Houston Emergency Shelter

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.

Give Us This Day, Our Daily Bread

Thursday, November 3, 2011 by Hank Rush

There are only a few weeks now until Thanksgiving and whatever plans we are making, they most certainly will include a gathering event focused on food! Fortunately for most of us, we’ve never really had to wonder where our next meal, or our Thanksgiving meal, was coming from.

Recently, a mother and her three teenage children staying at our Women and Family Emergency Shelter expressed deep gratitude for the meals provided by our generous supporters. She was moved to tears when talking about the compassionate care they were receiving at our Shelter.

She told us that before coming to Star of Hope, they were literally starving. One night, her three children shared one can of tuna fish, while she had to go without food. They decided to come for help, and she was so grateful to have good food for her kids and herself!

This Thanksgiving…when you pray the Lord’s Prayer and ask God to give you your daily bread, why not also include a prayer for families who you are helping feed during this holiday season? You can make a tremendous difference in the lives of families like this mom and her three teens, by giving what you can to provide meals to them.

Every year at this time, we are amazed and humbled to see how God uses so many of us in our community to come together to feed and care for our neighbors in need. Join us now, by making a gift and include them in your hearts and prayers during the Thanksgiving holidays.

Blessings to you and yours this Thanksgiving!

Give today and help Houston's homeless men, women and children with Star of Hope.
Visit Food Donation Houston.

Things We’re Thankful For

Friday, October 21, 2011 by Hank Rush

Thanksgiving is a time we all count our blessings, and I want you to know that hundreds of Star of Hope’s residents and graduates are thanking God for you!

In our special Thanksgiving edition of The Light, we’ve included some heartfelt thank-yous from three ladies whose lives were completely transformed by the food, shelter, spiritual support and long-term care you help provide . . . like Michelle.

Michelle arrived at Star of Hope in deep grief after the loss of her mother. For a while, she’d tried to “medicate” that grief with addiction, but she knew that could only lead to more heartbreak, so she humbly asked for help at our Women & Family Emergency Shelter downtown.

With homelessness on the rise among Houston families, we didn’t have a room for her right away, but Michelle was grateful just to sleep on a clean “overflow” mat for a few days. She knew it was the first step to stability. You won’t want to miss her inspiring words about her journey . . . or the other stories and photos of lives you’ve changed.

Thank you for being part of stories like Michelle’s through your ongoing support and prayers. These are difficult days for many in our city, and your help really matters!

Read Star of Hope's October edition of The Light and share it with your friends!

Discover ways to give with Star of Hope Mission.
Visit Donating to Charitable Organizations Houston.

Faith & Hope Are Alive This Summer

Thursday, August 25, 2011 by Hank Rush

About two months ago, an 11 year old girl named Faith arrived at Star of Hope's downtown Women & Family Emergency Shelter with her grandmother. She was quiet, polite and read during her free time. Soon, Faith was invited to attend Summer Camp where she experienced a week of freedom from her difficult family life in the Piney Woods of East Texas. She opened up and had such a great time!

One night at dinner time, Faith shared with her counselor that she had been struggling with the idea of taking her life. When her dad died, she had tried to jump in front of a car, but it swerved just in time to spare her young life. Faith has felt so alone. Her mom abandoned her as a baby, her brother disconnected from the family, and her high school age sister has moved away.

As she shared her deep scars that night, a whole new world opened up for Faith, as our staff shared with her the truth of God’s love for her, through His Son, Jesus Christ. Faith placed her trust and hope in Christ that evening, and began a new journey. Today she is learning from God’s Word and about God’s Plan for her life…the future and the hope He has for her!

We thank God for his infinite wisdom and perfect timing. We also thank so many of you who provided financial resources for Faith, and over 100 other homeless children and teens who attended Summer Camp this year!

Faith and Hope are very much alive, this summer, through the Children’s Ministries of the Star of Hope Mission.

See pictures from Star of Hope's Summer Camp on Facebook
and share with your friends!

"Like" Star of Hope on Facebook

Get involved and help homeless Houston families.
Visit Star of Hope - Supporting Houston Ministries.

Planning for the Future

Thursday, August 11, 2011 by Hank Rush

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perfect Children, Exactly How God Made Them

Wednesday, August 10, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

As you can well imagine Star of Hope kids have witnessed many things children, nor adults, should ever experience. Many of them have become early adults who have had to take care of their siblings and even their parents, which is why I am so thankful for corporations who create environments where the kid in the children is awakened…at least for a little while.

