I’ve been sharing with you and with our community since June about the unusual trends we’re seeing this summer, as hundreds more families have been coming to Star of Hope’s Women & Family Emergency Shelter and others throughout the city, in crisis and in need of help.
So far this year, we at Star of Hope have served 50,000 more meals than we did during the same months last year, and that was a record year for Star of Hope, with over 668,000 meals served! This emergency shelter has been full every night this summer, and in addition, has had large numbers of "overnighters" sleeping on the floor. We have worked hard to serve them well, and you have helped with additional donations and volunteer hours to meet the demands. We are so grateful for your partnership and help!
As I write to you today, we are still experiencing unusually high overflow crowds of 90–100 people each night, double what we say during Hurricane Katrina. As you know, Star of Hope does not turn anyone away, unless they present as violent. These families’ and single women’s stories mostly center around the economy, fleeing of abuse, or the end of "doubling up" situations they have been in where they have shared an apartment or home with another family, and have worn out their welcome.
We seek your prayers for the thousands of individuals homeless in Houston this summer, who are having an especially difficult time with full shelters, difficult job prospects, babies’ and children’s needs, in the absence of any financial resources. We also seek your prayers for Star of Hope Staff, who have the best intentions to serve and help, but are finding this unusually extended economically-driven crisis especially challenging!
If you feel God leading you to help us in some specific way, please respond to this blog or send an email to info@sohmission.org to discuss further.
While the warm breeze blows in from the Gulf of Mexico on another HOT day in Texas...these men are grateful. They are continuing their journey of HOPE... together!!
Most of these six men entered Star of Hope's Men's Development Center (Drug Rehab Centers Houston) and did so "just in time." Some were on their way to an early grave; some had already been in prison and were on the verge of going back; and, all were tired of their lives and wanted something different.
Houston Emergency Shelter gives men, women and families HOPE. Whether it is drug abuse, family alienation, or our country's declining economy--Star of Hope shelters and programs are there to see that Hope Floats Up!
These men have their own apartments again--some for TWO years now! Charitable Donations Houston allow them the ability to have their own homes while still getting some encouragement and accountability in their lives. The Star of Hope New Horizons Program encourages these men to carve out a community of Christ-followers and lift each other up as they learn how to live these NEW lives.
Derrick Jones, New Horizons Community Pastor, used these words to describe the day (he went with them):
“After testimonies, bible study and prayer, it was time for us to travel to Kemah, Texas for recreational fun. We arrived in Kemah and ate a wonderfully delicious sea food buffet at the Lighthouse Buffet on the Kemah Boardwalk. After absolutely stuffing ourselves, we stood by the bay and watched as countless boats, yachts, catamarans, and jet skies went out into the Gulf waters. We listened to live music that was really relaxing and soothing to the weary soul. We progressed on and watched several magic, dance, and variety shows by extremely gifted entertainers. By this time, we were worn out by the day’s activities and events, and decided to return home. The men had a great time. After living lives that that never afforded them the opportunity to really enjoy life, these men who have given their lives to Christ had the chance to enjoy and appreciate God’s creation. They were greatly encouraged by the camaraderie that was forged on August 7, 2010. It was a great day to be a man – a man saved by the precious blood of Jesus Christ and in fellowship with other saved men!”
Hope Floats Up--even on the Kemah Boardwalk!! Praise God.
What would you say if you had the opportunity to share a few words of encouragement with a child receiving care at Star of Hope? This is an opportunity for you to do just that.
Next month children from Women & Family Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living Center and New Horizons will head back to school. Thanks to the generous support of friends and donors, every one of these children will step onto the bus and into their classroom with everything they need to succeed. New school uniforms, new shoes and a backpack full of supplies!
You can add to their excitement and joy by writing a short note of encouragement for the school age childrenat Star of Hope. Please take a moment and “Leave a comment” on this blog. We will print your note, along with others we receive, and give them to the children before the first day of school.
Thanks for caring and making a difference in these children's lives!
School Donations Houston: Ways to get involved and help a child succeed: - Send a note of encouragement to a child on this blog. - If you receive our July Newsletter in the mail, write a note on the enclosed backpack tag and send it back to us. - Donate financially to provide needed items and continued care throughout the school year. - Coordinate a drive for school supplies or other urgent needs. - Spread the word! Tell your friends about all of these opportunities to change a child’s life.
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 4th 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!
I spent some time last week editing a video that we are producing for Star of Hope's HR department. As I listened to my colleagues talk about what brought them to Star of Hope and how God is using their skills and talents, I found myself feeling... grateful... and thankful. Watching, I remembered back to my first days around the Mission.
Catherine Taylor, VP of Human Resources, was the first person I met and interviewed with. She was the first who explained to me the depth of the programs offered here.
