Donation Centers Houston

A Banner Year Thanks to YOU!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011 by Hank Rush

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.

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.

Sharing a Lifetime Lesson Taught by a 3 Year Old

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

Recently, a 3 year old named Evan, found out many kids didn't have toys of their own. He

immediately began finding the ones he wanted to share with his friends at Star of Hope. When Evan and his mom, Sheldon dropped the toys off he was eager to demonstrate how his friends could play with them and gave them away with a smile.

It was interesting to compare Evan to myself. For instance, I know there are people who are going to be cold this winter and I know I have 5 coats. Reluctantly, I pack 2 coats to give away. Even as I drive to the donation center I decide I can't live without the red coat I previously packed. I take it out of the bag and keep it.

I, irrationally, imagine my life without another accessory, rather than their life without a necessity. Am I really this selfish?

The answer is yes, which is why Evan's story speaks to me so well. Evan heard there were kids in need and happily gave. A great lesson of sharing taught by a 3 year old.

Discover ways to give and help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope Mission.
Visit Donation Centers Houston today!

Host a drive for Urgent and Ongoing Needs

From Homeless to Most Likely to Succeed

Thursday, September 29, 2011 by Marilyn Fountain

When you think about the homeless, do you see tragedy? We see the pain of homelessness every day, as men, women and families pour into our centers for help. However the picture looks different when you see it from our vantage. You see, our focus is not on tragedy but trajectory. Ours is an upward view with a goal to launch those who come to us to levels of achievement that will ensure their opportunity for successful living.

I had a chance to revel in that truth recently, when I met with a woman named Christine. About ten years ago, Christine arrived at Star of Hope Transitional Living Center for homeless women and families. She was young, attractive, and intelligent, though barely a semblance of functionality. The years of partying and addiction that had been so exciting had become an excess she could no longer afford physically, emotionally, financially or spiritually.

To see Christine now is like looking at the winner of the Most Likely to Succeed award. It’s hard to believe that she had ever met, let alone been, the person of a decade ago. This accomplished Real Estate Agent has maintained her sobriety, stability and upward call, ever since leaving Star of Hope. What’s more, her mother and brother, both of whom suffered with alcohol addictions, are living sober lives, having seen the victory over substance abuse that Christine experienced.

Christine will tell anyone that her change is the direct result of being enrolled in the TLC program and finding a God-centered life, just as the Apostle Paul described in Romans 12:2, when he said, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Help Houston's Homeless with Star of Hope Mission.
Visit Donation Opportunities Houston.

Helping Houston's Homeless with Social Media

Friday, September 16, 2011 by Andrew Holmes

I just left the Houston Online Marketing Summit with lots of information on how the Star of Hope web team can continue to build and utilize the social media world to get our message out to the city of Houston and beyond. The conference, which is comprised of multiple sessions on various social media topics such as SEO and Performance Metrics offers sessions by online marketing leaders for very large international brands. These sessions are of course focused on best practices for business. Several times during the different sessions I attended I heard “remember, it’s all about the sale” and “it’s not about relationships, it’s about marketing”.

For the Star of Hope this is absolutely not true, yes, we do have a message to get across and yes we do need financial support to execute our mission but ultimately, it’s about the people in our community that do not have anywhere to lay their heads tonight, it’s about people who need compassion from their neighbors and it's about sharing Christ with someone you may not know by reaching out a hand.

Our online strategy will be centered on the stories of the countless people that come to our mission for refuge and rebuilding and how your support makes it happen. More importantly, If we can inspire anyone on Facebook or Twitter (and beyond ) to engage in acts of volunteerism , giving , loving and praying for the person without a home in their communities across the globe then we have utilized these wonderful tools for the ultimate good.

Discover ways to give and help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope.
Visit Donating to Charitable Organizations Houston.

The Story of Redemption

Tuesday, August 9, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

Star of Hope’s Transitional Living Center former guests all seem to have a raw story and most are willing to tell it. They are willing to share how they became homeless, no matter how humiliating, and then they tell you how God worked in their life at Star of Hope. They are proud of their story of redemption. I have a story of redemption too…and so many times I neglect to tell people. I leave it at the fact that I am a sinner, I have a Savior, and then I allow whoever the audience is to fill in the blanks.

