Donations Houston

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.

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…”

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?

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.

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:




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!

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.

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!                          

                                   

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

As Star of Hope is into its SECOND CENTURY of serving Houston’s homeless men, women and children, we are working hard on partnerships and new life-changing programs which will move Houston "down the field and toward the goal line" of significantly reducing homelessness in our city! Our Board, leadership and many of you in our community have developed and approved a 5 year plan, called “VISION 2015.” Its principal goal is to double the number of homeless served in our city, from 1,000 men, women and children per day, to 2,000 per day, though the Star of Hope "Family of Ministries" around Houston.

This exciting plan is set to the backdrop of ever growing homelessness in Houston. We are now experiencing as a community our 3rd year of record, serious overflow at our Women & Family Emergency Shelter at 419 Dowling, and something must be done! Our city, state, federal budgets are strapped and doing all they can, and we already work closely with over 100 health, housing, recovery, education, job training, and independent living partners in our city. VISION 2015 will take us to the next step.

It’s important to remember WHY we should serve those who have lost their way. God’s Word, in Jesus’ own words, teaches us in Matthew 25:31-40 that it is our duty and calling to love, feed, clothe and care for those in need, and in so doing, we are serving Christ himself. In our service, He changes lives! Watch this video of how a family has been restored; I know you’ll be as moved as I was:



And thanks to Bryan Bullington of the Pearland Chick-fil-A for hosting a donations drive and outdoor event at his store earlier this month.

If you want to serve on a long term basis, there is no better way than making a Legacy Gift to the Star of Hope. We all need to plan for our financial futures, and as you do, we want to invite you to consider including the Star of Hope in your estate plans. In this way, you can leave a lasting "Legacy of Hope" Gift to help accomplish the work Christ commanded us to do, for years to come.

If you’re interested in learning more, we have a new website with a WILLS PLANNER for your use. Visit sohlegacy.org. Review the various topics there, and click: “Plan Your Will” to get started. Also, we are having our 2nd Annual Planned Giving Advisory Council Luncheon coming up September 13th. Get more information and register today for this complimentary and informative luncheon. We hope to see you there!

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!

   

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. 

Since we are expecting some rain this weekend and we could be couped in the house all day I thought I could share some rainy day Saturday ideas that could bring hope to the homeless in your community!

1. Write Camp Notes to Star of Hope teens who will be going to camp, so that they can experience a week of being a carefree kid! You will absolutely make their day. 

2. Clean out your couch, collect your change, and on a dry day drop it by one of our missions. (Or give the exact amount online).  After-all, it only takes $1.60 to provide a meal for the hungry at one of our shelters! 

3. Get together all your clothes you haven't worn in a year+, put them in a bag, and drop them off at any of our locations!

4. Share information like this post on your favorite social media site like Facebook, Twitter or google plus -- to spread the news on how to help the homeless from your home!

5. Of course, shelters like ours  rely on prayers! So, please keep Houston's Homeless in your prayers. Pray they will find the financial and emotional help they need at shelter's like ours! 

Recently, you might have seen Star of Hope on the news for having 141 people, 55 of which were kids, sleeping on the floor in our overflow room. Because of the deep need this Summer we have had many people feel called to take action and be HOPE! Many have volunteered in our soup kitchen, given food and clothing donations, and provided long term hope by becoming a Circle of Hope Member. We deeply thank you for being concerned about your city's homeless!

Even business like, Chick-fil-A Pearland, have  decided they were called to be HOPE and therefore, hosted a toiletry donation drive. Cookie Joe, the owner of Cookie Joe's Dance Studio, also felt called to be HOPE,  so at the donation drive she sponsored a free concert from Newberry of Second Baptist Pearland, Krush of New Hope, and Nash 3.

Many people this Summer have been HOPE. At Star of Hope I am able to see how many people answered the call to action and have actively been HOPE this summer. It has made me want to know more....like how are you HOPE...where-ever you are? Please e-mail your I AM HOPE story to koliver@sohmission.org (feel free to send videos) or just post it on the comments below!

As I am writing this, we have just experienced a night of unprecedented need at Star of Hope's downtown Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Last night, 141 families and single women were admitted to our already full family shelter.

