Homeless Volunteer Work Houston

Our Living a Better Story begins in July 2008. Judy and I were preparing to be on Kairos Prison Ministry Team #1 at Hightower State Prison Ministry in Dayton, Texas. I was the Weekend Leader and needed a few more team members, especially ordained clergy. Rev. Marc Donaldson met Rev. Troy Williams at TDCJ Volunteer Training and put me in touch with Troy who was on staff at Star of Hope Mission in downtown Houston. Troy joined our team and Judy and I became impressed with Troy’s passion and dedication for serving the homeless of our community.

Judy and I assisted Troy and Star of Hope Mission yearly with some of their fundraisers so we are on their mail and email list. We received several emails and mailings from Star of Hope Mission recently requesting financial assistance; the Houston economy was sluggish and their contributions were lagging by about $700,000 from last year.

This is when Judy and I received our Living a Better Story packets.  Judy had a $5 bill in her packet; I had a $20 bill. We prayed for three days for God to show us where He wanted our multiplied money to be used. Confirming circumstances and prayer convinced me that Star of Hope Mission was where God wanted me to invest my fishes and loaves. During our three days of prayer, we received another mailing from Star of Hope Mission requesting financial assistance in providing back to school supplies for the homeless children that live in their shelters. Judy is a retired Second Grade teacher with a heart for helping school children get their required school supplies and back packs; she knew that God wanted her fishes and loaves to go toward school supplies for the homeless children at Star of Hope Mission.

Judy and I decided to pool our $25 rather than doing our projects separately. We came up with a list of friends, co-workers and family members who are not members here at Christ Church. We contacted them, shared our vision and the need at Star of Hope Mission and asked them to participate with us in multiplying God’s money. I sent an email to Rev. Troy Williams to let him know of our fishes and loaves project. He was intrigued and eager to see how God would work for Star of Hope Mission. 

The response was overwhelming! After three weeks of receiving numerous small contributions, our $25 had been multiplied by God into $950.00 with more expected. Judy and I visited Star of Hope with God’s multiplied money. Troy showed Judy and me all three of their facilities in downtown Houston. There is one men’s facility, one short term facility for parents with children and a long term facility for parents with children. The three facilities provide food and shelter for about 1,000 homeless members of the Houston community. All are very clean, well supervised and the spirit of love and compassion was evident everywhere we visited.

We were truly blessed by God in being able to work with Him in providing much needed operating funds and school supplies for some very deserving brothers and sisters.

Thank you Stoney and Judy!

• Donation Drive Coordinator: Organize a drive for needed items at your work, school, church, organization or in your neighborhood.
• Team for Hope: Be a friend on Social Media and help us share stories and needs.
• Prayer Partners: Pray, pray, pray. Enough said!

On Friday, June 18, 2010, Star of Hope Men’s Development Center hosted the Fifth Annual Alumni Fellowship Celebration (AFC). We celebrated the victory of “new lives” in Christ. We celebrated the victory that God has given the alumni over drugs, alcohol, and habitual sin. We celebrated the victory that God has given them as servants of the Gospel of Christ.
 

Men who have satisfied Client Services and Spiritual Recovery Program requirements and now live off SOH property in their own residence are classified as alumni. This year we celebrated their acts of service in the community and within the Star of Hope facilities. Three different awards were given to the alumni who rendered Acts of Service:

• Eleven alumni received the “Redeeming the Time Award” which was given to men who volunteered through ACTS Ministry (Alumni in Community Transformation & Service).
• Five alumni received the “Sowing the Seed Award” which was given to men who taught or preached at the any one of our four Star of Hope locations.
• Eleven alumni received the “Stirring it Up Award” which was given to men who discipled another alumni

 
Private Dale C. shared a brief testimony about how the Star of Hope played a tremendous role in saving his life, changing his life, and redirecting his life. On October 20, 2008, Dale signed up for the Spiritual Recovery Program (SPR). While at the Star of Hope, Dale accepted Christ as his Savior. While sharing his testimony during the fellowship, he said in so many words that his life was going now where fast. After completing the SRP, he left to sign up for the United States Army. Looking back over the last two years, Dale has completed two rigorous programs, the SRP and the Army Boot Camp. Dale talks about how rigorous the SOH and Boot Camp training was. He now knows that he needed both of these painstaking training programs to prepare him to serve his country for Christ.

