! These benches will circle the trees and provide clients with a shady place to enjoy our gorgeous weather.

Thomas Perez organized a party for children at the Transitional Living Center complete with Bible stories, crafts and refreshments. Of course, the children had a blast….so did Thomas and his team! Alex Collier also focused on the children and collected more than 800 books for five – thirteen year olds.

Our partnership with Eagle Scout candidates isn’t over – we continue to be tremendously blessed by these fine young men! Kendall Bruce is building benches for the Women & Family Emergency Shelter. And Brian Howell has designed a bench seating area to beautify the Yellowstone side of the TLC campus. His crew will be here in two weeks!

A variety of project options makes Star of Hope the perfect site for your next scout, corporate or team-building project. Contact the Volunteer Services Department to discuss a project for your group.

Community Service Opportunities Houston

More Servant's Hearts!

Friday, April 29, 2011 by Chad Smith

Myron and I were frantically looking for the teens to take them on an outing. Because of the time strain, we tried to leave earlier than the time on the permission slips. To our surprise, we could only get a handful of teens, because about 9 teens were pre-occupied – with serving in the kitchen! The serving line and dishwashers…full of teens serving the guests with smiles on their faces!

Then today when I came into work, I was greeted by one of our kitchen staff with a couple of bags of candy that she wanted me to give to the teens. I gladly accepted the gift and she proceeded to tell me how much she missed the teens being there this weekend. (we took the teens to a spiritual weekend retreat in Huntsville, TX) She said that it makes such a difference having them in the kitchen and that they have been such willing servants to help out.

Recently, we finished a two week discussion with the teens about reaching their communities. We know that God is doing great things in the hearts of the youth here, and it is a blessing to see the evidence of the work that He is doing! I’ll be sure to give this gift of candy to the teens as an unexpected reward for their acts of service.

Learn more about Star of Hope Mission's Teen Ministry - Star of 2morrow and more at Supporting Houston Ministries

Young Adults Serving with Star of Hope

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

I am very confident in saying that 90% of the world’s most passionate and hopeful people are 25 years and younger. Look at college campuses during a presidential election year or the energy of a high school pep-rally. Revolutions are started by young people who have heard their parents talk about tyranny for a life time and have the hope and courage to start change. Here, at Star of Hope young adults are leading the way in fighting against poverty, abuse, addiction and homelessness with Star of Hope.

If your cynical side is throwing thoughts around your brain like young adults haven’t become jaded from world experiences or they are too naïve to realize the world is unchangeable, silence it. “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa. Wake up Houston and do a small thing with great love. Follow the example of the teens across Houston.

Here are a couple of examples:

Boy Scout Troop 924’s David Reeves delivered with his father, Rick Reeves, 11 well crafted, handmade benches. David had independently contacted a representative at Star of Hope about a service project, he then independently arranged for a group of Boy Scouts to construct the benches and he then personally delivered them. These benches will serve as a great resting spot for mothers and fathers to sit as their kids take advantage of the spring sunshine.

Every Wednesday from 11:30 – 12:45 Heidi Hartung, Chloe Espenan, Anna Buvens, Sahar Yazdanfard and Katy Wefelmeyer from Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart walk into Star of Hope Women and Family Emergency Shelter as if they are employees. They go straight to the kitchen was their hands, put on their apron and hairnets, and start serving lunch to the Star of Hope clients. After volunteering once a week for almost 8 months they practically are employees.

These young adults are doing what they can passionately and are making a difference by helping non profit organizations in Houston. On behalf of Star of Hope I would like to thank them for their passion and hope that blesses and inspires their community!

If you are interested in donating time or money to charitable organizations Houston, Star of Hope Mission has many opportunities!

