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.
The temperature may be dropping but not our hopes for filling the freezer at the new Star of Hope Donation and Distribution Center. In fact, we could not be more excited about our up-coming event with partners KSBJ, NGEN Radio and Kroger. With their help, we are planning to pack the freezer with 20,000 pounds of frozen food.
If that sounds like a lot of groceries, then check this out. We serve 23,000 meals every week to homeless men, women and children. And with the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays upon us, we need every single pound.
So here’s a shout-out of thanks to KSBJ, NGEN Radio and Kroger for joining us in the cause. And to you, our amazingly generous friends and supporters, a plea to pick up an extra bag or two of frozen vegetables or fruit---even an extra turkey or ham, when you do your holiday shopping at Kroger, and donate it to Star of Hope.
The big Fill the Freezer event will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We will be accepting donations at two Kroger locations:
- In Sugar Land, at 4825 Sweetwater Blvd.(77479)
- In Cypress, 17455 Spring Cypress (77429).
This is a win/win deal, because when you give to us, KSBJ and NGEN Radio will give a gift to you.
Don’t leave us in the cold! Come out to these Kroger stores and help us Fill the Freezer!
There are lots of ways you can help…
One of the questions I hear over and over from folks in our community is this: "How can I help the homeless?” When we see someone on a street corner begging for money, or hear about someone struggling to pay their bills and about to lose their housing, we feel compelled to help. Yet we almost immediately feel helpless as to what’s the best thing to do.
When I hear this question, here’s my response. The streets of Houston are not a safe place for ANYONE to live. The best thing you can do is to encourage the person to come to one of Star of Hope’s emergency centers to get help. Visit our website for addresses, phone numbers and maps for Men’s Development Center and Women & Family Emergency Shelter locations. You can also get specific help by calling Star of Hope at 713-748-0700 or by sending a request through our website.
In the first six months of this year, the demand for our emergency services at Star of Hope has RISEN 33% from 2011…and this is the fourth year in a row we have seen increases. There is clearly great need in our city! Annual surveys are done each January to do a “one time count” of individuals observed to be homeless on a particular night, and these numbers fluctuate year to year. In addition to those counted on the streets, we see hundreds of others come to us from marginal or dangerous housing situations seeking emergency shelter and help every day. We call these the “hidden homeless.”
The good news is that Star of Hope is here to provide, thanks to you! And we don’t turn anyone away who comes desiring our help. More good news…once they are here, they can engage in life recovery and skills building programs designed to help them find a new hope in living and new abilities to live a successful life as a productive member of our community.
But we need your help today to serve the large and growing numbers who are coming! You can donate now…financially if you are able, or by conducting your own donations drive and then delivering to Star of Hope.
Just look at what these special young people have done just recently to help the homeless of our city.
If you’re interested in conducting your own drive, please learn about all the types of items we need as donations or explore other volunteer opportunities with Star of Hope.
So no need to wonder about how to help, just check out these resources and come join us as we serve!
Our good friends at TV 11 are reaching out to the community to help Houston’s homeless with Star of Hope. We have an urgent and ongoing need for simple toiletries to give the 80 – 100 men, women and even children sleeping on our shelter floors waiting for a room and a bed. Help us help them.
This week two major radio corporations are featuring an Entire Day dedicated to helping Star of Hope make this a Summer of Hope for our clients.
Thursday, June 28, beginning at 6 AM until 7 PM, Clear Channel’s top rated SUNNY 99.1 will run commercials talking about Star of Hope’s summer efforts and asking listeners to go to our website and make a donation. As an added blessing, Houston Area Toyota Dealers are giving their support to our Summer of Hope campaign by generously matching gifts up to $15,000! This is a great chance to DOUBLE your donation. Star of Hope commercials will also run on KTRH 740 and KPRC 950 radio.
Friday, June 29 is an entire Day Of Hope on Cox Broadcasting’s 93Q Country and 97.1 Legends. Staring at 6 AM until 7 PM each radio station will run Star of Hope commercials and have large banners on their websites giving listeners a chance to support us.
Most people don’t realize that in the summer Star of Hope has more homeless men, women and children in our shelters than at any other time of the year. Reasons for this include: the extreme heat, an increase in domestic violence, more mouths to feed because children are out of school and loss of jobs. We turn no one away – and we want to try and keep it that way. Visit your favorite radios stations’ websites or go to sohmission.org to help us make this a Summer of Hope for Houston’s homeless.