Dale is a true solider for Christ. Dale entered the doors of the Star of Hope at the tender age of 19 homeless and hopeless. Today he is 22 and has a new home in heaven and hope for a brighter future in Christ. He is a great servant of the Most High, and we love and support him.

In the words of the Apostle Paul, “We give thanks to God always for you all (alumni), making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2-6
 

Visit Christian Ministries Houston to learn more about ACTS, Star of Hope's Alumni Ministry.

It’s probably been a year since we first met perky art consultant, Sheri Hammonds. A dynamic MBA with a gentle, compassionate spirit, Sheri contacted Star of Hope about teaching art classes for our adult clients. Sheri described how she loves “to move paint” and how this creative outlet might help our clients express feelings for which they have no words. 

Since that first meeting, Sheri’s dedication to this project never wavered. When others might have become overwhelmed by the ever-present challenges of a start-up program, Sheri met with artists and recruited volunteers to assist with the classes. Along with her team, Sheri attended workshops on teaching art, as well as our required volunteer orientation. She developed a 7-week curriculum for the classes, located funding sources for art supplies and got a large quantity of supplies donated. And she worked tirelessly with all of us at Star of Hope to ensure each detail was carefully attended. It wasn’t an easy process, but Sheri was committed to the project God placed on her heart. 

Yesterday afternoon, finally, Sheri held her first class for 10 ladies at our Transitional Living Center! Sheri was joined by three more volunteer teachers – Paula, Carol and Lucy. At first, some of the clients were a little anxious and hesitant to try something so new. But Sheri worked beside them, reassuring and encouraging all of the ladies. Soon, everyone was filling large sheets of paper with beautiful colors and sharing moments of fun, laughter and relaxation – as well as a few artistic tips.

Sheri said, “I was particularly moved by one student’s explanation of her drawing, which was a road leading to various paths in her life and stops in her truck.  I also had a great conversation with one student about her heroes in her life. She told me about three people she’d like to have dinner with if she ever had the chance.  This was a wonderful group and they were so glad to be creating and relaxing.”

Like Sheri, you can make a real difference in the lives of Houston’s homeless men, women and children.  Register today to become a Star of Hope volunteer at Community Service Volunteers Houston.

Throughout the community, an exceptional group of young people are learning the skills needed to become our future leaders. These young men and women are part of the Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs. What an honor it is to work with Scouts who select Star of Hope as the site for their Eagle Scout and Girls Scout Gold Award projects!  

The project requirements are stringent. Scouts must submit a comprehensive plan - containing a detailed description of the project, the necessary supplies and materials, how the project will be funded and how the project will benefit Star of Hope - that goes through many levels of approval in the Scout organizations before work can begin. 

This month, Scouts Mark Camero and Kevin Sweat will complete the projects they first proposed last year. Mark designed and is coordinating a team to build shelving units for a storage area at Star of Hope’s Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Kevin designed and is coordinating a team to build a seating area and improve the area around a playground at our Transitional Living Center. Scout Brian Howell is working on a project that will include a new seating area and beautification of an area around Star of Hope’s administration building. From drawing plans to material take-offs, these young men have covered all the bases. Scouts Tyler Barron and Matthew Salazar recently hosted donation drives for pillows, towels, socks and underwear and collected several thousand items! As we work with these young men over many months, nothing is more awesome and inspiring than when the invitation arrives to their Court of Honor ceremonies! 

Girl Scouts Madeline Bowser and Kelsey Pearson developed Gold Award projects that enriched the lives of the elementary-school-age children at our Transitional Living Center. Madeline organized and hosted three fun-filled monthly theme parties and also collected children’s socks and underwear. Kelsey, who lived in China for several years, shared her love for international cultures by organizing and hosting three international festivals that included arts & crafts, food and games. Not only did our children benefit from these unique experiences, Madeline and Kelsey were excellent role models.