Censoring my story to make it seem I am “not-all-that-bad” is negating the fact that I was so bad that Christ had to die on a cross for me. The Truth is I am ashamed that I am actively still a sinner despite trying to live for my Redeemer. I often forget what Star of Hope's guest do remember; accepting Christ makes me and the story I bring with me worthy. How is not telling my story helping the Christian community? I think we should all take a cue from Wendi, who stood before Pearland and told her story of redemption.

Check Out Other Stories of Redemption from Former Clients!

Discover ways to give. Visit Star of Hope Mission - Houston Non Profit Donations

His Plan

Wednesday, July 6, 2011 by Kylee Piatczyc

God works in fantastic, wonderful, enigmatic ways. That is really the only way I can fathom how and why I ended up working in the preschool class at the Transitional Living Center of Star of Hope. At the beginning of May I was supposed to be working at Camp Ozark, a Christian sports camp in the hills of Arkansas, for the summer; but when I decided to play soccer for my school, that plan flew out of the window and in came the opportunity to work at Star of Hope.

I have always had a heart for the homeless, making many homeless friends in the town my school is located seemed completely normal to me. When one of the options for jobs for the summer became Star of Hope, it was the perfect fit.

So here I am, working Monday through Thursday in the preschool class with Ms. Radonna at TLC. Talking to the preschoolers about what they like about class and such is much more difficult than you would think. While you are hoping to get answers about school, they are busy asking what is for lunch and when we will go play outside.

Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org

Give Today at Star of Hope Houston - Donation Opportunities Houston

Donald Driver Shows His Heart for Kids at Star of Hope!

Friday, June 24, 2011 by Hank Rush

child from Star of Hope listening to Donald Driver speak after football camp

Donald Driver, well known superstar wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, held a football camp at Houston’s Delmar Stadium, for underprivileged youth which included several kids from Star of Hope this past Tuesday. This was a great treat for our kids, as part of our SUMMER OF HOPE program activities here at the Mission.

Donald led a challenged life on the streets of Houston as a teenager, but was changed by God’s grace, and ever since he has shown his heart for homeless kids and families. During their workout on Tuesday, they took a break and Donald talked to the kids about what’s important in his life, and encouraged them as they face their future. He told them to “always put God #1 in their life, everything they need to know comes out of books so their education is #2, and then sports are #3.” The next day, Donald attended activity classes at our Transitional Living Center, and the kids and parents here showed him some of their love and made him feel very special.

Thank you, Donald, for helping our kids! And thanks for caring about a better life for the youth of our city. Investments in these young lives pay dividends for many generations to come!

Take a look at how you can help us by being a part of SUMMER OF HOPE this summer!

Give Today at Star of Hope - Donation Opportunities Houston

Score One for the Driver

Thursday, June 23, 2011 by Marilyn Fountain

You can quote me on this: I’m a huge fan of Donald Driver, not just because of the amazing win he helped to capture for the Green Bay Packers -–that was impressive, for sure. But what impresses me most is the character o f the man. So often, we hear our field and screen heroes rejecting the importance of their influence on the public as role models, whether for good or bad. But if you could have seen the excitement and admiration poured out on Donald by the children at Star of Hope when he visited our Transitional Living Center—and the adults as well, there would be no question in your mind that public figures of his stature are, indeed, role models. The children wanted to be like him and the adults wanted to be near him, if only for a minute, a handshake, a smile, or a single glance that said, “I see you, I understand your struggle, and I care.”

Donald has been a generous supporter of Star of Hope for years. So it was a real thrill for me, too, to shake his hand and thank him for the commitment he continues to show, on behalf of all the people we serve. He is a gentleman. He loves the Lord. And he remembers his beginnings. His presence and the manner in which he engaged the folks, both young and not-so-young, enveloping them in his ever so welcoming smile was indelible. He made a mark on them that will remain in their memories forever. And it’s good.