Make this a Summer of Hope for Houston's Homeless
Star of Hope Mission
Eleven Houston Area Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants will collect diapers for Star of Hope’s toddlers the weekend of March 24-25. The popular sports-themed eatery is calling the 2012 diaper drive “Homeless Babies – Help Us Cover Their End Zone.”
Cathy Camp, Regional Marketing Director for the chain, has announced that locations in Spring, Wallisville, Cypress, Rosenberg, Conroe, Richmond, Victoria, Tomball, Baytown, Lufkin and Katy will be participating. “We love the work that Star of Hope does for homeless men, women and children. Last year the organization put 55,000 diapers on little homeless bottoms – we want to do our part to help the babies, who are just innocent victims.” she said.
Selected locations already have donation boxes set up and will collect diapers of all sizes through Sunday, March 25.
We had the Star of Hope Annual Banquet last week and it was amazing to see just some of Star of Hope’s donors attend. It was held at the Hilton Americas. As we learned more about Houston’s homeless needs, we found that:
• There are 13,500 homeless right here in Houston.
• Star of Hope, a local homeless shelter prepared and fed over 620,000 meals during the 2011.
• The number of homeless families in our city increased by 25% from 2010.
The economy is really impacting our lives!
The high point in the evening is always the testimonies from those who has been homeless in our city and have been able to experience “life change.” One such testimony was offered by a 17 year old high school student, Courtney. His mom had been taken ill and with a long term illness, she ultimately lost her job, and they were evicted. They came to Star of Hope and after a time were able to regain their stability, individually and as a family.
Through a community service volunteer group who came to Star of Hope, Courtney was able to visit the University of Houston campus, met with several top level administrators, and he was able to get a scholarship offer (he wants to be an aeronautical engineer)!
He has a ways to go (he is just now completing high school, but he looked so special as he stood there in front of 2,300 attendees and told his (and his family’s) story. It was so special to see young man in his ROTC uniform to stand and talk about the “life change” that he has experienced and the blessing that Star of Hope, a local homeless shelter in Houston, has offered to he and his family.
Star of Hope is not just a men’s shelter or an emergency family shelter but we also have a longer term program for homeless who need assistance. I hope that possibly you were able to attend the annual banquet, but if not…please be sure that you don’t miss it next year!
• There are 13,500 homeless right here in Houston.
• Star of Hope, a local homeless shelter prepared and fed over 620,000 meals during the 2011.
• The number of homeless families in our city increased by 25% from 2010.
The economy is really impacting our lives!
The high point in the evening is always the testimonies from those who has been homeless in our city and have been able to experience “life change.” One such testimony was offered by a 17 year old high school student, Courtney. His mom had been taken ill and with a long term illness, she ultimately lost her job, and they were evicted. They came to Star of Hope and after a time were able to regain their stability, individually and as a family.
Through a community service volunteer group who came to Star of Hope, Courtney was able to visit the University of Houston campus, met with several top level administrators, and he was able to get a scholarship offer (he wants to be an aeronautical engineer)!
He has a ways to go (he is just now completing high school, but he looked so special as he stood there in front of 2,300 attendees and told his (and his family’s) story. It was so special to see young man in his ROTC uniform to stand and talk about the “life change” that he has experienced and the blessing that Star of Hope, a local homeless shelter in Houston, has offered to he and his family.
Star of Hope is not just a men’s shelter or an emergency family shelter but we also have a longer term program for homeless who need assistance. I hope that possibly you were able to attend the annual banquet, but if not…please be sure that you don’t miss it next year!
Help Houston's Homeless with Star of Hope Mission:
Donation Opportunities Houston
Volunteer Opportunities Houston
Donation Opportunities Houston
Volunteer Opportunities Houston
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.
Visit Food Donation Houston.
I don’t know about you, but it seems to me that every day now, we are confronted with a new, major crisis in our world. Here at home in Houston, we have all dealt with the excruciating heat and lack of rain for four or five months now. Texas wildfires are all around us, forcing hundreds from their homes and destroying their property.
For thousands in Houston, the severe weather and drought along with economic or domestic crises, have driven them to homelessness this year. Star of Hope has been here….serving already this year over 1,000 MORE men, women & children who have become homeless than we did last year.
Sometimes life’s greatest blessings rise out of tears, and for many we have served this year, God’s blessings have poured down in their lives, even though the rains for Houston have not. When we go through a period of great loss, we all tend to stop in our tracks, paralyzed and unable to move. Many of us LOOK UP in such times, to seek God’s face once again. True life change happens when we confront our past head on, confess our sins, and seek God’s help and guidance once again in our lives.
2 Chronicles 7:13-14 tells us clearly God’s requirements for blessings: Humility, Prayer, Devotion, and yes, Repentance. I believe with all my heart that the miraculous life change we see every day at Star of Hope comes from true humility and repentance before the Living God, who is still in the forgiving and healing business, thankfully!
Roberto’s story is a wonderful example of this:
Roberto spoke at Star of Hope’s 2011 Annual Banquet this past February
We invite you to Save the Date: February 2, 2012, for the 2012 Star of Hope Banquet – Above All. Plan to come and celebrate with us what God is doing in lives that were parched and dry, and have found His Blessings once again. Join us for one of the greatest Christian celebrations held in Houston each year, as we celebrate God’s great Work in the lives of so many in our city!"If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land." -- 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 NASB
Star of Hope Mission - Houston Homeless Shelter
Discover ways to give at Donation Opportunities Houston
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.
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!
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.
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
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
At Star of Hope, we celebrate volunteers every day. April has been National Volunteer Month. Thirty days that have passed so quickly - yet each of those days were filled with Houstonians giving their time and talents to reach out to our city's homeless men, women and children. Last year, 8.774 men, women and families served 31,892 hours. 128 individuals donated 13,601 hours of specialized skills - and that saved Star of Hope $466,000!
Volunteers are part of our foundation. They save us time and money and set good examples and create good will. From individuals to church projects and corporate outreaches, we are blessed with people who are in the habit of donating to charitable organizations. If you are one of them - on behalf of 200 employees and thousands of homeless men, women and children, thank you.
If you've never volunteered, there's no better time like the present. The very fact that you thought about helping your fellow man makes you qualified. Contact us at 713-748-0700 and we'll show you the way. And - thanks in advance.
For more information on helping the homeless with Star of Hope Mission go to
Supporting Homeless Shelters Houston.
I have consistently had some place safe to sleep. I have consistently been fed. I have consistently been loved. I have consistently made mistakes and have been forgiven and accepted. I have consistently been made to feel valued….and I have consistently forgotten that some people don’t have any form of healthy consistency in their own lives.
Star of Hope can’t save the world, but it can give Houston’s Homeless men, women and children some healthy consistencies no matter what stage of life they are in. Most importantly Star of Hope teaches its clients they are valued and after their time here how to create stability making hope a reality.
Last week I had the privilege to talk with an amazing Star of Hope Virtual Volunteer. Her spirit is as beautiful and unique as she is. She is vulnerable. She is strong. She is courageous. Zan grew up in an inconsistent home environment living with several different family members during varying stages of her life. At age 17 she found herself homeless with a new born son. Desiring more consistency for her son than she was able to give she sent him to live with other members of her family.
Zan personally continued wandering in and out of homelessness into her 20’s. I wish I could tell you that she found Star of Hope early on and everything changed…forever. I wish I could tell you that we made a difference in her life or that I made a difference in her life. However, nothing I did nor did anything I am affiliated with change Zan’s life. Zan did not find Star of Hope when she needed us most. She had to seek self soothing and self guidance and in turn her life lessons were learned by trial and error. Zan did the best she could to establish consistency in her life all by herself.
Today, Zan’s life like mine is far from perfect, but you can clearly see God’s redemptive love in her story. Through, this faith and courage God has taught her to give back to her community in whatever way she can. Zan lovingly shares with others via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn that they do not have to go through homelessness, abuse, addiction all alone. They can find value and love at Star of Hope. Zan advocates for Star of Hope… all hours of the day and night…and she makes a difference by sharing what an amazing nonprofit Houston has! Zan knows how helpful it would have been to have had a solid place like “ Star of Hope Mission” included in her story early on.
Zan , thank you for giving hope to others.
So, many people think they have to wait until their life looks perfect to give back to their community. They wait until they have the right amount in their savings account or until they have 3 hours to give instead of 15 minutes. Star of Hope is asking you where you are to make a difference and together we will watch God bless your offering. Whether, it is a prayer, joining Star of Hope on Facebook, working in the kitchen, donating 50 cents together, we can give Houston Homeless a consistent environment where there is no question if they are fed, loved and valued.
Together, wherever you are in life let's show Houston Homeless they do not have to do this alone. We are here for them with Men and Women Drug Rehab Centers, Battered Women Shelters, Childcare facilities and Soup Kitchens. Refuse to let one person be forgotten.
Star of Hope can’t save the world, but it can give Houston’s Homeless men, women and children some healthy consistencies no matter what stage of life they are in. Most importantly Star of Hope teaches its clients they are valued and after their time here how to create stability making hope a reality.
Last week I had the privilege to talk with an amazing Star of Hope Virtual Volunteer. Her spirit is as beautiful and unique as she is. She is vulnerable. She is strong. She is courageous. Zan grew up in an inconsistent home environment living with several different family members during varying stages of her life. At age 17 she found herself homeless with a new born son. Desiring more consistency for her son than she was able to give she sent him to live with other members of her family.Zan personally continued wandering in and out of homelessness into her 20’s. I wish I could tell you that she found Star of Hope early on and everything changed…forever. I wish I could tell you that we made a difference in her life or that I made a difference in her life. However, nothing I did nor did anything I am affiliated with change Zan’s life. Zan did not find Star of Hope when she needed us most. She had to seek self soothing and self guidance and in turn her life lessons were learned by trial and error. Zan did the best she could to establish consistency in her life all by herself.
Today, Zan’s life like mine is far from perfect, but you can clearly see God’s redemptive love in her story. Through, this faith and courage God has taught her to give back to her community in whatever way she can. Zan lovingly shares with others via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn that they do not have to go through homelessness, abuse, addiction all alone. They can find value and love at Star of Hope. Zan advocates for Star of Hope… all hours of the day and night…and she makes a difference by sharing what an amazing nonprofit Houston has! Zan knows how helpful it would have been to have had a solid place like “ Star of Hope Mission” included in her story early on.
Zan , thank you for giving hope to others.
So, many people think they have to wait until their life looks perfect to give back to their community. They wait until they have the right amount in their savings account or until they have 3 hours to give instead of 15 minutes. Star of Hope is asking you where you are to make a difference and together we will watch God bless your offering. Whether, it is a prayer, joining Star of Hope on Facebook, working in the kitchen, donating 50 cents together, we can give Houston Homeless a consistent environment where there is no question if they are fed, loved and valued.
Together, wherever you are in life let's show Houston Homeless they do not have to do this alone. We are here for them with Men and Women Drug Rehab Centers, Battered Women Shelters, Childcare facilities and Soup Kitchens. Refuse to let one person be forgotten.
Discover ways to get involved and help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope.
Visit Volunteer Jobs Houston to get started today!
Visit Volunteer Jobs Houston to get started today!
It doesn’t come often, but we’re all finding ourselves in 25 degree weather and on our own “Cold Weather Alert” this week! Heavy coats, covered plants, rolling power outages…and rain and snow on the way before the weekend. Just a short walk from our car to the door for us...but can you imagine what it’s like for those who are on the streets?
Star of Hope is here for the homeless of Houston, and despite our own rolling power outages, our staff is working hard to accommodate and help the overflow crowds who are coming in for help. This is a great opportunity for us to introduce them to the many programs and services that can help them turn their lives around, and begin again. Take a look at some of the efforts that are underway!
Star of Hope is here for the homeless of Houston, and despite our own rolling power outages, our staff is working hard to accommodate and help the overflow crowds who are coming in for help. This is a great opportunity for us to introduce them to the many programs and services that can help them turn their lives around, and begin again. Take a look at some of the efforts that are underway!
We are grateful for the men and women who have made the decision to seek shelter and hope in our facilities, but our hearts are still with the ones on the streets tonight who have not yet reached out to Star of Hope.
Learn more about how you can help Houston's homeless men, women and children with Star of Hope Mission. Visit:
- Donation Opportunities Houston
- Volunteer Opportunities Houston
- Urgent and Ongoing Needs
Recently, I had a chance to visit with one of our volunteers. He and a team from his employer have been involved in our new volunteer Call Center which started in November.
For several years our executive staff at Star of Hope, one of Houston’s Emergency Shelters, has been concerned about how we can shorten access time for homeless men, women and their families in need. So we started a phone bank! The Call Center is staffed in part by volunteers, providing a new volunteer opportunity in Houston.
This gentleman shared with me that he and the other team members were excited that serving in this volunteer role has required that they learn much more about all the services that we provide. Star of Hope is not just a soup kitchen in Houston…we offer emergency services such as a safe dry bed, a change of clothing, a warm meal, and even offer a transitional program if that is what is needed.
The major item that interested me was that he stated that the employees serving in this phone bank project have really come together, and they understand more about the needs of the homeless and what is being done here at Star of Hope! It touched my heart and reminded me that when we give something of our selves, we often receive a benefit!
I also wanted to report to you that, because many of you responded to the opportunity to make a financial donation, WE MADE OUR DECEMBER AND YTD BUDGET! I wanted to thank each of you who recognized the donation opportunity and followed through (like the volunteer mentioned above). I hope and pray that you and your family will be blessed throughout 2011!
For several years our executive staff at Star of Hope, one of Houston’s Emergency Shelters, has been concerned about how we can shorten access time for homeless men, women and their families in need. So we started a phone bank! The Call Center is staffed in part by volunteers, providing a new volunteer opportunity in Houston.
This gentleman shared with me that he and the other team members were excited that serving in this volunteer role has required that they learn much more about all the services that we provide. Star of Hope is not just a soup kitchen in Houston…we offer emergency services such as a safe dry bed, a change of clothing, a warm meal, and even offer a transitional program if that is what is needed.
The major item that interested me was that he stated that the employees serving in this phone bank project have really come together, and they understand more about the needs of the homeless and what is being done here at Star of Hope! It touched my heart and reminded me that when we give something of our selves, we often receive a benefit!
I also wanted to report to you that, because many of you responded to the opportunity to make a financial donation, WE MADE OUR DECEMBER AND YTD BUDGET! I wanted to thank each of you who recognized the donation opportunity and followed through (like the volunteer mentioned above). I hope and pray that you and your family will be blessed throughout 2011!
Visit Star of Hope Mission to learn more about Volunteer Jobs Houston and how you can
get involved as a Call Center Volunteer.
get involved as a Call Center Volunteer.
Well, Christmas is just around the corner, just a few days away. Our blogging team has been posting amazing stories for the past 25 days, of changed lives and personal miracles, here at the Star of Hope. Take a look at our other "25 Days of Christmas Miracles" Updates. It gives me chill bumps to think about all that God does through you, who help and serve here at Christmas, as He uses this sacred time of year to touch unusually open hearts with His Love.Just in the past 25 days, we’ve seen two sisters, who are teenagers in a family served by Star of Hope for several years now and who are seniors in High School, both accepted to attend college next fall. Both will be attending The University of Texas, one in Austin and the other in Odessa! What a huge blessing for any family, especially one which has had to overcome great difficulties.
We have seen five, 9-10 year old Cub Scouts raise enough money to provide 2,000 Christmas meals here at Star of Hope. See their story in our Star of Hope News Room. The meaning of Christmas to them?...helping others!At our Women & Family Emergency Shelter and our Transitional Living Center Tree Lightings, we witnessed a chorus of families, recovering from homelessness, sing Christmas songs with great joy and thanksgiving. And our Men’s Development Center Christmas Commencement will be filled with the voices of men singing of God’s love for us through Christmas later this week.
Volunteers have filled our Christmas Workshop and carefully wrapped presents for our Clients, and donors are bringing blankets, clothes food and financial gifts. Parties and gift cards for our teens have been given. Pajamas and books for every 6-12 year old, carefully purchased and prepared by a local company.
I could go on and on. But what do you think is the greatest Christmas miracle of all? I believe it’s the way God chose to reveal himself to us…through a baby, His only Son…so simple, so heartfelt…everyone who chooses to believe in Him, can receive God’s love and forgiveness, a home in Heaven, and a purpose for their life here on earth. That’s it….God provided for us through His Love.Thank you each and every one for your help, love and prayers for our homeless families this year. It has been another record breaking year of services in Houston with the economy the way it is. And we have gladly served, with your amazing help, through these times!