In addition to these wonderful young people, Boy Scout leader Shana Montgomery has been a special blessing. While working through the demanding Wood Badge program, which teaches advanced leadership skills, Shana selected Star of Hope for her community service project. She helped get our children ready for summer camp by collecting flip-flops in all colors and sizes. 

We are so proud of our Scouts and grateful for the many ways they bless our mission! Each Scout demonstrates a tremendous work ethic, dedication and compassion for those less fortunate. Their commitment and service truly gives Houston’s homeless men, women and children hope for a better tomorrow.

Summer has officially arrived for the families at Star of Hope’s Women & Family Emergency Shelter and the Transitional Living Center! Thanks to our amazing friends at Key Energy Services, Star of Hope families kicked off a “Summer of Hope” with a fun-packed fajita fiesta!  This was the 4^th year Key Energy has hosted the end-of-school celebration and no detail was overlooked!

This morning, both courtyards at the Transitional Living Center were filled with sombrero-topped smiles, giggles and laughter as our families played carnival games, posed at the photo booth, scored points at the huge, inflatable basketball throw and jumped in the always-popular moonwalk.   Popsicles of every flavor, buttered popcorn and luscious paper cones of pink and blue cotton candy were just a few of the delectable treats. Face painters created custom works of art as they created tigers, butterflies and superheros. Not only were there pony rides, but our families also visited the petting zoo with sheep, billygoats, a brown baby llama and a 45-year-old, 80+ pound box turtle.  

There was even a very special time of pampering and relaxation for our moms, including manicures and chair massages. Make-up artists from Macy’s at Baybrook Mall generously volunteered their time again this year to delight our moms with professional makeovers and goodie bags.

While everyone enjoyed the festivities, a team of Key Energy volunteers took charge of the kitchen to prepare a spectacular feast! At noon, volunteers served fajitas with all the trimmings along with ice cream bars for dessert. Muy delicioso!

We are grateful for the incredible generosity of Key Energy Services and the many hours of creative planning their volunteers spent to make this morning such a whopping success. It gave our families a time to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of the past school year as they shared some south-of-the-border fun. However, the importance and significance of this event reaches far beyond the few hours of today. Many families at Star of Hope don’t have those special, happy memories that bond your family and mine together. Often their lives are filled only with the memories of abuse, addiction, poverty and bad choices. But today that changed. Key Energy volunteers created fabulous memories that will forever bond Star of Hope families together, touch their hearts and give them hope for a better tomorrow! Today was truly a fiesta de esperanza – a Fiesta of Hope!

Give Houston's homeless families hope for a better tomorrow.
Check out our online Volunteer Photo Gallery
Charity Work Houston

“Taking Care of the Way People Live” is more than a catchy advertising slogan for Gables Residential, a company nationally recognized for excellence in the management, development, acquisition and construction of multi-family apartment communities. Last Thursday, Gables Residential shut down their entire Houston operation and sent about 150 enthusiastic, high-energy volunteers to take care of the way families live at Star of Hope’s Transitional Living Center. 

Members of the Gables team spent the day painting 15 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in preparation for new families who would otherwise be homeless, as well as repairing and painting mechanical surrounds. The TLC campus was covered with bright, eye-popping turquoise t-shirts that proclaimed “Volunteering In Progress”. Not only did Gables generously donate the project materials and manpower, but they also donated items our children need for summer camp – duffel bags, flip-flops and towels. 