Help make this a Summer of Hope. Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org

Give Today at Star of Hope - Donation Opportunities Houston

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

Great Testimony - What God Does at Star of Hope

Thursday, April 28, 2011 by John Mills

Hey, do you want to read a really great, meaningful testimony from a Star of Hope Mission former Client? This testimony was given at the 2011 Annual Star of Hope Banquet (in February), before 1,700 persons. When a person comes from domestic violence or homelessness, to be able to reclaim their life, we celebrate the miracle. If you ever wanted to know what we attempt to do here at Star of Hope, please read this brief testimony. Thank you for caring enough to read this person’s personal story:

If it weren’t for Star of Hope, I would not have a story worth sharing. Anyone who has ever lived with domestic violence can tell you that it is a kind of misery that chips away at the core of who you are and everything you thought you would be. That’s how it was for me. At first it was about control. I was told what I could wear, where I could go. I completely lost track of myself. Eventually things escalated. Living in a constant state of fear became normal for me. On one occasion, I was hospitalized, because I was struck so hard that I fell into a coma.

People often wonder why anyone stays in an abusive relationship. I stayed because i didn’t know how to get out or where I would go. I just wanted to keep a roof over my children’s heads and provide for them.

When I couldn’t take it any longer, I made a plan to leave, quietly, without raising suspicion. I moved around living with friends and family, and for a while, in a hotel. It was difficult, but better than being beaten.

Then someone told me about Star of Hope, a homeless shelter. When I arrived at the Transitional Living Center in January of 2007, all I had in the world was two bags of clothes and my two children . I had no money, no job, no home, no self-esteem, and no hope. I committed myself to the program and let the process do its transforming work. The classes opened my mind to the world of possibilities, and the staff was always there supporting me, building me up, and surrounding me with the word of god. They genuinely wanted me to realize my heart’s desire. Who knew that i was on my way to accomplishing a thirteen-year old dream of going to college to become a chef?

For me, cooking is a way of expressing love. When I was a child, my family would demonstrate how much they loved one another by gathering around the table over a great meal. So when I was in high school, I took a course in Hospitality Management. It included engineering, cooking, housekeeping, and front desk. But it was working in the kitchen that fascinated me. When I learned how to make flowers out of fruit, I thought, “This is it!” The dream was planted. But a dream needs an opportunity.

The Lord led me to Star of Hope where I got the tools, skills, and confidence I needed to pursue my dream and be ready when opportunity knocked. I stepped out in faith, in honor of God, and His purpose for my life and enrolled at the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Last year, I was invited to go to Dublin, Ireland, to do my externship in event planning. In May of this year (2011), I will go back to Scottsdale to walk with my class, making me the first person in my family to graduate from college.

I have experienced an amazing journey. I have taught my children a valuable lesson in motivation, perseverance, and faith in God. Star of Hope is where dreams transition into reality.

--- Marquette

I COULD ADD SOME WORDS HERE, BUT I THINK THAT MARQUETTE HAS SAID IT ALL!... And anyone who prays for Star of Hope, or volunteers or donates clothing or funding, can share in this AMAZING MIRACLE of a reclaimed life! God Bless.

Learn how you can get help or give help at Domestic Violence Shelters Houston

A Portrait for Mom!

Thursday, April 28, 2011 by Hank Rush

portrait from Trees of Hope Mother's Day event

Mother’s Day is coming up next week…Sunday, May 8th! In preparation for that, one of my favorite events for our children here at Star of Hope is being held next week at our Transitional Living Center, for all of our client’s children. It’s a fun afternoon hosted by Trees of Hope, our affiliate which has been serving Star of Hope for over 20 years now.

After school, all the kids will gather in our Chapel and have a fun afternoon making crafts and preparing gift bags to give their moms for Mother's Day.

At this event last year, each child had their picture taken to give mom as a gift. These were really nice "portrait" type photos, and in their frames, decorated by the children, made an especially nice gift. For many of these kids, this was the FIRST photo of themselves they had ever been able to give to their mom!

Later in the afternoon, when the parents came in, there was so much joy in the faces of the children as they presented their gifts…and their portrait, to their mothers. They were so proud and excited to give such a special "gift of themselves". Can’t you just picture it? I can’t wait to see what gift the Trees of Hope volunteers will help our children make this year!

Summertime at Star of Hope is all about the Kids… and it is such a special time! We have over 200 kids with us, home from school all summer. This gives us all day to work with them, provide enriching activities, teach them from God’s Word, and help them with their own issues in overcoming homelessness.

