Homeless Services Houston

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

Thursday, January 26, 2012 by Scott Arthur

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

Cox Media, 93Q, Country Legends, The Eagle

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

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

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

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

Ways to Give Houston
Volunteer Opportunities Houston

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

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.

Have you heard about Volgistics?

Wednesday, September 28, 2011 by Elizabeth Hatler

Volgistics. No, it is not an alien species that inhabits some far away galaxy in the latest chapter of Star Trek. It is the awesome new database Star of Hope is using to manage our volunteer program. Volgistics means the Volunteer Services team can better serve our volunteers, programs and clients.

All volunteers are now required to register online prior to their scheduled project date. When volunteers arrive for their project, the sign-in process will be faster and volunteers will spend less time in the reception area. Within a few months, touch screen kiosks will also be available for High Impact Volunteers to log in and out.

Moving forward, Volgistics will exponentially increase our capacity for information management. Everyone on the Volunteer Services team now shares the same information. If one team member is unavailable, another team member will still be able to help.

We receive many calls from volunteers requesting service hours for college applications, resumes and financial records. Once registered in Volgistics, volunteers are able to access the Star of Hope Volunteer Center from any computer to review their contact information and service log. Even if volunteers served as part of a group, hours will be recorded for each individual group member.

The bottom line - advanced volunteer registration allows us to better identify every person working in our facilities and provide a more secure environment for all of our clients.

Volgistics has amazing capabilities…the changes are exciting and we are only beginning! But electronic data management will never replace the importance of building strong relationships with all of our volunteer partners. We are grateful for the unique gifts, talents, abilities, interests and compassion of each volunteer and continue to be awed by the way God knits us all together to meet the needs of Houston’s homeless men, women and children.

Volunteer and help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope Mission.
Visit Volunteer Opportunities Houston.

Planning for the Future

Thursday, August 11, 2011 by Hank Rush

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discover other ways to give at Star of Hope Mission - Houston Non Profit Donations

Fresh Starts, New Beginnings and a Summer of Hope

Thursday, July 7, 2011 by Scott McKinley

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

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

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

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

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

Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org

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

An Attitude of Gratitude

Wednesday, June 29, 2011 by Troy Williams Sr.

The Star of Hope Men’s Development Center hosted their Annual Alumni Fellowship Celebration on Saturday June 25, 2011. This is a time when the Star of Hope (SOH) staff celebrates their appreciation for and demonstrates their love towards the alumni by sprucing up the place, preparing a delicious full course meal, sharing surprise gifts and cranking up some high praise and worship in Christ's Name.

Our alumni are men who have completed one of the many SOH programs, moved off the SOH campus in good standing and started a new life for themselves. In many cases, the SOH programs helped alumni to overcome homelessness, to receive healing from drugs and alcohol addiction, and to reconcile with their loved ones. Many of the alumni are so grateful to get a fresh start in life, to find new jobs, and to start afresh with their families that they want to give back even before they move off campus.

To help the alumni to satisfy this Attitude of Gratitude, the Alumni Ministry has developed over 20-service points that allow alumni to give back. Some alumni return to the Star of Hope Mission to minister and build relationships with men who are still in the SOH programs. Several alumni achieve this by visiting the campus and sharing time with programmers in one-on-one heartfelt talks. Several others return and facilitate small group meetings such as the 12-steps and process groups. A few of them return to the MDC campus to teach the Saturday Morning Bible Study. Several have received their callings to preach the Gospel of Christ and return after two years to preach in the MDC Chapel.

"We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring" -- 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 ES"

Learn more. Visit Star of Hope Mission - Supporting Houston Ministries

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

Tuesday, June 7, 2011 by Hank Rush

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Give today at Supporting Houston Emergency Centers

Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org

The Beginning of Their Summer of Hope!

Monday, June 6, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

Key Energy Services employee with a child at Star of Hope

Many kids have a nostalgic idea of summer and look forward to sun-kissed skin all school-year long. One of the only appealing ideas about summer for a homeless child is no more school work, but in no way does that outweigh the cons: nonstop hunger, sweating, thirst, loneliness and often neglect.

Here in Houston, the Independent School District found 10,000+ homeless children during the past School year. My question is where are those kids now, during the already brutal summer?

Each time another child enters Star of Hope, I with Star of Hope, am celebrating because we now know 1 more is provided for. In fact because of great companies like Key Energy Services, Star of Hope is able to provide the kids here with a summer filled with water, sun, plenty of food and lots of fun!

Recently, Key Energy Services offered a “Pirate Splash” to kick off our Summer of Hope! It included: pirates with monkeys, huge water slides, lots of kiddy pools, cotton candy and many happy soaked kiddos! It really was the beginning of, for many kids, their Summer of Hope!