Best Buy recently had a Splash Party at Star of Hope's Women & Family Emergency Shelter with slip-n-slides as well as a HUGE blow-up water slide! Every kid had a smile on their face that made their whole little demeanor glow. They were so happy – they were so childish --- and so perfect, exactly how God made them! Take a look at the following picture and you will totally see joy, silliness, and adventure! God is so good!

Discover ways to give and get involved helping Houston's homeless men, women and children.
Visit Star of Hope Mission - Charity Houston

Hope Floats Up - From a Distance

Monday, August 1, 2011 by Erika Wise

When I answered the phone Friday morning, I noticed the out-of-state area code. I was uncertain who would be on the other end of the call when I picked up the call.

"I know someone who is at your shelter," the caller began, "and, I looked up Star of Hope on the Internet and that's where I got your name."

I immediately began the "rote" answer in my head "I'm sorry, we cannot give out information on client who may or may not be in our program. You can leave a message and IF he/she is a client, the message will be left." But, the words never left my mouth.

That is not what this caller wanted. *Julie just wanted to know more about Star of Hope. The story unfolded...

*Gina, was in Julie's youth group at a church in Tennessee MANY years ago. As a 17-year old, Gina was involved in programs at the church and became close to Julie and her family. Now, eleven years have passed...Gina's family has disowned her; three failed marriages behind her; drug and alcohol abuse; seeking love in all the wrong places...and, the police brought Gina to the doors of Star of Hope's Women & Family Emergency Shelter.

"She's there," Julie told me. "She called me from there last night and there was someone there praying for her. I think a staff member. And, we have been texting this morning. Can you please help her?"

I explained to Julie that Gina was in a safe place. I told Julie that our staff are loving and care for each person who walks through the doors. I told her our mission statement and that we are a "Christ-centered" community. Julie was glad to hear that...she had been thinking of sending Gina a bus ticket to come back to Tennessee, but felt confident in Star of Hope's ability to care for her friend. "She's lucky to have someone like you, who cares about her, even if you are far away right now," I told Julie.

"She's hit rock bottom," Julie shared.

"That is where God takes us sometimes," I reminded Julie. "Sometimes He puts us in a place in life where all we can do is look to Him and the grace and mercy he supplies."

Julie was comforted that her friend would received God's love through the staff at the Women and Family Shelter.

When I hung up the phone, I called the staff at the Women & Family Emergency Shelter and asked if they would follow up with Gina. They did...and, she is excited about a future that will include a stay at our Transitional Living Center's New Hope program for drug recovery; finding a job and earning her own money; and, long term housing with the New Horizons program.

Gina has never really lived on her own...she is frightened, but comforted that Jesus said, "I will never leave you, or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

She is able to only see a few steps ahead, but knows that she is on a pathway leading to the Lord, and that is enough!

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.

Learn more about Star of Hope Mission at Christian Ministries Houston

SummerOfHopeHouston.org

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

So What Is Summer Without The Blob?

Friday, July 8, 2011 by Hank Rush

Summer at Star of Hope is a BUSY time, with homelessness UP in our city, and the SEVERE HEAT, and HUNDREDS OF KIDS HOME FROM SCHOOL! But it’s not a hopeless, sad time for those who have found themselves homeless. Watch this video to hear about some of the things our kids are doing this summer, while their parents are working on getting their lives back together.

While we work with the parents to help them recover and plan their re-entry into everyday life, the workforce, and independent living, we take good care of the kids. Age appropriate activities and learning opportunities, and lots of fun, are all a part of summer at Star of Hope for those 18 and under. I know you agree that a good dose of "normal kids stuff" in a loving supportive environment while simultaneously teaching the young victims of homelessness about all that God has planned for them -- is a big help to the children of these disintegrated families.

Did you know, Star of Hope is one of the few providers in Houston where families can stay together when they become homeless? Unlike many other facilities, our Women & Family Emergency Shelter has small but adequate private rooms for families. Parents are so relieved that their children don’t have to be removed from them by CPS...making their homeless situation even more traumatic because of lack of shelter and program facilities that serve intact families.

We’re BUSY as ever this summer, with more people on our Houston streets than any time in recent documented history….up 25% in just the past year alone. You can make an investment into healing and uplifting one of these families this summer, by checking out the Ways to Give to “Summer of Hope”: Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org.

P.S….in case you’re wondering: "THE BLOB" is a large inflatable tube that kids jump onto and bounce off of in a lake…it’s a lot of fun…and all a part of giving these kids an OPPORTUNITY to begin a new life!

Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org

Discover other ways to give at Star of Hope Mission - Ways to Give Houston

The DoubleTree Cookie CAREavan Visits Star of Hope

Friday, July 8, 2011 by Elizabeth Hatler

Double Tree Cookie Cookie connoisseurs know nothing makes the mouth water quite like a scrumptious DoubleTree Hotel signature chocolate chip cookie. From the very first bite to the last tiny morsel, the taste is heavenly.

Thanks to the DoubleTree Cookie CAREavan, clients at the Star of Hope Women & Family Emergency Shelter were surprised this morning with a delicious breakfast treat. The CAREavan is crisscrossing the country to celebrate the signature cookie’s 25^th anniversary and included Star of Hope in the Houston leg of their tour.

Perhaps it seems a little strange to include a chocolate chip cookie along with a traditional breakfast. But the warm, melting chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts filled the dining room with big smiles, giggles and happy hearts. Several clients were overheard to say, “I’ve NEVER had a cookie this good before!” What a sweet way to start the day!

Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org

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

Hyatt Regency Houston Volunteers with Star of Hope

Sunday, June 19, 2011 by Scott McKinley

23 volunteers from Hyatt Regency Houston worked on several projects at Star of Hope's Women & Family Emergency Center on May 27th. Projects included:
- Outside cleanup, landscaping and mulching the playground area
- Kitchen prep work and serving lunch to Star of Hope guests
- Writing notes of encouragement for the emergency shelter guests

Thanks Hyatt Regency Houston for making this a Summer of Hope with Star of Hope... and thanks for sending us your pictures!

Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org to learn more about Summer of Hope.

Volunteer at Volunteer Opportunities Houston

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

Tuesday, June 7, 2011 by Hank Rush

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Give today at Supporting Houston Emergency Centers

Visit SummerOfHopeHouston.org

Summer of Hope Begins

Friday, June 3, 2011 by Scott McKinley

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

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

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

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

Don't Miss Your Opportunity To Offer Hope, This Summer

Wednesday, June 1, 2011 by John Mills

I wanted to let you know that some of the key staff of Star of Hope Mission just returned from the 98th Annual Association of Gospel Rescue Missions conference last week. Tomorrow the President will conduct a debriefing session, to communicate the ideas and information learned. This is just one of the ways we stay current on the Homeless needs and rehabilitation processes, possible funding sources and methods and ECFA procedures. We also get to meet people from all over the nation, who are involved in caring for homeless and mentally ill persons. This is a faith based organization so each mission is always concerned a out the needs of the less fortunate.

We had 82 persons in "overflow" at our Women & Family Emergency Shelter last evening. Half of those were single women who would have been totally at risk, had they not entered our shelter. They received sack lunch dinners, showers, and a pallet to sleep on in the safety of our shelter. It is amazing how basic the needs of the least, the last and the lost really are. Many of these suffer from mental illness. We are really hopeful that later in the year we will be able to put our new HUD grant in place and offer housing to 24 of these mentally ill women. If you happen to think about it, could you pray for the funding to come through for this grant? We have experienced a 29 percent increase in unduplicated individuals at SOH this year. WOW!...and the temperature is now beginning to rise!

BTW, mark your calendar right now for the Annual Star of Hope Banquet on February 2nd, 2012, at the Hilton Americas. I know that it is early but you will not want to miss this event! You will be entertained and learn more about the less fortunate in our city! Blessings, John

Learn how you can get involved in helping Houston's homeless with Star of Hope.
Visit Non Profit Organizations Houston.

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.

Eagle Scout Projects = Tremendous Blessings for Star of Hope

Friday, April 29, 2011 by Elizabeth Hatler

On behalf of Star of Hope, I would like to extend special congratulations to Mark Camero and Kevin Sweat from Boy Scout Troop 642, which meets at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Few scouts would tackle such demanding projects or set such a high standard of excellence!

In addition to constructing large storage units for our Women & Family Emergency Shelter, Eagle Scout Mark Camero collected 1,408 children’s books. Many of the books were new and they all will provide many hours of reading fun and adventure for the children who come through our doors.

Eagle Scout Kevin Sweat designed and built a beautiful playground seating area and walkway for the Transitional Living Center. Parents now have the perfect place to watch their little ones and their children feel more secure to play, learn and explore with mom or dad watching over them.