Throughout the day, my heart was touched by the joy with which the Gables volunteers worked. Here are just a few of the responses I received when I randomly asked volunteers what it meant to be part of Gables Day at Star of Hope:

·         -  “My mother raised three kids on her own….to be able to help other people is important” Rosemary

·         -  “I moved out of my house when I was 16 years old. When I decided to straighten out my life, my family was there for me. I’m glad Star of Hope is here for these families.” Lisa

·        -   “Star of Hope is a place that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of folks who really need it. It is refreshing to see that Star of Hope has kept true to its core mission and values throughout the good times and bad. Truly a great organization!” Ben

·         -  “Volunteering at Star of Hope means giving back in circles.” Sabrina

·         -  “I like helping other people.” Jesus

Would your corporate group like to join Gables Residential in helping Houston’s homeless men, women and children? Visit Community Service Volunteers Houston to get started.

This week we have all been bombarded with advertisements from greeting card companies, florists and jewelers enticing us to find the perfect gift for Mother’s Day.  We’ve seen images of adoring children gathered around mom, sharing moments of fun and laughter. But instead of those perfect family portraits captured by Kodak, just for a moment, imagine being a homeless mom with several small children. You don’t know how you’re going to feed your children or where you will find a safe place for them to curl up and sleep. Stressed and exhausted, you feel like a failure. You have little hope for a better tomorrow until, somehow, you arrive at the Star of Hope Women & Family Emergency Shelter. There, in the midst of your pain and struggles, you find people eager to help you and your children. Not only are needs of your family met, but there is a special Mother’s Day surprise just for you!

Last year, Sue Clark of Houston Gift Rep Group, wanted to honor the moms at our shelter with special Mother’s Day flowers. She found beautiful cream-colored vases trimmed in gold and ordered enough flowers to fill all the vases. Sue even found a florist who allowed her to use their workroom from 9 AM until noon on Saturday. Sue, along with helper Sharon Reese, a tiny lady with a Texas-size heart, worked at a feverish pace all morning. But at noon, there were still many arrangements to be made. It’s so amazing how God works! Business was so good the florist had to stay open. Throngs of customers kept coming until the last arrangement was assembled!

Sue delivered more than 200 beautiful, fragrant, ribbon-tied arrangements to the shelter for the staff to distribute Sunday morning. There were tears of joy and big, happy smiles from all the moms. Some of our moms had never before received flowers from anyone. This was their very first time! Here are some of the comments made by our moms:

·         This is so beautiful, I love it!”

·         “Oh, my, thank you so much!”

·         “Oooh!  You don’t know how much this means to me!  Thank you so much!”

·         “This is lovely, so I get to celebrate Mother’s Day!”

·         “Thank you for the flowers.”

·         “Thank you for making us feel special!”

However, this Mother’s Day story doesn’t end on Sunday. On Monday, a first-time mom came home from the hospital (to a homeless shelter) with precious newborn twins. She didn’t leave the hospital with carts full of flowers, balloon and the other special well wishes that make this time even more exciting. But when she arrived at the Women & Family Emergency Shelter, Sue’s flowers were there to celebrate the very special delivery and her first Mother’s Day!

This year, as an organization, Houston Gift Rep Group has followed Sue’s lead and will again provide Mother’s Day flowers for all of the shelter’s moms. Moms who are struggling through times of crisis will know they are loved, appreciated and valued – not only by their children, but by the One who created us all. And as our moms are surrounded by His love, their hearts will be touched and the lives of their families forever changed.   Happy Mother’s Day!

In the past, when people were homeless, or in an emergency situation such as domestic violence they would find their way to the doors of our shelters where they would be received by open arms and the services that would help improve their circumstances. Our staff were geared towards working those front doors, tending to the crowds in the intake centers and having face to face time with the people who have so many critical needs. These days, with the online world growing rapidly and electronic communication exploding, it seems that more people are calling in for help and/or using our web site to find services. In December of 2009 Star of Hope received 32,000 inbound phone calls. Many of these calls were volunteers and donors who were looking for information on how they could help but most were people seeking services for themselves or desperately seeking help for a loved one. We receive an increasing number emails daily from people who are trying to find help or seeking help for a family or friend.

Exciting news for us. We have been planning a Call Center for the past several months that will help us connect people seeking services with a live voice when they call. A voice that can get them the help they are seeking, someone who can minister to the needy, someone who will pray and guide.