April, The Month We Recognize Volunteers

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 by John Mills

As we close out the month of April, the National Month of Volunteerism, we at Star of Hope Mission want to recognize the immense contribution that volunteers make at Star of Hope. Here we use volunteers for almost everything: to paint walls and fences, tutor classes, change-out light fixtures, plant plants, and serve meals and a number of other things. Sometimes they just conduct a drive for really important items like diapers, towels, and hygiene items. They help Houston’s homeless population by helping Star of Hope! It is amazing what can be done, with willing hearts that are available, ready to help; whether our client is fleeing domestic violence, or just homeless, it doesn’t matter, the work still needs to get done, the needs must be provided!

Last year, Star of Hope received assistance from over 8,000 volunteers! These are people just like you and me, who understand how difficult life can be and are willing to “stand up” to help someone else. It is the most amazing thing to watch. It is so encouraging to watch members from our community, Houston, come and partner with us to help others…

Last week, a man and his wife drove his car in to our offices and stated that he had attended our annual banquet and he was now ready to get a new car and he wanted to donate his older car to help the Star of Hope provide food and shelter necessary to help someone else! Just to shake his hand and see the smile on his face was encouraging to me! He knew that the proceeds from his donation would be used to help someone. WOW! What a blessing he was to all of us! I encourage you to look for opportunities when you can bless someone else! It will do your heart GOOD!

Discover how you can help at Community Service Volunteers Houston

Exciting Changes for Star of Hope's Volunteer Services Team

Tuesday, April 26, 2011 by Elizabeth Hatler

Stephanie McMath joined Star of Hope's Volunteer Services team last fall - just in time to work with all of our holiday volunteers. From the beginning, we knew her time with us wouldn't be long. Her temporary assignment was scheduled to end right after Christmas and she already had big plans for the future. Stephanie, who has lived abroad and traveled much of her life, has a real heart for people of all cultures. Her dream is to become truly fluent in Spanish while teaching English to the people in Argentina.

Stephanie did an awesome job during our busiest time of the year and immediately built strong relationships with many of our volunteers. We were thrilled when she agreed to work a little longer while she prepared to move. I left work with a heavy heart the day she told me she had purchased a non-refundable plane ticket. The time passed quickly and tomorrow is Stephanie's last day.

When asked what memories she will take away from Star of Hope, Stephanie talked about the hearts of our volunteers, "There's a desire to help and contribute that's really inspiring. It's just so special. It's going to leave a mark. You can't work here and not be touched. God is working here and you can't ignore it."

Although sending Stephanie off on her new adventure is bittersweet, we are very excited to welcome Courtney Hill to our team. Courtney brings many wonderful gifts, talents and experience to the table, including experience in volunteer program management. When asked why she enjoys working with volunteers, Courtney said, "Volunteers are the most selfless, giving people. I love how they restore my faith in humanity." As our newest volunteer liaison, Courtney joins Julia Peterlin, Billie Tully and me in meeting the needs of our mission through the incredible volunteers God brings through our doors.

Please pray with us as we ask God's blessings on Stephanie's new life in Argentina and Courtney's work here at Star of Hope. These two amazing women are going to accomplish great things for His kingdom as they joyfully minister to others right here at Star of Hope and in places faraway.

Volunteer with Star of Hope Mission.
Discover volunteer opportunities of interest to you at Community Service Volunteers Houston.

Answering the Calls at Star of Hope

Thursday, April 14, 2011 by Scott McKinley

This week I had the opportunity to meet Ann and Brenda from Willis of Texas. They were working a shift as Star of Hope Call Center Volunteers. In fact if you call Star of Hope on a Wednesday morning or afternoon, chances are you will speak to a Willis volunteer. About 50 Willis employees rotate through one our Wednesday Call Center shifts every 4 -6 weeks! Amazing.

Brenda said that answering the calls has changed her perspective on who the homeless are and what Star of Hope does. Star of hope is so much more than a soup kitchen serving meals during the holidays.

Call Center Volunteers answer calls from…

Families looking for assistance (some who are living in their cars!)
Donors needing to know an address to mail a check or a location to drop off clothes or other needed items
Individuals, groups and organization wanting to know how they can serve.