Please join us as a partner and make this a Summer of Hope by volunteering, making a donation of needed items, or giving financially to help at this very special time of year!

Learn more about Star of Hope Mission and how you can help at
Supporting Houston Ministries

In Honor of Zan

Tuesday, April 19, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

I have consistently had some place safe to sleep. I have consistently been fed. I have consistently been loved. I have consistently made mistakes and have been forgiven and accepted. I have consistently been made to feel valued….and I have consistently forgotten that some people don’t have any form of healthy consistency in their own lives.

Star of Hope can’t save the world, but it can give Houston’s Homeless men, women and children some healthy consistencies no matter what stage of life they are in. Most importantly Star of Hope teaches its clients they are valued and after their time here how to create stability making hope a reality.

Last week I had the privilege to talk with an amazing Star of Hope Virtual Volunteer. Her spirit is as beautiful and unique as she is. She is vulnerable. She is strong. She is courageous. Zan grew up in an inconsistent home environment living with several different family members during varying stages of her life. At age 17 she found herself homeless with a new born son. Desiring more consistency for her son than she was able to give she sent him to live with other members of her family.

Zan personally continued wandering in and out of homelessness into her 20’s. I wish I could tell you that she found Star of Hope early on and everything changed…forever. I wish I could tell you that we made a difference in her life or that I made a difference in her life. However, nothing I did nor did anything I am affiliated with change Zan’s life. Zan did not find Star of Hope when she needed us most. She had to seek self soothing and self guidance and in turn her life lessons were learned by trial and error. Zan did the best she could to establish consistency in her life all by herself.

Today, Zan’s life like mine is far from perfect, but you can clearly see God’s redemptive love in her story. Through, this faith and courage God has taught her to give back to her community in whatever way she can. Zan lovingly shares with others via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn that they do not have to go through homelessness, abuse, addiction all alone. They can find value and love at Star of Hope. Zan advocates for Star of Hope… all hours of the day and night…and she makes a difference by sharing what an amazing nonprofit Houston has! Zan knows how helpful it would have been to have had a solid place like “ Star of Hope Mission” included in her story early on.

Zan , thank you for giving hope to others.

So, many people think they have to wait until their life looks perfect to give back to their community. They wait until they have the right amount in their savings account or until they have 3 hours to give instead of 15 minutes. Star of Hope is asking you where you are to make a difference and together we will watch God bless your offering. Whether, it is a prayer, joining Star of Hope on Facebook, working in the kitchen, donating 50 cents together, we can give Houston Homeless a consistent environment where there is no question if they are fed, loved and valued.

Together, wherever you are in life let's show Houston Homeless they do not have to do this alone. We are here for them with Men and Women Drug Rehab Centers, Battered Women Shelters, Childcare facilities and Soup Kitchens. Refuse to let one person be forgotten.

Discover ways to get involved and help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope.
Visit Volunteer Jobs Houston to get started today!

A Cozy Movie Premiere

Tuesday, March 1, 2011 by Andrew Holmes

Sometimes, I get a chance to get out of my normal day to day IT world and get to help out on video. A few months back one of our wonderful donors/volunteers, Cookie Joe, and her business partner, Tran Pham Rich , (owners of Cookie Joe's School of Dancin' located in Sugar Land, Texas) donated the money to rebuild and equip our intake center at the Women & Family Emergency Shelter. The name of the intake center is Place of Grace and one of the new features is a large flat screen television that families and homeless ladies, who are seeking services can sit and watch. The television is there to show the potential guests all the many programs and services that Star of Hope Mission offers to help them understand who we are and how much we want to help them.

Yesterday, after completing a video compilation of various elements I took the DVD over to test and play it for the first time at Place of Grace. I was joined by a homeless lady who I did not think was paying any attention to the video. She, like countless others, was just looking for a place that would take her in and give her some relief from the Houston streets. As the video progressed through all the various ministries of Star of Hope , she looked over at me and said that she had no idea that Star of Hope did so many things. I sat and explained a few details to her about what she had seen, all the while hoping she was inspired to become a part of the Star of Hope family and be a life changed, a life restored.