Perhaps the most exciting news about this Call Center project is it will be staffed with volunteers! These volunteers will be trained thoroughly on how to connect our callers to the services they need. 

Please pray for this effort since it will take tremendous resources to be the high impact unit we expect it to be and if you would like to volunteer be on the look out for the posting at High Impact Volunteer Jobs Houston or email me at aholmes@sohmission.org.
 

Although others might disagree, I truly believe the Volunteer Services team has the best jobs at Star of Hope! Every single day, Julie, Billie and I have the privilege of working with people who come to Star of Hope simply because they have a heart to serve. They come as partners in our mission – not wanting anything in return. These amazing people are Star of Hope volunteers!

Our volunteers bring an enormous variety of talents, abilities and skills to the table. Their generous gifts of time, energy, compassion and leadership have touched the lives of Houston’s homeless men, women and children in countless way! As they share special moments of God’s love with our clients, our volunteers are beautiful examples of a servant’s heart and outstanding role models in our community. The difference they make today will continue to impact tomorrow’s history and our world is a much better place because of each volunteer who walks through our doors.

Albert Schweitzer once said, “Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light.”

For many of our clients, the light was extinguished long ago as they struggled through pain, addictions, tragic circumstances, and sometimes, bad choices. Their world was pretty dark, bleak and hopeless and they often felt invisible.  But at Star of Hope, clients discover they were created for a unique purpose by a loving Heavenly Father, and as a child of the King, their lives have value and worth. As volunteers partner in our ministry, they help rekindle the light in another human being. Lights that have gone out are blown into flame by their love and compassion.

This is National Volunteer Week and a time to pay special tribute to all of our volunteers. The national theme, Celebrating People in Action, exemplifies the enthusiastic response of our volunteers as they have eagerly reached out to help those in need for more than 100 years.

On behalf of Star of Hope’s Board of Trustees, staff and clients, I would like to express our deepest thanks and gratitude to each of our volunteers. What you do matters and makes a lasting difference in the lives of others – you rekindle the light, touch hearts and inspire our clients to become successful members of our community. Thank you for all of the many ways you bless all of us. We pray God will richly bless your participation in this ministry today and always.
 

Get involved. Visit Houston Volunteer Opportunities.
 

Easter always brings back the memory of a time when I was a little girl, sitting in the church pew with my parents, listening to the choir perform songs about the risen Christ. But one man in particular, always had me riveted to my seat. His voice was so deep and rich that the lyrics seemed to swell over the organ, especially when he sang, Were You There When They Crucified My Lord? Something about that song always went right through my small frame. It was my first recognition of the awful beauty of His gift.

All these years later, I recognize that beauty which comes from agony, again, in the faces of our clients, at Star of Hope, whether the Men's Development Center, the Women and Family Emergency Shelter, or the Transitional Living Center. They have endured painful—often terrible times, their losses are acute, and the harsh realities of their circumstances can be seen in their eyes. They have had to be courageous in ways most of us cannot imagine. But Easter comes for them just as it came for Jesus. In this Christ-centered community, the Lord extends His nail-pierced hands to help homeless men, women, and children rise up from the pain, the past and fear of the future, and walk in the hope that is blood-bought, indelible, and available. Through our wonderful donors, volunteers, and advocates, the gift of Christ is at work at Star of Hope in the programs offered and the extraordinary staff who love our clients unconditionally.  And it is beautiful to behold. 
 

Learn more about Star of Hope's life-changing ministries by visiting Supporting Houston Ministries

There’s no one on the Star of Hope staff I respect more than those who work each day on the front lines with our clients! I am always in awe of the tremendous care, compassion and empathy they have for all of the hurting men, women and children God sends through our doors! Clients come to Star of Hope burdened and weighted down with the worries and stresses of homelessness. But thanks to our committed program staff, those struggling through difficult times soon learn there is indeed hope for a better tomorrow. Sometimes that means teaching our clients how to relax and have some fun!