See the Key Energy Services Summer of Hope Party Slide-show at SummerOfHopeHouston.org

Discover ways to get involved with Star of Hope Mission and Supporting Houston Homeless Shelters

Summer of Hope Begins

Friday, June 3, 2011 by Scott McKinley

June began with 82 women, men and children waking up on the floor of Star of Hope's Women & Family Emergency Shelter. When the rooms are full anyone in overflow sleeps on mats in the atrium of the shelter. On June 1 the shelter was full with a total of 331 individuals. 142 were children!

The need for homeless services in Houston and our surrounding area is great. Take a moment to read Hank Rush's update from last week for some current stats concerning Houston's homeless population.

You can give help and hope today for the individuals and families in crisis who will come to Star of Hope Mission all summer long for assistance. We have launched a special Summer of Hope site to keep you updated on current Summer needs and opportunities for you to get involved. Take a look and help make this a Summer of Hope for Houston's homeless men, women and children.

Learn how you can get involved with Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston.
Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org

Today Is A Day Of Hope

Thursday, May 26, 2011 by Hank Rush

Give hope to families in crisis with Star of Hope

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Clients are Well Worth a Nice Meal

Wednesday, May 4, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

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

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

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

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

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

God Fits Us All Together to Serve Those in Need

Saturday, April 30, 2011 by Elizabeth Hatler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get involved at Community Service Volunteer Opportunities Houston

Last Night 52 Homeless People Slept on the Floor of Star of Hope's Emergency Shelter

Friday, April 29, 2011 by John Mills

I wanted to tell you about Charity Navigator, a national nonprofit rating service. They take nonprofit tax returns (Form 990) and calculate 9 factors which give an overall rating as to the effectiveness of the nonprofit. They have incorporated written reviews which have been posted by those who feel that the nonprofit is especially effective. Star of Hope now has a “three star” rating (out of four stars) and have twelve reviews posted to the Star of Hope Mission Reviews page. You might be interested in Googling Charity Navigator. You would need to register but that is an easy process; type in “Star of Hope” and learn how others view Star of Hope and the work that is done here! The folks at Charity Navigator seem committed to helping Charities get the word about their passion to the public!

I thought that you might like to know that last evening we had 52 people sleep on the floor at the Women and Family Emergency Shelter (here in Houston). Thirty six of those were single women! Typically 40 to 50 percent of our clients suffer from some level of mental illness. Yesterday we received word that we have been conditionally approved for a grant to provide shelter to approximately 20 homeless and mentallyy ill women on a longer term basis! This is great news because today’s society does such a poor job of assisting the mentally ill. Twenty women may not seem like very much, but it is a start! Mother Teresa said “if you can’t feed 100 hungry people, just feed one”. I guess this grant is like our ONE! God bless, and remember: “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done.” -- Proverbs 19:17. Who would not want to have a reward from the Lord?

See how your support touches and changes lives in Houston. Visit Supporting Houston Ministries to get Star of Hope's full 2010 Ministry Report.

Young Adults Serving with Star of Hope

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

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

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

Here are a couple of examples:

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

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

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

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

April, The Month We Recognize Volunteers

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 by John Mills

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

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

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

Discover how you can help at Community Service Volunteers Houston

Answering the Calls at Star of Hope

Thursday, April 14, 2011 by Scott McKinley

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

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

Call Center Volunteers answer calls from…

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

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

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

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

It’s Time to Sing the Resurrection Song

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 by Hank Rush

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hoops for Hope

Wednesday, March 23, 2011 by Hank Rush

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

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

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

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

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

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

Star of Hope Featured in Local "Secret Millionaire" Taping

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 by Scott Arthur

Popular radio personality Dana Tyson (Sunny 99.1) was asked by the ABC network to produce a "local" version of the new national reality TV hit Secret Millionaire. The national version features a millionaire who goes undercover doing homeless volunteer work in a charitable institution. At the end of the show - the "volunteer", moved by the charity and love that he is surrounded with - reveals himself and announces that he is donating to charitable organizations. He then writes a stunned staff a large check.

In the local version, Dana and her camera crew went to a Houston Emergency Shelter - the Star of Hope Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Under the guise of taping a program called "a day in the life of a DJ" Dana joined volunteers preparing and serving lunch for about 100 homeless women and children. A few hours later - as the staff was cleaning up - Dana announced that she was so taken by the hard work and dedication of the volunteers that she felt compelled to help out financially as well. She then presented Star of Hope with a $2500 check from the ABC Network.

Watch the "final cut' of this great video: