Being a vibrant mission is not just about caring for the homeless in our city, it's about serving our friends who support our ministry. One of the ways we do this is by sharing the wonderful things that are happening in our shelters to encourage and prepare our clients for re-entering society, with obtainable goals for self-sufficiency.
As you read the blogs written by our staff and guest bloggers, your heart will be touched by the stories about life in the shelters and the experiences of the men, women and children living in them. You will find ways to connect that meet your charitable ideals and many opportunities to deepen your involvement with Star of Hope Mission.
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!
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
Give today at Supporting Houston Homeless Shelters
Find other ways to serve at Volunteer Opportunities Houston – Star of Hope Mission
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!
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
Discover other ways to give at Star of Hope Mission - Ways to Give Houston
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 25th 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
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
Volunteer at Volunteer Opportunities Houston
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
OF THE LEAST OF THESE BROTHERS OF MINE, YOU DID FOR ME.”
-- spoken by Jesus Christ, as recorded in Matthew 25:40
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!
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
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.
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.
Visit Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston.
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
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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Popular radio personality Dana Tyson (Sunny 99.1) was asked by the ABC network to produce a "local" version of the new national reality TV hit Secret Millionaire. The national version features a millionaire who goes undercover doing homeless volunteer work in a charitable institution. At the end of the show - the "volunteer", moved by the charity and love that he is surrounded with - reveals himself and announces that he is donating to charitable organizations. He then writes a stunned staff a large check.
In the local version, Dana and her camera crew went to a Houston Emergency Shelter - the Star of Hope Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Under the guise of taping a program called "a day in the life of a DJ" Dana joined volunteers preparing and serving lunch for about 100 homeless women and children. A few hours later - as the staff was cleaning up - Dana announced that she was so taken by the hard work and dedication of the volunteers that she felt compelled to help out financially as well. She then presented Star of Hope with a $2500 check from the ABC Network.
Watch the "final cut' of this great video:
In the local version, Dana and her camera crew went to a Houston Emergency Shelter - the Star of Hope Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Under the guise of taping a program called "a day in the life of a DJ" Dana joined volunteers preparing and serving lunch for about 100 homeless women and children. A few hours later - as the staff was cleaning up - Dana announced that she was so taken by the hard work and dedication of the volunteers that she felt compelled to help out financially as well. She then presented Star of Hope with a $2500 check from the ABC Network.
Watch the "final cut' of this great video:
Learn more about Star of Hope Mission and Homeless Services Houston
If you’ve ever volunteered at one of Star of Hope Mission’s four locations around Houston, you no doubt have personal stories of how your effort helped and touched the lives of some of those you served while you were here.
Another great part of volunteering is getting to work side by side with our dedicated staff!
Recently, Houston’s own Dana Tyson, Sunny 99.1 Morning Show host, came to our Women & Family Emergency Shelter as an undercover volunteer to do a promotional spot for ABC’s new show, “Secret Millionaire.” Watch the video to enjoy the experience she had as a volunteer and meet one of our very special staff members.
Come volunteer with us soon. You’ll help someone who really needs help, and you’ll be blessed in the process!
Another great part of volunteering is getting to work side by side with our dedicated staff!
Recently, Houston’s own Dana Tyson, Sunny 99.1 Morning Show host, came to our Women & Family Emergency Shelter as an undercover volunteer to do a promotional spot for ABC’s new show, “Secret Millionaire.” Watch the video to enjoy the experience she had as a volunteer and meet one of our very special staff members.
Come volunteer with us soon. You’ll help someone who really needs help, and you’ll be blessed in the process!
Get involved at Community Service Volunteers Houston
The kitchen at Star of Hope’s Women & Family Emergency Shelter is a very special place for me. I’ve worked with Star of Hope Mission for about six years now, but before that I was a volunteer… helping to prepare and serve meals at the Emergency Shelter.
Dana Tyson, morning DJ at Sunny 99.1 Houston, recently spent a day as a volunteer and a "Secret Millionaire" in that same kitchen. Watching the video brought back some memories for me. Take a look and get a glimpse at what Star of Hope is able to do with the support and partnership of friends in our community. If you are inspired, then get involved and make some memories of your own.
Dana Tyson, morning DJ at Sunny 99.1 Houston, recently spent a day as a volunteer and a "Secret Millionaire" in that same kitchen. Watching the video brought back some memories for me. Take a look and get a glimpse at what Star of Hope is able to do with the support and partnership of friends in our community. If you are inspired, then get involved and make some memories of your own.
Get started today at Volunteer Jobs Houston
Sometimes, I get a chance to get out of my normal day to day IT world and get to help out on video. A few months back one of our wonderful donors/volunteers, Cookie Joe, and her business partner, Tran Pham Rich , (owners of Cookie Joe's School of Dancin' located in Sugar Land, Texas) donated the money to rebuild and equip our intake center at the Women & Family Emergency Shelter. The name of the intake center is Place of Grace and one of the new features is a large flat screen television that families and homeless ladies, who are seeking services can sit and watch. The television is there to show the potential guests all the many programs and services that Star of Hope Mission offers to help them understand who we are and how much we want to help them.