If you would like to help us financially, we’re still working to raise the final $1 million of our December goal, so we can continue to provide and serve in 2011. You can click on this link right now and make your donation safely and conveniently.
Blessings to you and your family this Christmas…may you personally feel God’s amazing love, forgiveness, and peace in your life this Christmas!
Help Houston's homeless men, women and families with Star of Hope now, by
Donating To Charitable Organizations Houston.
Star of Hope’s Men’s Development Center is a busy place right now. With the chilling temperatures at night, more men are filling the facility into overflow. And we are glad to serve them, with a warm meal, a warm dry place to sleep, a shower, fresh clothes and words of God’s love for them.
But there is another chilling element at work in many of these men besides the cold air outside. For a third or more of our 300+ men living here, the chill and haunt of past military combat trauma chills them to the bone, and affects their daily life, trapped inside years after they have returned home from combat. That chill is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and it is the ‘signature’ wound of the war on terrorism.
Just recently, at the conclusion of one of our Trauma Care group meetings, led by the PTSD Foundation of America and hosted at Star of Hope, a Vietnam Veteran approached us. He was injured in combat, and now walks slowly with the aid of a cane…his speech soft and slow. Tears coursed down this man’s cheeks as he shared with us his guilt – a guilt he has carried for over 40 years. One horrific day in Vietnam, he found himself in the midst of chaos and confusion with bullets flying and villagers falling in death. In the unfathomable moment, he realized that he had taken the life of an innocent, young girl, probably not yet 10 years old. Now in a small room with just a few fellow Veterans listening, he felt safe enough to share this very dark day in his life, and for the first time began to feel a sense of forgiveness in his life. The Star of Hope, a few fellow soldiers, and the good news of God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ set this man on a new path…free from guilt and filled with God’s grace and mercy.
On another day, a Veteran who has been attending this same support group, opened up and began telling his story after weeks of just listening. His story was typical, but he had progressed to the place where God was real to him. He was ready to work again, but his felony record was holding him back. A “Second Chance Employer”, one who was willing the give him a second chance, gave him a job application, and he has been on his new job now for several weeks. On a recent Sunday, he was invited to share his story at a church, and his two young sons were with him and able to hear their dad tell of God’s forgiveness and redeeming love. We are now praying for his marriage and family to be restored. And we know that all things are possible with God!
Do you know a Veteran this Christmastime who needs a second chance? Respond to this blog or email david.maulsby@ptsdusa.org and together maybe another Christmas miracle will happen!
Read more 25 Days of Christmas Miracles!
Learn more about how your support of Star of Hope helps Homeless Veterans Houston and donate today at Men's Shelter Donation Houston.
During my eight years working for Star of Hope Mission, I have watched over and over as homeless clients move from virtually “no hope” with total dependence, to beginning their independent walk in a new life. Star of Hope is not just a Soup Kitchen in Houston! We offer Christian Ministries with such services as drug rehabilitation, emergency homeless services, parenting classes, career building classes, for homeless persons and for battered women, men and for families. We offer care for men, single women and for families at our three homeless shelters and transitional living centers.
Last week I got to meet a young woman who lived here at Star of Hope twelve years ago. When she came here, she was 4 years old, and she got into a ballet dance program offered by a volunteer. Her family got back on their feet and now she is married and has three beautiful children. She was present at the opening of our newly decorated Intake area at Star of Hope’s Women & Family Emergency Shelter. It was a real blessing to visit and to see how well she is doing now. She and her family had received a chance to get back on their feet, and they had taken it!
I hope that you weren’t ever homeless! But if you had been, wouldn’t it be great to know that there was a place, where people would listen to you, pray with you, cry with you, and try to meet your every need! Star of Hope is such a place!
Would you consider partnering with us, through offering a prayer for the less fortunate, and through making a contribution? You can go to Charitable Donations Houston to make a contribution.
There are so many ways you can help the homeless in our community! Here’s a list of some things you may consider doing between now and Christmas.
- Organize a drive for Christmas Gifts. Items are needed by December 10.
- Donate online to provide Christmas Gifts. Visit Star of Hope’s Christmas Gift Catalog.