Learn more about Star of Hope and Philanthropy Opportunities Houston.

Volunteer Gregg Lattier, a Houston Texan Community Quarterback

Tuesday, January 11, 2011 by Elizabeth Hatler

“Volunteering at Star of Hope is a demonstration of my faith in the LORD,” is how Gregg Lattier explains his ongoing commitment to serve Houston’s homeless men, women and children through his partnership with our mission. Gregg attended one of the first orientation classes I held for perspective new volunteers almost 13 years ago - and he enthusiastically continues to touch hundreds of lives by sharing his compassionate wisdom and love for Jesus Christ.

Most Friday mornings, Gregg teaches stress management to clients in the Personal Development program at Star of Hope’s Transitional Living Center. Several clients describe his class this way:

· “Dr. Gregg Lattier really inspired me when he taught the class on values. He provide me with information that I have had never heard before.”

· “Dr. Gregg Lattier has made me think, learn and laugh during his classes….I wish that more teachers were like him!”

· “What a great stress management instructor! Mr. Lattier gave us great methods on how to live life stress-less rather than stressful. He teaches people the true meaning of laughter out loud! He showed me how to embrace what others might think is impossible.”

Although Gregg is at home in the classroom, he loves to travel around the globe. Christmas break found him in Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Cameroon and he plans to visit Asia during spring break. While traveling, Gregg, who teaches business classes at Lee College and is a member of the United States Coast Guard Reserves, has the opportunity to build relationships and share the Gospel while living off of the local economy. He travels light with only a backpack!

When the Houston Texans beat the Jaguars during their last home game on January 2^nd, Gregg was backpacking somewhere through Africa. However, during the game he was recognized as a recipient of the Houston Texans 2010 Community Quarterback Award and Star of Hope will receive a generous donation in his honor.

Congratulations on this prestigious award, Gregg, and thank you for your many years of dedicated service to our mission! We are grateful to you and the many other faithful volunteers God sends through our doors.

Read more about Gregg and how you, too, can help the homeless in the Star of Hope's January Newsletter, The Light.

Community Service Houston

Call Center Volunteers Helping Houston's Homeless

Sunday, January 9, 2011 by John Mills

Recently, I had a chance to visit with one of our volunteers. He and a team from his employer have been involved in our new volunteer Call Center which started in November.

For several years our executive staff at Star of Hope, one of Houston’s Emergency Shelters, has been concerned about how we can shorten access time for homeless men, women and their families in need. So we started a phone bank! The Call Center is staffed in part by volunteers, providing a new volunteer opportunity in Houston.

This gentleman shared with me that he and the other team members were excited that serving in this volunteer role has required that they learn much more about all the services that we provide. Star of Hope is not just a soup kitchen in Houston…we offer emergency services such as a safe dry bed, a change of clothing, a warm meal, and even offer a transitional program if that is what is needed.

The major item that interested me was that he stated that the employees serving in this phone bank project have really come together, and they understand more about the needs of the homeless and what is being done here at Star of Hope! It touched my heart and reminded me that when we give something of our selves, we often receive a benefit!

I also wanted to report to you that, because many of you responded to the opportunity to make a financial donation, WE MADE OUR DECEMBER AND YTD BUDGET! I wanted to thank each of you who recognized the donation opportunity and followed through (like the volunteer mentioned above). I hope and pray that you and your family will be blessed throughout 2011!

Visit Star of Hope Mission to learn more about Volunteer Jobs Houston and how you can
get involved as a Call Center Volunteer.

Helping Homeless Families in Houston

Tuesday, December 28, 2010 by John Mills

I am in early this morning to attend to the last details for our year-end. As I enter my office I see the wonderful picture of Ava, the three year old of a homeless family, on my office wall. Her sweet image gives me purpose and reason for my presence here this morning.

You and all those wonderful folks who partner with us at Star of Hope, help provide hope and emergency comfort, resources and safety for those who stay with us in our Women & Family Emergency Shelter and our Transitional Living Center. I see the benefits first hand, to the parents…but I see much more. I am here to help provide hope to the children, those who are not yet really sure why they are here.

By the way, Ava’s image, with her big beautiful eyes and her full, stringy brown hair reminds me of my own grand daughter. We all need help sometime! May God richly bless you as we seek the wonder of a New Year!

