Help The Homeless Houston

When I came to Star of Hope, I was looking for a company that cared about people and wanted to help those who had lost their way. That is exactly what I found. Star of Hope has invested in my career by providing leadership training, internal and external training, and a mentor.

Here you can find a friendly, family oriented group of individuals that share a genuine love for God. It has always been a delightful gift to come to work and have the ability to freely worship God.
 

Michelle Jones
Client Case Manager

 

 

Visit Careers at Star of Hope Mission
Homeless Shelters Houston

God's clear calling brought me to serve at Star of Hope near the end of 2006. In fact, God had been revealing Star of Hope to me from the early 1990s when I was an intern at Channel 26 and had helped a reporter cover a story on homelessness.

God has given me joy that comes from ministering to men, just as other men along my life's journey have ministered to me. When I see men reunite with family, God places a peace and clarity of purpose in my heart.

Ricardo Grimaldi
General Services Support
 

Visit Careers at Star of Hope Mission
Homeless Shelters Houston

A few years ago I was offered an opportunity to work at Star of Hope as a Temp during the holiday season. The Director of Operations told me about the wonders of working for such a strong organization with it Christian values and strong family environment. He explained to me that SOH had changed his life and if I came aboard that I would never be the same… From the very first day I saw how God changed the lives of the men in the program, and it made me want to learn more about SOH. My former supervisor trained me and told me that one day, if I worked hard, I would succeed him as Warehouse Manager.

Well, today I’m the Warehouse Manager at Star of Hope. Looking back, the same values that attracted me then, are still the driving forces which keep me here. I feel compelled to serve others and help make a difference in the lives of the least and the lost. As Warehouse Manager I face may challenges that a for-profit position never faces, but each day I am rewarded with the power and mercy of God. He always makes a way, and I do not think any other job could offer me this type of fulfillment.

Floyd Clark
Storehouse Supervisor
 

Visit Careers at Star of Hope Mission
Homeless Shelters Houston

When Michael W. Smith sits down at the piano, as he did at the recent 2012 Star of Hope Banquet - Above All, you get more than a great performance; you get the feeling that you are in the company of a gentleman and a friend.


That said, on the evening of February 2nd, the Lanier Ballroom at the Hilton Americas was transformed into a glorious sanctuary where the theme of the program: Above All --taken from Michael’s 2002 Inspirational Song of the Year, of the same title-- set the tone for an incomparable night of ministry, worship, and reverence for the One Who makes all things possible. Michael’s deft touch on the Grand Yamaha and repertoire of songs both remembered and new were a perfect fit with the program and lifted the spirit of the evening to heavenly heights. In a room lit with fiber-optic stars peeking through a midnight backdrop, and with more than 2,000 Star of Hope donors, volunteers and first-timers in attendance, you could almost hear the heart of God beating with joy, for such a time as this.

It was not just a night to be enjoyed—though it was enjoyable from beginning to end. It was our moment of expressed gratitude to our many supporters, our faithful friends, who link arms with us throughout the year, helping us to care for the down-and-out, the dispossessed, the profoundly disappointed—the diverse urban-scape of homeless men, women and children who seek the hope and help that is available, at Star of Hope.

Thank you everyone! Thank you, Nino, of Flowers by Nino, for the gorgeous floral arrangements. Nobody does flowers like you. Thank you Bright Star Productions for letting our lights shine, Rick Christi, of Studio W, for your expert direction, Ben E. Keith for your generous contribution to our dinner, Blacktie for your fabulous photos, Bruce Padilla, of Baccarat, for making our first Points of Light gift a thing of beauty, and Edward Hankey, for giving it an elegant base on which to rest; Gerald Ray for filling our registration area with music that made our guest feel special, Courtney Rai of Magic Moments, Inc., for helping us reach for the sky, and Bonita Bevel, of the Hilton Americas, for keeping us grounded.

Thank you, friends who were there and those who could not come. Thank you Ariel, Tamokia and Courtney for sharing your stories of victory over unimaginable odds; the valiant veterans of the Color Guard for presenting our nation’s flags, and Scot Cameron, for your beautiful delivery of the National Anthem.


Congratulations Dr. Moorhead, the first recipient of the Star of Hope George and Barbara Bush Volunteer Service Award, for your selfless service in helping the homeless to see clearly. Thank you.

Above All, thank you, Lord, for making this night with friends possible.

We had the Star of Hope Annual Banquet last week and it was amazing to see just some of Star of Hope’s donors attend. It was held at the Hilton Americas. As we learned more about Houston’s homeless needs, we found that:

• There are 13,500 homeless right here in Houston.
• Star of Hope, a local homeless shelter prepared and fed over 620,000 meals during the 2011.
• The number of homeless families in our city increased by 25% from 2010.