The only place for them was on the floor on a mat, but they were grateful and came anyway. Thirty five families with their 55 children and 51 single women all came needing safety from the city streets and the heat. Can you imagine if the best thing in your day is finding a mat on the floor in a homeless shelter?

Well, they came to the right place! They are safe, loved, fed nutritious meals, had a bath and received new clothes (if they needed them)… even a toy or a book for their children. And today they will find a listening ear and a welcoming staff who will help them stabilize from their trauma, receive medical attention through the on-site Harris County Hospital Clinic… and as a private room opens up, a modest room for them and for their family.

Most importantly, we will help them to look UP and to hear once again something they haven’t heard or believed in many years… the truth that God loves them and has a very special plan for their lives. Only He can forgive their past, heal their heart’s wounds and bring light and joy back into their lives!

A former guest of Star of Hope posted on our Facebook Wall last week: “I am so grateful not to be sleeping on that floor tonight, but I am also so grateful that floor was there for me to sleep on at the beginning of my journey to recovery.” Watch this video from KHOU News 11 to see what inspired this comment.



Within the next few days of their stay with us each adult will be helped to evaluate their situation, develop a plan for this week… then next week, then for the month to come. They will be counseled for personal needs, their children will have a safe place to play and receive love and encouragement, and help with their own needs in the midst of family homelessness.

Star of Hope’s Women & Family Shelter is the largest emergency facility in Houston serving families and single women in our five county area who have become homeless. We try not to ever turn anyone away. For two years now, the shelter has functioned at near capacity every night, and has experienced significant winter and summer peak overflow needs. Last night was the highest night of need on record. We are working on broader solutions to the growing issue of homelessness in our city, and our vision is to grow from serving 1,000 homeless people per day as we do now, to serving 2,000 per day, by 2015.

Want to help? You’ll be glad you did!

Forget the sound of music, we’re listening for the sound of happy feet, and there will be lots of it at Star of Hope in the coming weeks. Very soon, Sun & Ski Sports will arrive at Star of Hope with all the shoes it has collected for our kiddos, via its Back-To-School Shoe Drive.

The drive is scheduled to run from August 1 through August 15th. So folks, if you have new or gently worn shoes-- that is… GENTLY WORN SHOES-- that you would like to donate on behalf of the hundreds of precious children living at our family shelters, bring them to any Sun & Ski location around the city and drop them in the collection boxes. When you do that, you will also receive a gift certificate worth $5 off a pair of TOMS shoes. Talk about happy feet! These are the number 1 selling sport shoe in Texas.

Search you closets and shoe racks. Look under your bed and behind the sofa. Check the trunk of your car and entreat your friends. And don’t forget to keep your ear to the ground.

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.




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.

As you listen to Houston's SUNNY 99.1 and Newstalk 740 KTRH over the next several weeks keep your ears open for our new Summer of Hope spots. Each features a Star of Hope resident sharing a quick story of how their lives have been transformed at Star of Hope through the support of donors, volunteers and other friends.

Here are a few previews...

 

 

 

Thank you for caring for Houston's homeless and making this summer a Summer of Hope.

Aleja, the talkative mom-like sweetheart, always has a lot to say. She is her mama’s girl and never lets me forget it. When I asked her what she liked about class she said, “Miss Kylee, I like to listen because my mommy taught me to.”

I thought this was great and hoped it would rub off on some of the rambunctious fellows who seemed to think their agenda was more important than anything else. Aleja’s favorite activity recently was Water Day. Water Day consisted of the kids playing outside on the “beach” (two plastic kiddie pools filled with sand) and in other kiddie pools of water with additional water toys, such as a ball that sprayed water and a slip and slide.

During the summer my parents would always ship me out to summer camp. One of the most memorable times in our schedule was mail time, which was after lunch. When my parents, family and friends came through with notes they rejuvenated something in me.

Honestly, I believe getting a camp note was subconsciously empowering. If you knew someone cared and believed in you, you believed in yourself and all of a sudden courage welled up inside and you signed up for the across lake swim, introduced yourself to a new friend or was the first one to do the high ropes course BLIND FOLDED. Empower Houston's Homeless kids this summer by writing them an encouraging note!

If you believe in them-- they will believe in themselves and can conquer their fears, meet new friends and find hope that last a lifetime this summer!

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.