I joined Marilyn Fountain, Director of Community Relations, for a Graduation at our Transitional Living Center. After the celebration, she look me on a tour of the facility. It was an eye opener! I had volunteered at Women & Family Emergency Center several times, but didn't know anything about Star of Hope's Substance Abuse Recovery Program for women... New Hope. I remember how impressed I was when I learned about GED/ABE Training, Personal Development, Career Development and more.
Then there is Dick Druary, Director of Men's Development Center, who walked me through MDC, explaining the ministry and programs offered to the homeless men of Houston. As he told me about the first time he preached at Star of Hope as a teen, I remembered back to my first visit as a teen and playing guitar at a chapel service.
Back to the video... it will be completed in a few weeks. Until then, take a look at our Career Page at Christian Ministries Houston and consider a career with a ministry in Houston, that truly offers help, hope and life to the homeless in our community.
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.
We've all seen pizza delivery vehicles. Most of the time its somebody's personal car with a flag or a magnetic sign. But on March 30th Little Caesars' Love Kitchen pulled up in front of the Star of Hope's Transitional Living Center and was immediately the talk of the community.
Everyone was excited to know that it was pizza for dinner for our hundreds of guests, and in the past this event was preceded by a parade of staff members carrying leaning towers of pizza boxes into the kitchen. But this night was different. The mobile walk - in "Love Kitchen" parked in our driveway and the staff began to prepare the meal.
The pizza kitchen on wheels travels across the United States and Canada meeting the needs of the hungry, the homeless and disaster survivors. Its great to see a national franchise with a local heart. What I like best about this program is that in each city they visit, the company recruits staff from the local stores to cook and distribute to the less fortunate and needy. This program is good on so many levels.
The pizza party? It was a HUGE success both for the clients and Little Caesars' staff. Parents and kids got to relax and feast on their favorite toppings for hours.
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.
I remember Easter time when I was growing up here in Houston. My mom and grandmother would take me shopping for the perfect new dress, complete with all the matching accessories, to wear to church on Easter morning. Oh, my goodness! Dressing rooms filled with possibilities and girl-time I will never forget. But most of the moms who come to Star of Hope are worried about a safe place for their children to sleep and finding food to fill aching bellies. Their thoughts are not on a trip to the mall, but survival.
So I can hardly wait for all of the little girls at our Women & Family Emergency Shelter and our Transitional Living Center to get home from school today! Thanks to our friends with Houston Gift Rep Group, there’s a very special surprise waiting for the little girls at both facilities – new Easter dresses!
Last year, Houston Gift Rep Group kicked-off a wonderful new partnership with Star of Hope by purchasing Easter dresses and hair accessories for the little girls at the Women & Family Emergency Shelter. When the girls saw all the dresses and tried on everything for the first time, there were lots of excited giggles, glowing smiles and twinkling eyes. Sunday morning, they left for church feeling very pretty and very special in their brand new outfits. Not only did they celebrate Resurrection Sunday at church, but each little girl personally experienced the outpouring of Christ’s love through this generous gesture. One of our staff members, Meka Thompson, remembers girls who wore their dresses for days after Easter, not wanting to take them off, not wanting the moment to end.
Houston Gift Rep Group members have hearts the size of Texas and this year asked to include the little girls at our Transitional Living Center. This morning, Sam Bowman and Brenda Purser delivered almost 100 dresses and hair accessories. Brenda said, “EVERY little girl should have a new dress for Easter!”
So this afternoon will definitely be a time filled with wonder and excitement as our little girls see their new dresses and get ready for the most special Easter ever. And I continued to be grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who sends special friends, like Houston Gift Rep Group, our way.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in….” Matthew 25:35
Assisting in the kitchen is one of our most requested volunteer jobs and a favorite of both long-term and one-time volunteers. Kitchen volunteers do everything from assist with food preparation and set-up to serving the meals and clean-up. There are always plenty of other jobs that need volunteer attention, such as keeping the pantry, coolers and freezers organized.
Last Saturday, Chevron’s Black Employee Network kicked off their partnership with Star of Hope by assisting with lunch at our Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Volunteers were busy peeling potatoes and cutting up fries, assembling veggie stacks for the burgers and cooking a very special treat – homemade fudge. A few volunteers even brought their heavy jackets and gloves to help get the freezer ready for the large grocery order that would arrive Monday morning. At lunchtime, these volunteers waited tables and served the shelter’s guests restaurant-style. What a blessing it was for moms and dads with little ones not to worry about balancing serving trays!
Thursday, the University of Houston’s Head Women’s Soccer Coach, Susan Bush, was behind the serving line at our Transitional Living Center to assist with dinner. Susan brought Assistant Coach Eric Quill, her dad and sister along to help. A group of our teens got very excited when they realized they were talking with coaches from a collegiate athletic program. Not only was dinner served with welcoming smiles and encouraging words, Coach Bush and Coach Quill were excellent role models and made college seem a little more real for our teens.
Volunteers who assist in the kitchens each week are a special blessing, like students from Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart. For about the last 10 years, high school seniors from Duchesne have faithfully served lunch each week, September through May, at both our Men’s Development Center and our Women & Family Emergency Shelter. These young women are a breath of fresh air with their high energy and enthusiasm for helping those who struggling through difficult times.