This morning we are within 5% of making the much needed budget to finish 2010. There is still time for you to make a difference! May God richly bless you as you seek His perfect will and possibly to make a small difference in the lives of those in need!

Join Star of Hope in helping families in crisis. Visit Donating To Charitable Organizations Houston.

The Greatest Miracle of Christmas?

Thursday, December 23, 2010 by Hank Rush

Well, Christmas is just around the corner, just a few days away. Our blogging team has been posting amazing stories for the past 25 days, of changed lives and personal miracles, here at the Star of Hope. Take a look at our other "25 Days of Christmas Miracles" Updates. It gives me chill bumps to think about all that God does through you, who help and serve here at Christmas, as He uses this sacred time of year to touch unusually open hearts with His Love.

Just in the past 25 days, we’ve seen two sisters, who are teenagers in a family served by Star of Hope for several years now and who are seniors in High School, both accepted to attend college next fall. Both will be attending The University of Texas, one in Austin and the other in Odessa! What a huge blessing for any family, especially one which has had to overcome great difficulties.

We have seen five, 9-10 year old Cub Scouts raise enough money to provide 2,000 Christmas meals here at Star of Hope. See their story in our Star of Hope News Room. The meaning of Christmas to them?...helping others!

At our Women & Family Emergency Shelter and our Transitional Living Center Tree Lightings, we witnessed a chorus of families, recovering from homelessness, sing Christmas songs with great joy and thanksgiving. And our Men’s Development Center Christmas Commencement will be filled with the voices of men singing of God’s love for us through Christmas later this week.

Volunteers have filled our Christmas Workshop and carefully wrapped presents for our Clients, and donors are bringing blankets, clothes food and financial gifts. Parties and gift cards for our teens have been given. Pajamas and books for every 6-12 year old, carefully purchased and prepared by a local company.

Volunteers at Star of Hope's Christmas Workshop

I could go on and on. But what do you think is the greatest Christmas miracle of all? I believe it’s the way God chose to reveal himself to us…through a baby, His only Son…so simple, so heartfelt…everyone who chooses to believe in Him, can receive God’s love and forgiveness, a home in Heaven, and a purpose for their life here on earth. That’s it….God provided for us through His Love.

Thank you each and every one for your help, love and prayers for our homeless families this year. It has been another record breaking year of services in Houston with the economy the way it is. And we have gladly served, with your amazing help, through these times!

If you would like to help us financially, we’re still working to raise the final $1 million of our December goal, so we can continue to provide and serve in 2011. You can click on this link right now and make your donation safely and conveniently.

Blessings to you and your family this Christmas…may you personally feel God’s amazing love, forgiveness, and peace in your life this Christmas!

Help Houston's homeless men, women and families with Star of Hope now, by
Donating To Charitable Organizations Houston.

Adopt-A-Family - 25 Days of Christmas Miracles

Thursday, December 16, 2010 by Erika Wise

There are miracles all around...if you just look. Many miracles are answered prayers; and that is what I want to share today.

Many people want to donate to Charitable Organizations Houston during the Christmas Season. Donating To Charitable Organizations is the stuff holidays are made of. Among other Shelters Houston Texas, Star of Hope is the recipient of many of these charitable callers. Many want to help in any way they can...one way we offer is the "Adopt-A-Family" Christmas Program.

Serving graduates of our programs--Men's Development Center; Transitional Living Center; and, New Horizons--the "Adopt-a-Family" Christmas Program matches donors with needy families/individuals to ensure they get gifts and other blessings for Christmas. This economy has been rough on many people--but the calls from donors wanting to help flows strongly!!

In the midst of a staff change, it was my pleasure to oversee the "Adopt-a-Family" Christmas Program--fielding the calls from donors, entering client data into the computer, and, matching donors with those in need. Many matches were made before the Thanksgiving Holiday and donors were asked to contact their families/individuals by 12/15/10 to establish rapport and begin communicating.

Well, there was a family who received NO contact. Christmas was just eleven days away and she was concerned that her son was not going to have Christmas. How was she going to make ends meet AND get Christmas gifts for her son; "He is so deserving," she said. "He made great grades and deserves to have a good Christmas even if I can't give it to him myself."

