Donations Houston

From Ending...to Beginning

Thursday, January 26, 2012 by Erika Wise

With Endings...come new Beginnings...

“Beginnings are scary. Endings are usually sad, but it’s what’s in the middle that counts. So, when you find yourself at the beginning, just give hope and chance to float up. And it will.” quote from "Hope Floats"

On December 17, 2011, two families "ended" their three years in Star of Hope's New Horizons Program. Cheri L. and Sandra H. were the first to complete all three years of this "new" program. And, though a happy occasion, there was some sadness, too.

Cheri and her boys are doing well and prospering. Cheri (top) is a personal banker and well on her way to financial stability. Gabriel (middle) has attended the same school for three years and has been recommended for the 'gifted and talented' program. Thaddaeus, also called T.J. (bottom) was enrolled in Kindergarten this year and he is also being considered for the 'gifted and talented' program.

Sandra (far left) is pictured here with her daughter Keiara and two granddaugthers. Sandra has been working for the same employer for a year and has been considered for promotion. She also has an opportunity to return to a previous employer and pursue further career options there. Keiara graduates school in the Spring and has already been accepted to a college of her choice. Though Sandra is wary of letting her daughter go off to college, she is very proud of her, too.

With Endings...come new Beginnings...for Cheri and Sandra's families and for our programming. We are beginning a BRAND NEW program called New Haven. New Haven is a permanent supportive housing program for single women who are suffering from mental illness. Once stable, these women will be placed in their own apartment homes and offered supportive services; such as--case management, counseling, recovery classes, self-advocacy instruction, and much more.
We are excited about what the future has in store for our departing families and for those single women who will come into New Haven. We trust that God will lead these precious families and women AND our staff as we continue to speak and pray His word over their lives.

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
John 14:12-14

Discover how you can help.
Visit Star of Hope Mission - Donation Opportunities Houston

*Photos courtesy of Gary Matthews of Ensorce Photography.

So What’s Ahead for the New Year?

Thursday, January 12, 2012 by Hank Rush

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:

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.

The face of homelessness has changed. For every person you see on the street corners asking for help or money, there are at least 10 others who are hidden…living in cars, on friends couches or in abandoned buildings, or about to lose their ability to maintain their ability to live and function independently.

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

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.

Hope for Christmas

Monday, December 12, 2011 by Erika Wise

As we celebrate Christmas, let us know that our hope is not found in man, the gifts others give, but in the 'baby' that came so that we may truly know the hope of man!

Christmas is a joyous time for many...but, for those struggling financially and emotionally, it can leave them with little or no hope. The Star of Hope--its staff and programs--are here to show guests and clients of the true Star of Hope--Jesus Christ.

For nearly 20 years, we have had the Adopt-a-Family Christmas Program for those who have left our programs and may be struggling their first year or two out on their own. Church groups, families, and companies call asking to help make Christmas special...it is no small miracle that these families and individuals who need help receive bountiful blessings of gifts, support and love from perfect strangers!!

This week, I received an email from someone in need. Here is some of what she wrote:

"I was married on October 5th, 2011...just a few months ago. We found out I was pregnant shortly thereafter...my "husband" told me on November 5th that he no longer loved me, and did not want to be married to me...I was living the fairytale until we moved into our home just a week after being married...He has no concern now for me, Clayton (her 8 year old son), or our unborn child...I am completely in a bind and don't know what to do about Clayton's Christmas. The reason that I am so concerned is that I have always been able to provide him a very good Christmas from Santa. It breaks my heart that because I put my trust in a man my son is now suffering."

This story is all-too-common. Mothers and their children are spending Christmas looking for a safe place to stay...someone to care...some hope...

Through the generosity and gifts of donors and volunteers...*Sherry and Clayton--and, her unborn child--will be blessed with gifts and love this Christmas.

I think back to that first "Christmas" night...a pregnant woman carrying the HOPE of the world...And, that is what we celebrate this time of year.

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him 'Immanuel'--which means 'God with us.'" Matthew 1:23

*Names changed to protect privacy/confidentiality.

Discover ways to give at Donation Opportunities Houston.

Room in the Inn this Christmas

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 by Hank Rush

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

Help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope.
Dicover ways to give at Donation Opportunities Houston.

This Season of Thankfulness

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 by John Mills

Hey guys! I found these two photos of Thanksgiving lunch at the Star of Hope.

Star of Hope Mission - Thanksgiving 1965

Star of Hope Mission - Thanksgiving 2009

The first pic is from many years ago and the second is more current! The parallels touched my heart in that, while years have passed, there are still the less fortunate in our city, who really need our help. Every day, Star of Hope helps over 1,000 persons, about 1/3 are children. The more I work in this homeless Christian Ministry in Houston, the more I am concerned for the children, the next generation. Last night the Star of Hope Women and Family Emergency Shelter on Dowling had 63 persons sleep on a pallet on the floor because the 74 rooms were filled! Please pray for these persons, that they will find their way in our world! If you can help, you can donate today. Also, you can find out how you can volunteer, and learn more about homelessness in our city!

Thanks for your prayers. They become the catalyst for life change! God bless.

BTW, don’t miss our annual banquet, February 2nd, at the Hilton Americas. It will be a great night to learn more about Houston’s homeless! Make reservations now and bring a friend or neighbor, or both!

May God richly bless you and your family during this Season of Thankfulness!

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

Grateful Every Day

Tuesday, November 22, 2011 by Hank Rush

Star of Hope Women & Family Emergency Shelter

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.