Check out Elizabeth Hatler’s update Willis Volunteers Staff Call Center and So Much More! For more on what Willis employees are doing for residents at Star of Hope.

Thanks Ann, Brenda and everyone at Willis who give their time to offer help and hope to Houston’s homeless men, women and children.

Learn how you can get involved with Star of Hope Mission as a Call Center Volunteer or find another opportunity of interest to you at Community Service Volunteers Houston.

It’s Time to Sing the Resurrection Song

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 by Hank Rush

Members of Second Baptist dance their shoes off and donate them to Star of Hope and other Houston ministries

Easter is just a week away, and everyone at Star of Hope is already rejoicing!

We see the transformational power of Easter at work in lives every single day, as God brings forgiveness, healing and restoration to thousands in our community each year through the ministries of Star of Hope.

This past Sunday, 2,000 members of Second Baptist Church danced at Discovery Green in downtown Houston, joyfully celebrating Easter and singing a special song commemorating the resurrection of Christ. And at the conclusion, they “danced their shoes off” and donated hundreds of them to the Star of Hope Mission. We are so grateful for this new supply of new shoes for those in our community who are recovering from homelessness at Star of Hope’s four facilities around town.

Thank you, Second Baptist Family, and all of the churches in Houston who volunteer their time, provide worship services, do donations drives, and welcome Star of Hope Clients into their church activities. All of the body of Christ in Houston celebrates new life this Easter!

If you want to volunteer or get involved in Star of Hope’s ministries to homeless men, women and children in Houston, please visit Volunteer Opportunities Houston.

Hoops for Hope

Wednesday, March 23, 2011 by Hank Rush

As everyone in Houston knows by now, it’s Final Four® time! The NCAA® Men’s Final Four Basketball Championship games will be played here April 2-4. But what you may not know is that beginning next Monday, March 28th, and throughout the week preceding the games, the NCAA® will be serving Houston’s youth and underprivileged families in some very special ways.

This coming Monday, hundreds of residents of Star of Hope’s Women & Family Emergency Shelter downtown, will have their feet washed, and new socks and tennis shoes fitted on their feet personally by local coaches and over 90 volunteers. Parents and their children ages 2 and up, all of whom are experiencing homelessness in our city and are presently residing at our Family Shelter, will receive this special treat.

Star of Hope thanks the NCAA®, Samaritan’s Feet, and Feed the Hungry, who together are providing these services on Monday for our residents, and at three other locations around our city on Tuesday through Thursday.

Star of Hope serves 1,000 homeless men, women and children daily, through its four locations and our many partner organizations around Houston. If you’ve never served with us, we invite you to come for a visit or VOLUNTEER with us soon.

There are numerous great free events that are part of Final Four Week here in Houston that you and your family can enjoy. I encourage you find out more at the Final Four website. And thanks, NCAA®, for the great week of service and fun for our community.

Learn more about how you can help Houston's homeless
with Star of Hope at Volunteer Jobs Houston

"Please Pray for Me" Part 2

Monday, March 21, 2011 by Erika Wise

It is a humbling experience to be at the mercy of others during a time of injury, illness or their need. And, that is exactly what I am facing.

As Director of Star of Hope's New Horizons Program, I get to minister to the needs of others every day. I have the privilege of encouraging others in times of worry/distress and times of achievement/success. I also get to pray with others on a daily basis for just about anything and everything.

My clients have been concerned about my upcoming leave of absence for medical purposes. But, they are not concerned in the way we might think:

They are not worried if their rental subsidy will be paid;
They are not concerned as to whether the Community Prayer Time on Mondays will be canceled;
They don't ask about services which will be delayed or eliminated...

But, they ask...what can we do for you Miss, Erika. And, I have taken my cue from my client, Artie. When he was injured on the job recently...I asked him what we could do. And, he replied "Pray for me."