This afternoon, I looked out the window just in time to see the director of our Transitional Living Center, Michelle Alexander, stringing up a net for an impromptu game of volleyball with ladies from the Personal Development class. Not only did Michelle put up the net, she demonstrated an awesome serve. And then, she became the cheerleader. Michelle wasn’t afraid to be "real" and act a little goofy as she gave shout-outs to both teams. As the ball flew back and forth across the net, it was an amazing, spontaneous time of fun, laughter and fellowship. I don’t know if they kept score, but this afternoon, all of the ladies were certainly winners!  My only regret....not having a camera handy!

My  family and I had a great Spring Break this past week, so glad to have time together and no homework!  Have you ever wondered what Spring Break might be like for a homeless teenager living in a shelter?  Well, here’s what Star of Hope’s teenagers did last week.  Below is a short summary by Chad Smith, one of Star of Hope’s Teen Ministers, of the fun and educational week they had together with our “Stars of 2Morrow”:

“To summarize what we did for spring break, Tuesday morning we went to Carino’s Restaurant. One of the servers took them on a tour of a working restaurant. They were able to meet all of the staff of Carino’s and ask questions. After that, they went to the tables and made their own personal pizzas starting from the dough adding any topping they wanted. Then, of course, when they finished the pizzas, they baked them and ate them! It was a lot of fun."
 
"Wednesday morning we took them to the University of Houston and met up with the soccer team staff and a few of the players. They told us about the athletic department in the University of Houston and then they gave us a tour of the facilities where the athletes train and play. At the end of the tour, the staff answered more questions and then they gave us U of H t-shirts. On Wednesday evening, the teens went to the Rodeo. The seats were amazing and the food was incredible (hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken fried steak). They were able to see the cowboys lasso the bulls and other typical rodeo events followed by the musical performance of Gary Allen. Overall the teens had an amazing day."

"The neat thing about Wednesday is I have a 13 year old girl who loves soccer and has wanted to do nothing this month but go to the rodeo. And she has diligently tried to go with family or friends, but with no success. And let’s just say Wednesday was a very special day for her. She was able to interact with the UofH soccer team and then head to Rodeo for an amazing evening! It was kind of a dream come true for her."

"Friday, we took the teens on a hiking trip. They love those trips and they are always so surprised the places you can get good exercise around the city."

"Saturday evening they went to a Hope for Youth event where they enjoyed barbecue and fellowship with other teens and volunteers from Second Baptist. So that was our eventful spring break."

We are very thankful for Chad and our Teen Team, and especially thank the very special sponsor organizations mentioned above, and so many of you in our community who offer your time and resources to positively impact the lives of our Clients!

Looking back on 2009 probably makes us all a little jittery, as we remember the uncertainty we have experienced individually and collectively, due to the economic downturn.  But I hope you feel the same satisfaction and excitement that I feel, knowing that, in spite of the difficulties, God moved in dramatic ways to touch and change the lives of thousands of homeless men, women, and children, living at Star of Hope.  It was a year of abundant blessing for our Clients, with new records of service being given through our ministries around town, resulting in many great outcomes.

Did you know we served a record 6,319 individual clients during 2009?  Among other new records are total meals served…668,385, up 24% from 2008, night stays at 295,921, up 9%, clients finding independent housing up 17%, adults enrolled off-site in school or job training at 815, up 19%, clients graduating from a Star of Hope program up 44%, and the list goes on!

THANK YOU HOUSTON, for your generous support: for volunteering and contributing your time, resources, and monetary gifts, on behalf of our brothers and sisters who were suffering.  THANK YOU for letting God use you to work in the lives of those whom He has brought our way.
 
Most importantly, that 6,319 number is not just a statistic, it’s people of all ages in our community who were in crisis and needed an intervention, immediate needs met, and a loving environment in which to plan a new future.  And along the way, Star of Hope saw a total of 5,332 of these precious ones surrender their lives to Christ, and commit to live for Him.