Hope Floats Up, Even In The Hardest Of Times

Friday, November 11, 2011 by Erika Wise

God provides in the most unique and profound ways…and, three of Star of Hope's New Horizons Residents are experiencing that right now!

Experiencing a job loss is something MANY can relate to when this country has an unemployment rate near 10%. But, the issue strikes too close to home for Curly, Sharon and Pam.

When asked “What do you want for Christmas?”—children are not answering with the usual “bike, doll, or other toys.”…they are saying, “I want my Mom to have a job.”

Sharon and Pam struggle with their job search. Both laid off from their jobs months ago, struggle with the stigma of a past that will not go away. The ladies know how to dress for an interview; they have wonderful personalities and answer their interview questions well; and, they show genuine desire and interest in working for the company/organization for which they interview. Those who interview them say they would like to hire them right away…but, “we have to do a background check.” REJECTION comes with a phone call that says, “I am sorry, but we do not hire felons.”

And, then there is Curly. He is kind, has a good work ethic, and is very skilled. However, he is older than most of the others who are applying for the same positions he is. He is a half-step slower than the younger men, but his knowledge and work ethic far outshine that of his rivals. He has knowledge in how to fix cars and just about every home appliance you could think of. He makes his portion of the rental payment by collecting his unemployment and doing odd-jobs to raise the funds.

“Who will give me a second chance, Miss Erika?” is the question posed to me. I truly wish I could answer that question.

Discover ways to give and help.
Visit Star of Hope Mission - Donation Opportunities Houston.

Give Us This Day, Our Daily Bread

Thursday, November 3, 2011 by Hank Rush

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.

Things We’re Thankful For

Friday, October 21, 2011 by Hank Rush

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.

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.

You Won't Believe What This Eight Year Old Said

Thursday, September 22, 2011 by Hank Rush

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

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.

Are You Praying For Rain?

Thursday, September 8, 2011 by Hank Rush

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

What does a 32% Increase Mean?

Friday, September 2, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

Recently, Hank Rush, Star of Hope's President & CEO announced that so far this year we have had a 32% increase of men, women and children in comparison to last year. So, what exactly does that mean?

Last year total we were able to:

Serve 406,140 well nourished meals
Have 170,642 stay with Star of Hope at night
Have 730 served by our outreach van
Help 192 find jobs
Help 397 get permanent housing

This year alone we have:

Severed 362,209 well nourished meals
Have 176,069 stay with Star of Hope at night.
Served 4,918 with our outreach van
Helped 187 find jobs
Helped 362 get permanent housing

The most important statistic is that there are 32% more people who are down on their luck and are searching for hope. The need is greater than it has ever been! Star of Hope is partnering with the Houston community to become the outreach that improves Houston's homeless economical situation and provide a healthy environment to build a better future for the guest and their kids. We need your help to make sure the need is met...we couldn't serve Houston without you.

Helping Houston's homeless all starts with you! Make a difference today!

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

Back Pack Extravaganza Day

Monday, August 29, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

Together we did it! We made this a Summer of Hope for 150 kids and absolutely no doubt couldn't have done it without you! All summer long you made smiles either from the time you dedicate, the camp flip-flops you gave, or the money you donated. You made 2011 summer, a summer full of Hope up until the very end...the "Back Pack Extravaganza Day."

Being my first "Back Pack Extravaganza Day" I expected something low key like kids forming a line according to age and picking up a back pack. I was completely wrong. It felt like a sacred ceremony including prayers, songs, a motivational speech, and many blessings. The kids were called individually on stage to get their back pack and as soon as they received it you could see joy, pride, and curiosity. They wanted to look inside and see what the heck was in their new present a stranger gave them! Star of Hope, on behalf of all the donors and EIS Office Solutions, was able to present all kids with pride in the form of new school supplies and uniforms. We are deeply grateful!

Mother and Son looking at the New Back Pack

Want to see more pictures from Back Pack Extravaganza Day? Become a Fan of Star of Hope on Facebook and see more behind-the-scene pictures!

Discover ways to give and help homeless Houstonians.
Visit Star of Hope Mission - Houston Non-Profit Donations

Thank You for Giving Hope

Wednesday, August 17, 2011 by Rachel Haverkorn

Audrey Daniel is an amazing young woman who took it upon herself to organize 50 gift bags for our clients at Star of Hope. As a girl scout seeking her Gold Award, Audrey embodied leadership by gathered donations and enlisting volunteers to assist with her monumental task.

She hand-made beautiful fleece blankets and categorized each by age group. Indisputably, Audrey is someone with a heart for others and a commitment to leading by example.

Thank you for giving hope!

Rachel Haverkon
Volunteer Liaison - Star of Hope Mission

Discover way to help Houston's homeless at 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

Homegrown Lessons in the Shelter

Wednesday, August 10, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

Star of Hope kids are having a great end to a not so perfect summer. When you ask some of the kids around here to describe their home they think of the yard they always wanted or left behind, the couch they fell asleep on, and the Mom and Dad that may or may not have been around. For some kids this is the happiest time of their life. Despite the fact Star of Hope is a huge blessing it is not a permanent home -- it does an amazing job at creating a healthy home environment of love, support, and fun for kids.

It is because of donors and volunteers that the shelter is able to facilitate homegrown emotional healthiness. Recently Donna, an amazing donor, wanted to share with the kids a glimpse of her life on the golf course. Donna provided golf lessons with pros a Royal Oaks Country Club through Star of Hope's annual golf tournament, Swing for the Star. The kids left learning something new and gaining a homegrown lesson of self-confidence and the courage to try. It would not have been made possible unless someone like Donna created a safe environment for this to happen. Thank you so much Donna!