Yesterday, after completing a video compilation of various elements I took the DVD over to test and play it for the first time at Place of Grace. I was joined by a homeless lady who I did not think was paying any attention to the video. She, like countless others, was just looking for a place that would take her in and give her some relief from the Houston streets. As the video progressed through all the various ministries of Star of Hope , she looked over at me and said that she had no idea that Star of Hope did so many things. I sat and explained a few details to her about what she had seen, all the while hoping she was inspired to become a part of the Star of Hope family and be a life changed, a life restored.
Learn more about Star of Hope and Philanthropy Opportunities Houston.
Excitement is building as we head toward March Madness and Houston prepares to host the NCAA Final Four Tournament! Not only will there be lots of memorable, action-filled college basketball, but also special outreaches to those in our community who are less fortunate…..and the kick-off is at Star of Hope!
Feed the Hungry will distribute food to 1,750 Houston-area families during tournament week and donate 250 boxes of food to Star of Hope Mission. A tractor trailer will roll into our Storehouse on March 14th, loaded down with boxes and pallets of food. We need 20 volunteers, age 18 or older, each day on Tuesday & Wednesday, March 15th & 16th, from 9 AM – 3 PM for to assemble and fill 750 boxes.
Through a partnership with Samaritan’s Feet, the tournament will give away 2011 pairs of shoes…..and the first 300 pairs will be given to clients at the Star of Hope Women & Family Emergency Shelter. What an awesome experience as volunteers wash and put a clean pair of socks on the feet of each client before they are fitted with new shoes and receive a care pack filled with toiletry items. Through these gestures of kindness and compassion, our clients will learn about their value and worth as individuals; that others care about them; and that better days are ahead. We need more than 80 volunteers, age 21 or older, working shifts from Noon – 7 PM on Monday, March 28th, to unload and set-up, wash feet, change water, greet, clean-up, and be runners.
Don’t miss out on this tremendous opportunity to participate in the 2011 NCAA Final Four Tournament! All volunteers will receive a commemorative 2011 NCAA Final Four t-shirt.
Sign-up today by contacting Elizabeth Hatler at ehatler@sohmission.org or 713-440-5322.
Find other ways to get involved and help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope today at Volunteer Opportunities Houston.
Why do people throughout our community volunteer at Star of Hope? Just ask Ann, a retired social worker, about the benefits of volunteering.
Ann began volunteering in the Computer Learning Center at our Transitional Living Center in 2005. Although she loved helping clients who were eager to learn new computer skills, the timing just didn’t fit with Ann’s busy schedule. She moved to our Women & Family Emergency Shelter where she has been assisting with intake and referrals for our overnight guests ever since. Here’s an e-mail she sent to Latasha Smith, the CLC instructor with whom she worked:
Hi Latasha,
Those lessons you taught me in Excel have come in handy. I am using Excel for a project that I am helping with at the Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Thanks for showing me how to do that! I guess you can count me as another Excel success! I would not know what to do at all without the lessons you gave me.
Blessings,
Ann
A flexible schedule and the opportunity to learn new skills are only two of the benefits that volunteering at Star of Hope can add to your life as you partner with us to serve Houston’s homeless men, women and children.
Learn more at Community Service Houston
Recently, while running errands, my husband pulled the car into a Chevron station. As he filled up the tank, my attention focused on the poster hanging beside each pump, which showcased the many ways Chevron volunteers contribute “human energy” to make our community a better place. Not only was I delighted that local Chevron volunteers were recognized, but also thrilled that Star of Hope was included – both the top, left- and right-hand photos were taken during Star of Hope projects.
We first worked with Chevron volunteers during their 2009 Humankind Week, and thus, a wonderful, new partnership was born. Throughout 2010, volunteers from Chevron’s Black Employee Network assisted in many areas, such as the kitchens at all three facilities and the Christmas Workshop.
During the sizzling-hot, triple-digit, Houston summer, it was a funny sight when several Chevron volunteers arrived for work all bundled up in heavy jackets, knit hats and gloves! But they came prepared to clean the walk-in freezer at our Women & Family Emergency Shelter. While they cleaned the freezer and others assisted with lunch preparations, several more volunteers baked a scrumptious treat. You can imagine the eager anticipation of shelter clients as the aroma of mouth-watering fudge brownies wafted through the air!
In the fall of 2010, Chevron groups celebrated their Humankind Week by working on major projects at Star of Hope. Volunteers at the Women & Family Emergency Shelter painted several atrium spaces and cleaned out storage areas. Working in shifts over two days, another Chevron group prepped and painted the iron fence surrounding the perimeter of the Men’s Development Center. Thanks to the generosity of Chevron and the hard work of their dedicated volunteers, we will spend less on facility maintenance and have many more dollars to directly help Houston’s homeless men, women and children!
We look forward to additional opportunities to partner with Chevron and the many other volunteers in our community who have a heart for the homeless. 2011 will be an amazing year as together we serve those in need.
Learn how you can help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope. Visit Community Service Volunteers Houston.
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