We serve 3 meals a day, 365 days a year, at all three facilities, and are always grateful for volunteers with a heart for our mission! Check out this and other exciting Star of Hope volunteer opportunities at Community Volunteer Opportunities Houston.
I met Wendi and her daughters in June 2008. This was around the time they first arrived at Star of Hope’s Women and Family Emergency Shelter. On this particular day volunteers from Westin Hotels catered a meal and threw a big party for the families at the shelter.
Wendi and her family soon moved from the Emergency Center and into the Star of Hope Transitional Living Center for Women and Families. Wendi received help for substance abuse and through our other programs learned to build a stronger family. Read Wendi’s story and watch a short video in our January Interactive Newsletter.
One of the many ways you can help homeless men or women you may meet is to give them something for their immediate needs... a bottle of water, a granola bar and directions to a shelter. Consider carrying a We Care Package in your car. Several suggested package lists for both homeless on the streets and those already receiving care at Star of Hope are available at WeCareHouston.org.
In the video Hank Rush, President and CEO of Star of Hope Mission, speaks about how his family uses We Care Packages:
Get the package content lists and print directions to our Houston Emergency Centers at WeCareHouston.org.
While more fortunate kids are planning “sleepovers” and getting ready for the new school year, last Sunday 30 children along with their parents slept on mats at our downtown Women & Family Emergency Shelter… a total of 88 people in all.
Our rooms were all full – but we were able to accommodate them on the floor.We try never to turn anyone away. With these guests, we had 388 people in this one shelter alone. Almost half of those were children eighteen and under… most of them were under twelve. I am always touched most by the children, as they are the innocent, ultimate victims of homelessness. Many of them do not know what “normal” childhood is all about.
I am comforted and joyful to add, however, that in the daytime our House of Hope children’s facility provides childcare and activities for these kids. It’s such a great place and everything seems “normal” for those inside! That’s our goal: to allow the children of the homeless families we serve to play, learn, enjoy nourishing meals and experience love like any child in a normal situation does. I love walking through the halls and hearing the sounds of laughter and happiness. These “Kids in Crisis” finally have a normal routine. The dreams of camp and school replace nightmares and fear.
But our city has a long way to go with families in need and there are so many now. The economic situation that is gripping our nation increasingly affects Houston. We see it more and more every day.
As you may know, Star of Hope reaches out to about 1,000 homeless men, women and children EVERY DAY through the combined effort of our Men’s Development Center, Transitional Living Center, New Horizons program and Women & Family Emergency Shelter.
Thank you for your support and prayers as God works through our staff to repair these broken families!
Hopefully, your home air conditioner is holding out ok in all this heat. But what if you didn’t even have a home? Can you imagine what it is like to be homeless, hot, on the streets or living out of a car, and unable to find relief?
June 21 was the first day of summer this year, and already Houston is experiencing record heat on a daily basis. With no rain in the past 30 days, and more heat to come, it looks like we are in for a challenging summer!
So how does the Star of Hope’s downtown Women and Family Emergency Shelter and Men’s Development Center help the homeless to survive these conditions?
First, our doors are open to all to escape the heat, 24 hours a day. We do not turn anyone away. Our first priority is to care for the men, women, and children who come to us for help, address their immediate needs, which include food, water, clothing and a nice, hot shower, and show them the love of Jesus Christ in the process.
Second, we support our clients in their time of distress with individual counseling, case-management assistance, child care, and encouragement as they search for permanent housing, employment, and in some cases, longer term development programs for their specific needs.
Third, we supplement our services with partner agency referrals for specific health concerns, job opportunities, bus tickets for those living outside the Houston area, and transportation to other resource centers, through Project Access.
And last but not least, during seasons when the heat index is dangerous, we counsel them on how much time to spend outdoors, especially when there are children involved. Our Women & Family Center is an emergency shelter, with a limited time of occupancy, so our goal from day one is to help them explore and achieve employment, safe housing, and any other medical or emotional care they may need.
While the warm breeze blows in from the Gulf of Mexico on another HOT day in Texas...these men are grateful. They are continuing their journey of HOPE... together!!
What would you say if you had the opportunity to share a few words of encouragement with a child receiving care at Star of Hope? This is an opportunity for you to do just that.
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.
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. 
We've all seen pizza delivery vehicles. Most of the time its somebody's personal car with a flag or a magnetic sign. But on March 30th 
moment to end.
Last Saturday, Chevron’s Black Employee Network kicked off their partnership with Star of Hope by assisting with lunch at our 
I met Wendi and her daughters in June 2008. This was around the time they first arrived at Star of Hope’s 
While more fortunate kids are planning “sleepovers” and getting ready for the new school year, last Sunday 30 children along with their parents slept on mats at our downtown Women & Family Emergency Shelter… a total of 88 people in all.
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