What a blessing it’s been for our mission to have an opportunity to work with several other awesome scouts. This week, David Reeves delivered 15 wide, sturdy outdoor benches for the TLC cafeteria courtyard. Once he decided on a design and built a prototype, he had a small team cut the lumber on Day 1. He organized such a big crew for Day 2 that the project was completed in only two hours! These benches will circle the trees and provide clients with a shady place to enjoy our gorgeous weather.

Thomas Perez organized a party for children at the Transitional Living Center complete with Bible stories, crafts and refreshments. Of course, the children had a blast….so did Thomas and his team! Alex Collier also focused on the children and collected more than 800 books for five – thirteen year olds.

Our partnership with Eagle Scout candidates isn’t over – we continue to be tremendously blessed by these fine young men! Kendall Bruce is building benches for the Women & Family Emergency Shelter. And Brian Howell has designed a bench seating area to beautify the Yellowstone side of the TLC campus. His crew will be here in two weeks!

A variety of project options makes Star of Hope the perfect site for your next scout, corporate or team-building project. Contact the Volunteer Services Department to discuss a project for your group.

Community Service Opportunities Houston

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

Friday, April 29, 2011 by John Mills

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

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

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

The Grace and Truth of Mrs. Faye

Thursday, April 28, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

You know the people you meet and you think I wish I could be just like them. Well I meet those people at Star of Hope every day. In fact I work with some on a regular basis. Consider me lucky.

Recently, I went to photograph a group volunteering at the Star of Hope Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Being new I barely know anyone and honestly it is a little intimidating visiting the other shelters. Nonetheless I introduced myself to the lady at the front desk, threw out a few names and then told her what exactly I was there for. She informed me the group I had come to photograph wouldn’t be in for an hour, but invited me to stay with her and sit.

I sat and then she completely and unintentionally inspired my…life.

First of all, she warmly introduced herself as Mrs. Faye. From previous experiences in life I have developed a theory that anyone who says you can call me Mrs. First Name they are really great at showing they love you, but they won't let any "funny business" slide. In another words they show "tough love." I think this theory fits Mrs. Faye perfectly.

While talking with Mrs. Faye our conversation was casually interrupted with her greeting regular volunteers by their first names, asking them questions about their lives, checking clients in and out of the facility and opening doors for people. Once a girl came into thank Mrs. Faye for being there with support when she felt no one else was. “I couldn’t handle it. I didn’t know what to do. Then Mrs. Faye told me to hold on God will soon bless you…and He did. I waited for my blessing just like Mrs. Faye had told me to do.”

Mrs. Faye didn’t take any credit. She just shook her head and lovingly congratulated and encouraged the girl. The girl left and Mrs. Faye picked up on her story right where she left off 15 minutes prior.

Again, another woman came to the front desk. This women was obviously tired and frustrated. She told Mrs. Faye she needed out, she couldn’t handle it anymore; she wanted to go and try and make it on her own. Mrs. Faye lovingly listened and reminded her that Star of Hope offered her stability right now. The girl continued to insist she was leaving Star of Hope and asked “If I leave can I come back?” Mrs. Faye said “Of course, you can always come back, but this is the best place for you right now. If you leave please keep in touch because I want to know how you are doing.” The girl walked away. Mrs. Faye watched.

After a long pause she continued telling me about thrift shopping. She said that she ran into so many amazing deals she couldn't skip over them. In fact, almost every female Star of Hope employee carries a bag that Mrs. Faye "just couldn't pass up." I said “Well Mrs. Faye I expect one soon.” She said hold on…went to get someone to take her place at the front desk and in two minutes came back with three purses for me to choose from.

Before I left Mrs. Faye told me a little about her personal life. She bragged about her two kids. She loving talked about her nieces shopping with her. Then Mrs. Faye rubbed her stubbly hair and talked about her friends. She said soon a friend will start cancer treatment and will lose all of her hair. Mrs. Faye wants to be ready with support, so she is gradually cutting her hair shorter and shorter and will be there in love, sympathy, and as many other ways she can for her friend.

Leaving the emergency shelter I carried with me a new green purse full of hope and a living example of Christ's love. Mrs. Faye is a Star of Hope confidently showing what grace and truth looks like.

Volunteer with Star of Hope Mission, Houston Emergency Center, and meet wonderful people like Mrs. Faye.

Young Adults Serving with Star of Hope

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

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

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

Here are a couple of examples:

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

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

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

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

Hoops for Hope

Wednesday, March 23, 2011 by Hank Rush

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

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

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

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

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

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