Homeless Volunteer Work 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

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.

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.

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.

When the Only Way to Look Is UP

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 by Hank Rush

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!

Donate now to help with the extra summer time costs we’re incurring.
Give today at Supporting Houston Homeless Shelters

Find other ways to serve at Volunteer Opportunities Houston – Star of Hope Mission

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.

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

Great Testimony - What God Does at Star of Hope

Thursday, April 28, 2011 by John Mills

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--- Marquette

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

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

Star of Hope Volunteers Touch Hearts & Change Lives!

Thursday, April 28, 2011 by Elizabeth Hatler

Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am so glad you gave.

Many of us are familiar with the beautiful Ray Boltz song, Thank You For Giving To The Lord. But here in my office, the song’s meaning becomes far more profound as the lyrics are brought to life by those who were formerly homeless.

My phone rings and I am greeted by a strong, confident voice on the other end. The caller explains that she was once a client at Star of Hope. Perhaps she was homeless as a child and lived at Star of Hope with her family. Or maybe it’s been only a few short years since she was a homeless adult. But life has dramatically changed since leaving our mission. There is now a home. A job. A steady income. Stability. The pain and bondage of homelessness have been broken, and what was once tragic, is now a life filled with joy, hope, peace and happiness. So on this day, she is calling to volunteer, to find a way to give back for the help she received. But what strikes me most is the end of her story. The reason she wants to give back as a volunteer is because it was a Star of Hope volunteer who touched her heart and inspired her to change!

In the years I have worked at Star of Hope, I have received similar phone calls from a number of former clients. Each time, I am reminded of the impact our volunteers make on the lives of those who are struggling through dark, difficult times. Regardless of the specific jobs with which volunteers assist, their presence brings new hope to our clients and is a tangible demonstration of Christ’s love. Volunteers remind our clients that they have real worth and value as people; that they are important to others; and that better days are indeed ahead. As I hear over and over from former clients, the investment of time and energy, love and compassion made by our volunteers can have powerful, life-changing results!

As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, on behalf of each client whose life has been touched and forever changed by a Star of Hope volunteer, “Thank you for giving to the Lord, we are the lives that were changed! Thank you for giving to the Lord, we are so glad you gave!”

Discover how you can get involved with Star of Hope Mission to touch hearts and change lives. Visit Volunteer Opportunities Houston today!

A Portrait for Mom!

Thursday, April 28, 2011 by Hank Rush

portrait from Trees of Hope Mother's Day event

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Honor of Zan

Tuesday, April 19, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

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

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

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

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

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

Zan , thank you for giving hope to others.

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

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

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

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.

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:

Learn more about Star of Hope Mission and Homeless Services Houston

Because You Love

Thursday, February 17, 2011 by Hank Rush

“Star of Hope in Houston Texas, You're truly changing lives, not with lip service but with hope, love & opportunity, amazing job. Thank You!” @LeighAnneTuohy

These words were posted on Twitter last Saturday by LeighAnne Tuohy, following Star of Hope’s Annual “Because You Love” Banquet the night before. It was our best attended banquet ever with 1700+ donors, corporate sponsors and community partners in attendance. Sean and LeighAnne Tuohy, the couple who inspired the movie “The Blind Side”, were our guest speakers.

This week, we are hearing stories from those in attendance who were touched in a special way by the evening’s activities. We always work to educate and inspire. We want to educate folks on what homelessness is, who it is currently affecting in Houston, and how they can help. And we seek to inspire through videos and live testimonies of clients of Star of Hope… who have seen their lives completely turned around by the power of God’s love and by the opportunity they receive to start a new life while at Star of Hope.

The number of homeless families in our community doubled in just one year, from 2009 to 2010. With your help in 2010:

Star of Hope’s family of ministries graduated 46% more clients from our programs
44% more completed and were awarded high school equivalency GEDs
40% more Clients found jobs, than in 2009
We also were excited to announce that during 2010 we saw 629 households restored into independent living in the Houston community

All of this could not have been done without YOU, “The Star of Hope Family”…our donors, volunteers, church friends, partner service providers and corporate supporters.

Thanks for all you do in the many individual ways you serve along side of us at Star of Hope. And if you’d like more information, visit www.sohmission.org right now and find out how you can become involved in this exciting ministry in our city!

Get involved with Star of Hope Mission at Philanthropy Houston and Volunteer Jobs Houston.

The 2011 NCAA Final Four Tournament Is Coming to Star of Hope!

Monday, February 14, 2011 by Elizabeth Hatler

Excitement is building as we head toward March Madness and Houston prepares to host the NCAA Final Four Tournament! Not only will there be lots of memorable, action-filled college basketball, but also special outreaches to those in our community who are less fortunate…..and the kick-off is at Star of Hope!