I emailed and called the donor several times--no answer, no contact. I was sitting at my desk THIS AFTERNOON praying to God to have the donor call me. What was I going to do if this little family did not have a match??!! The phone rang...

"Hi, my name is Denise, and me and my husband would like to help a family for Christmas if you have something we could help with."

God had provided for the family (a donor calling to be matched), and for me--I did not have to worry that this little family would be forgotten for Christmas!! A Christmas Miracle--YES; and, I got to be a part of it!!!

The best gift of all... "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:6-7

The Miracles of Forgiveness and Freedom

Wednesday, December 8, 2010 by Hank Rush

Star of Hope’s Men’s Development Center is a busy place right now. With the chilling temperatures at night, more men are filling the facility into overflow. And we are glad to serve them, with a warm meal, a warm dry place to sleep, a shower, fresh clothes and words of God’s love for them.

But there is another chilling element at work in many of these men besides the cold air outside. For a third or more of our 300+ men living here, the chill and haunt of past military combat trauma chills them to the bone, and affects their daily life, trapped inside years after they have returned home from combat. That chill is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and it is the ‘signature’ wound of the war on terrorism.

Just recently, at the conclusion of one of our Trauma Care group meetings, led by the PTSD Foundation of America and hosted at Star of Hope, a Vietnam Veteran approached us. He was injured in combat, and now walks slowly with the aid of a cane…his speech soft and slow. Tears coursed down this man’s cheeks as he shared with us his guilt – a guilt he has carried for over 40 years. One horrific day in Vietnam, he found himself in the midst of chaos and confusion with bullets flying and villagers falling in death. In the unfathomable moment, he realized that he had taken the life of an innocent, young girl, probably not yet 10 years old. Now in a small room with just a few fellow Veterans listening, he felt safe enough to share this very dark day in his life, and for the first time began to feel a sense of forgiveness in his life. The Star of Hope, a few fellow soldiers, and the good news of God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ set this man on a new path…free from guilt and filled with God’s grace and mercy.

On another day, a Veteran who has been attending this same support group, opened up and began telling his story after weeks of just listening. His story was typical, but he had progressed to the place where God was real to him. He was ready to work again, but his felony record was holding him back. A “Second Chance Employer”, one who was willing the give him a second chance, gave him a job application, and he has been on his new job now for several weeks. On a recent Sunday, he was invited to share his story at a church, and his two young sons were with him and able to hear their dad tell of God’s forgiveness and redeeming love. We are now praying for his marriage and family to be restored. And we know that all things are possible with God!

Do you know a Veteran this Christmastime who needs a second chance? Respond to this blog or email david.maulsby@ptsdusa.org and together maybe another Christmas miracle will happen!

Read more 25 Days of Christmas Miracles!

Learn more about how your support of Star of Hope helps Homeless Veterans Houston and donate today at Men's Shelter Donation Houston.

Helping Houston’s Homeless Find The Brightest Light

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 by John Mills

During my eight years working for Star of Hope Mission, I have watched over and over as homeless clients move from virtually “no hope” with total dependence, to beginning their independent walk in a new life. Star of Hope is not just a Soup Kitchen in Houston! We offer Christian Ministries with such services as drug rehabilitation, emergency homeless services, parenting classes, career building classes, for homeless persons and for battered women, men and for families. We offer care for men, single women and for families at our three homeless shelters and transitional living centers.

Last week I got to meet a young woman who lived here at Star of Hope twelve years ago. When she came here, she was 4 years old, and she got into a ballet dance program offered by a volunteer. Her family got back on their feet and now she is married and has three beautiful children. She was present at the opening of our newly decorated Intake area at Star of Hope’s Women & Family Emergency Shelter. It was a real blessing to visit and to see how well she is doing now. She and her family had received a chance to get back on their feet, and they had taken it!

I hope that you weren’t ever homeless! But if you had been, wouldn’t it be great to know that there was a place, where people would listen to you, pray with you, cry with you, and try to meet your every need! Star of Hope is such a place!

Would you consider partnering with us, through offering a prayer for the less fortunate, and through making a contribution? You can go to Charitable Donations Houston to make a contribution.