The economy is really impacting our lives!

The high point in the evening is always the testimonies from those who has been homeless in our city and have been able to experience “life change.” One such testimony was offered by a 17 year old high school student, Courtney. His mom had been taken ill and with a long term illness, she ultimately lost her job, and they were evicted. They came to Star of Hope and after a time were able to regain their stability, individually and as a family.


Through a community service volunteer group who came to Star of Hope, Courtney was able to visit the University of Houston campus, met with several top level administrators, and he was able to get a scholarship offer (he wants to be an aeronautical engineer)!

He has a ways to go (he is just now completing high school, but he looked so special as he stood there in front of 2,300 attendees and told his (and his family’s) story. It was so special to see young man in his ROTC uniform to stand and talk about the “life change” that he has experienced and the blessing that Star of Hope, a local homeless shelter in Houston, has offered to he and his family.

Star of Hope is not just a men’s shelter or an emergency family shelter but we also have a longer term program for homeless who need assistance. I hope that possibly you were able to attend the annual banquet, but if not…please be sure that you don’t miss it next year!

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:

1. Serving men-only for our first 80 years.
2. Serving women and families beginning in the mid-80‘s.
3. 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.

Year-End is fast approaching, but it's not too late to help Houston's homeless men, women and children with Star of Hope. Three simple ways you can help in the next three days:

1. Invite your friends to "Like" Star of Hope Mission on Facebook
2. Start making plans to volunteer in 2012
3. Give a year-end gift today

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.

Recently, you may have seen on our Facebook Fan Page a picture of Hank Rush, with a big old check from Yellowstone Academy 8th graders. They raised money, made a check and presented it to Mr. Rush, proudly. 

I find this story extremly moving for several reasons.  One being that many of Yellowstone Acadamy kids have lived at Star of Hope before or are currently living here. Another, staggering fact is that 87% of Yellowstone Acadmey kids are currently living in poverty or extreme poverty. In fact the average family income is $8,088.

The final number that strikes me is in total $178.98 was given to Star of Hope from Yellowstone Acadmey kids, which is about 2.2% total of a Yellowstone Academy's average family YEARLY income.

That makes me ask myself does at least 2% of my yearly income go to helping Houston's homeless? A group of 8th graders gave and about 95 people will be able to eat a hot meal in our soup kitchen this Christmas. 

Stories like these always remind me of this passage:

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

Through Star of Hope, Houston’s community, has many opportunities to give Hope to Houston’s homeless every day. Recently, “Little Couple” a show on TLC featuring Bill Klein and Jennifer Arnold took time to share their hope with several of Star of Hope’s families. Despite their small stature they have really big hearts --- with beautiful stories to share.

With successful careers, Bill as a businessman and Jen as a doctor, they have much wisdom in overcoming uncontrollable obstacles while having an excellent attitude towards life! They are an inspiration and it is an honor to have had them serve a Thanksgiving meal to Houston’s homeless! Thank you, Bill and Jen for having big hearts that give back to Houston's needy. 

We are looking forward to a very heartfelt episode!

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


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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

In all of our lives, there have been times when we have felt like no one cares about us. We can all remember changing schools and not knowing anyone, and feeling daunted as we were surrounded by strangers. Or changing jobs, and wondering how we would fit in and who would be our friends. Or enduring a difficult family situation that left us alone.

For those who come to Star of Hope, the feeling that no one cares about them is not just focused on a new workplace or school, however. For most, there is absolutely no one they can turn to for help. Most who come to Star of Hope facilities have absolutely no other option. They are truly alone.

So what do you think JOB ONE is at Star of Hope? It is to love and to care for each one who enters, no matter what their condition or need or situation. And that love, combined with a safe place, good food, clean beds and new clothing, helps them feel like someone DOES care!

I’d like to share a short story from one of our recent adult clients at Star of Hope. Her name is Cassandra, and she found here a caring atmosphere that put her on the path to a new life!

Cassandra said recently, “I came to Star of Hope because I was on my last leg and I needed help, but I had no idea the help that I was going to get. They are awesome. There’s so much that’s here for you, and all you have to do is apply yourself a little and ask. The people really, really care. I love it. I feel God’s presence throughout the shelter and throughout me. To the donors, I want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”

Your continuing support is a vital as we provide meals, shelter, counseling, education and long-term solutions to more Houstonians than ever before. They come because they have no other options…but you provide, through your gifts and volunteer help, a new and wonderful second chance…and a way back into a fulfilling life once again.

Thank you for being one of the people who “really, really cares”, as we minister and serve daily here at Star of Hope!

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…”