Feed the Hungry will distribute food to 1,750 Houston-area families during tournament week and donate 250 boxes of food to Star of Hope Mission. A tractor trailer will roll into our Storehouse on March 14^th,loaded down with boxes and pallets of food. We need 20 volunteers, age 18 or older, each day on Tuesday & Wednesday, March 15^th & 16^th, from 9 AM – 3 PM for to assemble and fill 750 boxes.

Through a partnership with Samaritan’s Feet, the tournament will give away 2011 pairs of shoes…..and the first 300 pairs will be given to clients at the Star of Hope Women & Family Emergency Shelter. What an awesome experience as volunteers wash and put a clean pair of socks on the feet of each client before they are fitted with new shoes and receive a care pack filled with toiletry items. Through these gestures of kindness and compassion, our clients will learn about their value and worth as individuals; that others care about them; and that better days are ahead. We need more than 80 volunteers, age 21 or older, working shifts from Noon – 7 PM on Monday, March 28^th, to unload and set-up, wash feet, change water, greet, clean-up, and be runners.

Don’t miss out on this tremendous opportunity to participate in the 2011 NCAA Final Four Tournament! All volunteers will receive a commemorative 2011 NCAA Final Four t-shirt.

Sign-up today by contacting Elizabeth Hatler at ehatler@sohmission.org or 713-440-5322.

Find other ways to get involved and help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope today at Volunteer Opportunities Houston.

25 Degrees in Houston

Thursday, February 3, 2011 by Hank Rush

It doesn’t come often, but we’re all finding ourselves in 25 degree weather and on our own “Cold Weather Alert” this week! Heavy coats, covered plants, rolling power outages…and rain and snow on the way before the weekend. Just a short walk from our car to the door for us...but can you imagine what it’s like for those who are on the streets?

Star of Hope is here for the homeless of Houston, and despite our own rolling power outages, our staff is working hard to accommodate and help the overflow crowds who are coming in for help. This is a great opportunity for us to introduce them to the many programs and services that can help them turn their lives around, and begin again. Take a look at some of the efforts that are underway!

We are grateful for the men and women who have made the decision to seek shelter and hope in our facilities, but our hearts are still with the ones on the streets tonight who have not yet reached out to Star of Hope.

Learn more about how you can help Houston's homeless men, women and children with Star of Hope Mission. Visit:
- Donation Opportunities Houston
- Volunteer Opportunities Houston
- Urgent and Ongoing Needs

Technology and Innovation

Friday, January 21, 2011 by Andrew Holmes

I would like to cover some technology topics in this blog as it relates to charities and missions. Before an organization of any size can leverage technology successfully I believe first and foremost in today’s economy an organization has to promote a culture of innovation and change. The traditional model of growth, especially in the not-for-profit world, addresses growing complexities of operations and increasing amount of activity by adding labor dollars to the budget and beginning the burdensome process of hiring and retaining employees. Now, employees are great, and most of us are in the “people helping” business so it requires dedicated staff to minister to the needs of your population. The issues arise when we take these people and have them spend much of their time doing task that support processes that have not been looked at carefully with an eye for technology and innovation.

The first step to change is identifying what is happening now. When you ask for a report from one of your programs, how does it get produced? Do your case workers and counselors have to gather post-it notes , interpret a volunteers handwriting, and work all night to make something look pretty and hopefully close to accurate? Or do they click a button and send you a link to a report that’s easily read and customizable? Its important to identify how things get done.

It would be worth it, if you haven't done it in a while, to set aside 2011 to document what is going on. Start with the core departments like finance, development and work your way to the maintenance department. Once things are identified the proverbial low hanging fruit will stand out and you can make simple changes that have a high impact. Eventually you will want someone, be it a volunteer, a group of grad students that are working on a project or a hired professional to help you identify the innovative changes you need to make that will help you spend your precious payroll dollars wisely.

Here are some helpful links
Technology for non-profits www.techsoup.org
Documenting your processes http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/library/ar-procdoc/

Learn more about Star of Hope Mission at Volunteer Jobs Houston or Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston

Why Volunteer at Star of Hope?

Thursday, January 13, 2011 by Elizabeth Hatler

Why do people throughout our community volunteer at Star of Hope? Just ask Ann, a retired social worker, about the benefits of volunteering.

Ann began volunteering in the Computer Learning Center at our Transitional Living Center in 2005. Although she loved helping clients who were eager to learn new computer skills, the timing just didn’t fit with Ann’s busy schedule. She moved to our Women & Family Emergency Shelter where she has been assisting with intake and referrals for our overnight guests ever since. Here’s an e-mail she sent to Latasha Smith, the CLC instructor with whom she worked:

Hi Latasha,

Those lessons you taught me in Excel have come in handy. I am using Excel for a project that I am helping with at the Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Thanks for showing me how to do that! I guess you can count me as another Excel success! I would not know what to do at all without the lessons you gave me.

Blessings,
Ann

A flexible schedule and the opportunity to learn new skills are only two of the benefits that volunteering at Star of Hope can add to your life as you partner with us to serve Houston’s homeless men, women and children.

Learn more at Community Service Houston