Every client has his or her own story, but I thought you might want to take a look at this one, because it is representative of so many stories, that sum up 2009….what it’s like to be homeless unexpectedly, and how it feels:


   
So as we begin 2010, please remember, whatever our own struggles, that God is doing great things at the Star of Hope, and YOU are needed to partner with us in His service here!
 

Learn more about giving your time by visiting Community Service Volunteers Houston or give an online gift today at Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston.

What an amazing week we just experienced here in Houston… with below freezing nights, stores out of stock of insulation and heating equipment… as everyone rushed to prepare their homes for the cold.

But warm hearts abounded, as hundreds of Houstonians felt touched to reach out and help our Homeless population find shelter and warmth. Star of Hope’s two emergency shelters ramped up to sleep hundreds more on the floor, safe and warm from the weather and streets. Houston’s media organizations spread the news of the need for more blankets, sleeping bags, gloves and socks… and our great city responded!

The individual stories abound… family after family, companies, individuals, deciding to make a difference, and bringing carloads of these items to the Star of Hope.  Some went to multiple retailers to find items when they encountered stores that were sold out. One donor who wanted to help was sick at home with the flu and just couldn’t get out, so he went online and made an emergency gift through our website to help the cause financially!
 
Our “Love in Action” van was out several times every day handing out blankets, sleeping bags, socks, sandwiches and drinks to those on the streets, and bringing in all who were willing to take shelter.  And though our rooms were all occupied, everything worked smoothly for the 100+ men, women, and children in overflow, sleeping on the floor each night on mats and sleeping bags so many of you brought. Once inside, they were fed hot meals, shown God’s love… and hopefully given new Hope!

One member of the media, Susan O’Donnell of KSBJ, spent Saturday afternoon touring Star of Hope facilities and riding in the Love In Action Van; and was profoundly moved.  She saw staffer Charles Williams "putting the gloves on Jesus’ hands." And she spoke frequently on the radio over the weekend and Monday about her experiences. After looking in their eyes and hearing their stories, she stated she’d never think of them the same again, when she encounters one of these precious ones on the streets. Ones whom our Lord loves, and asks us to serve!

Thank you Susan, and each and every one of you great Houston folks, members of the media, donors, volunteers, and prayer partners… your Warm Houston Hearts made a difference in the lives of so many this past week!

Want to know more about how you can help those you encounter on the streets?  Click on wecarehouston.org and see how you can help!
 

Catch up on other Star of Hope news in our News Room at Help The Homeless Houston.

 

I love Christmas time! And I love seeing live Nativity scenes in local church front lawns, during the week just before Christmas. It always brings my thoughts back to God’s incredible plan for us. Do you see it? God’s profound message to me every time I see a manger is that He loves us without any of our pretenses, things or earthly treasures. He loves us as He loves His Son, Jesus, whom He sent to be born without a home, things or earthly treasures — or even a bed to rest in on His first night on this earth! Such a little Manger, but God used it to change the world, reveal His Plan for Mankind and change history forever.

Well, when Star of Hope began over 100 years ago, it was like that little manger: a small, unpretentious place where men in our city who had lost their way in life and were struggling with addictions, sin, and bad choices -- or just hard luck, could come and find healing, refuge and Hope. Such a little Mission, and look at what God has done with this Ministry over the past century! Star of Hope now serves nearly 1,000 homeless men, women and children every day. Our focus is still the same as God’s focus was 2000 years ago, in that Bethlehem manger... to shine the Light of The World, Jesus Christ, into the lives of those He came to seek and to save.

You can go by the live Nativity scenes around town and be reminded of the Baby Jesus’ birth this Christmas. You can also come and be a shepherd in the Star of Hope “Manger”, and help bring His Life and Light into the lives of many who desperately need Him today! Come and join us during this season or in the New Year with your heart, time, talents and gifts… and be a part of the work that God is doing for the least and lost in Houston!

Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth, Peace, Goodwill toward Men!

Get involved and share your time and talents at Volunteer Programs Houston.
Visit Supporting Houston Ministries to donate online, provide current needs and prepare us for another strong year of ministry in 2010.