So, that is what I am asking..."Please, pray for me." I will miss all my clients, staff and the daily running of the New Horizons Program, but I know that all will be fine in my absence. The Lord will guide the staff and clients just as He will guide me in my recovery. Again, what an honor and privilege to be a part of the Star of Hope and this New Horizons "family."

Visit Star of Hope Mission and learn more about Supporting Christian Ministries Houston

Feel Like a Millionaire?

Thursday, March 3, 2011 by Hank Rush

If you’ve ever volunteered at one of Star of Hope Mission’s four locations around Houston, you no doubt have personal stories of how your effort helped and touched the lives of some of those you served while you were here.

Another great part of volunteering is getting to work side by side with our dedicated staff!

Recently, Houston’s own Dana Tyson, Sunny 99.1 Morning Show host, came to our Women & Family Emergency Shelter as an undercover volunteer to do a promotional spot for ABC’s new show, “Secret Millionaire.” Watch the video to enjoy the experience she had as a volunteer and meet one of our very special staff members.

Come volunteer with us soon. You’ll help someone who really needs help, and you’ll be blessed in the process!

Get involved at Community Service Volunteers Houston

Because You Love

Thursday, February 17, 2011 by Hank Rush

“Star of Hope in Houston Texas, You're truly changing lives, not with lip service but with hope, love & opportunity, amazing job. Thank You!” @LeighAnneTuohy

These words were posted on Twitter last Saturday by LeighAnne Tuohy, following Star of Hope’s Annual “Because You Love” Banquet the night before. It was our best attended banquet ever with 1700+ donors, corporate sponsors and community partners in attendance. Sean and LeighAnne Tuohy, the couple who inspired the movie “The Blind Side”, were our guest speakers.

This week, we are hearing stories from those in attendance who were touched in a special way by the evening’s activities. We always work to educate and inspire. We want to educate folks on what homelessness is, who it is currently affecting in Houston, and how they can help. And we seek to inspire through videos and live testimonies of clients of Star of Hope… who have seen their lives completely turned around by the power of God’s love and by the opportunity they receive to start a new life while at Star of Hope.

The number of homeless families in our community doubled in just one year, from 2009 to 2010. With your help in 2010:

Star of Hope’s family of ministries graduated 46% more clients from our programs
44% more completed and were awarded high school equivalency GEDs
40% more Clients found jobs, than in 2009
We also were excited to announce that during 2010 we saw 629 households restored into independent living in the Houston community

All of this could not have been done without YOU, “The Star of Hope Family”…our donors, volunteers, church friends, partner service providers and corporate supporters.

Thanks for all you do in the many individual ways you serve along side of us at Star of Hope. And if you’d like more information, visit www.sohmission.org right now and find out how you can become involved in this exciting ministry in our city!

Get involved with Star of Hope Mission at Philanthropy Houston and Volunteer Jobs Houston.

Why Volunteer at Star of Hope?

Thursday, January 13, 2011 by Elizabeth Hatler

Why do people throughout our community volunteer at Star of Hope? Just ask Ann, a retired social worker, about the benefits of volunteering.

Ann began volunteering in the Computer Learning Center at our Transitional Living Center in 2005. Although she loved helping clients who were eager to learn new computer skills, the timing just didn’t fit with Ann’s busy schedule. She moved to our Women & Family Emergency Shelter where she has been assisting with intake and referrals for our overnight guests ever since. Here’s an e-mail she sent to Latasha Smith, the CLC instructor with whom she worked:

Hi Latasha,

Those lessons you taught me in Excel have come in handy. I am using Excel for a project that I am helping with at the Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Thanks for showing me how to do that! I guess you can count me as another Excel success! I would not know what to do at all without the lessons you gave me.

Blessings,
Ann

A flexible schedule and the opportunity to learn new skills are only two of the benefits that volunteering at Star of Hope can add to your life as you partner with us to serve Houston’s homeless men, women and children.

Learn more at Community Service Houston