- Create We Care Houston Packages and give them to homeless men and women you see on the streets.
- Give $10 by texting “SOH” to 20222. Encourage your friends to do it too!
- Provide warm and nutritious meals for only $1.63 each.
- Volunteer to serve a meal at one of Star of Hope’s facilities. We serve 3 meals a day, 365 days a year.
- Host a drive and a contest...Pillow Fight: Who can gather the most new pillows and pillow cases?
- TP the Mission: What?... Host a drive for toilet paper.
- Use your professional skills to help the homeless.
- Undies for Change: We always need NEW socks and underwear for men and women.
- Pray for our homeless veterans who are living on the streets.
- Provide a day of care… food, clothing, shelter and more.
- Home and Dry: Collect new linens and blankets for twin beds. Make Star of Hope feel more like home.
- Tell your friends why you care for the homeless and why you support Star of Hope.
- Pray with and for homeless children who are praying for a home.
- Pray for the men and women at Star of Hope who are on the road to recovery and a new life.
- Could you commit to working one shift a week? Become a High Impact Volunteer.
- Share your support for Star of Hope on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. We appreciate it!
- Like working with kids? You and your group can host a children’s activity at Star of Hope.
- A volunteer opportunity for the whole family… Cookies and Good Night.
- The donated clothing we receive needs to be sorted. Come serve in our Storehouse.
- We answer a lot of phone calls! Volunteer in our Call Center.
- Looking for a last minute Christmas Gift. Help the homeless and send your friends Christmas eCards.
- Get Up and Go: Host a drive for job-interview-worthy women’s clothing size 22 and up.
- It’s not too late to give a year-end gift. Donate online and help Houston’s homeless.
My family and I are big fans of Hallmark TV Christmas movies, and we were watching a new one this past weekend called “Mrs. Miracle." Since joining Star of Hope, I have been amazed at the miracles that constantly happen here. This movie inspired me to write to you over the next few weeks, and tell you about Christmas miracles happening at Star of Hope as they happen, during this amazing season of celebration of the most precious miracle of all…the gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
Well, our first miracle of the season happened last Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. We were celebrating at our Men’s Development Center the graduation of men commencing from the Spiritual Recovery Program, for that month, and enjoying a Thanksgiving meal too. I am always moved to tears as I hear the graduating men tell the stories of their lives, how they fell to rock bottom, and how God has given them Purpose and Hope through Faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. Six men told their powerful stories last Thursday…and I tell you, they were miraculous! What a way to start the holidays!Then, right afterwards, I traveled over to our Women & Family Emergency Shelter to participate in their Thanksgiving program and meal. Just inside the front door, I was met by Ed, our Director of that facility. He greeted me with the biggest smile I’ve seen on his face, in the 2 ½ years I’ve known him. He said, “Hank, you won’t believe it. We have just finished our Thanksgiving service, and 12 guests of this shelter accepted Christ…just a few minutes ago!!!”
So Christmas started early for us this year, with 18 lives…totally at rock bottom and without hope or a way out, now celebrating with us on the day before Thanksgiving 2010, because they have given their lives to Christ and found new life and hope in Jesus Christ, God's Son.
I’d like to write to you every few days, to share the miracles as thy happen at Star of Hope, during these days leading to Christmas. Many of you -- hundreds and hundreds -- are volunteering with us in the coming weeks, conducting toy or clothing drives, doing projects in our facilities, hosting special guest services, or raising funds to help provide for our guests’ daily needs. AND, I’d like to invite you to share the miracles YOU SEE while you are here or as you engage with the Star of Hope! I know these will inspire ALL of us to have a giving spirit in all we do this Christmas. To share your experiences, you can comment on this Blog, or email me directly at hrush@sohmission.org.
Keep an eye out every few days for updates on how “The 25 Days of Christmas” are going, here at the Star of Hope. Thank you for your love and caring, and for your special help at Christmastime. And if you have a chance, watch “Mrs. Miracle”…she’ll bring a sparkle to your holiday!
Learn how you can join Star of Hope in helping Houston's homeless men,
women and children by visiting Charitable Donations Houston or Volunteer Opportunities Houston.
women and children by visiting Charitable Donations Houston or Volunteer Opportunities Houston.
Homeless Vets celebrated everyday at Star of Hope Men’s Development Center
Today is Veteran’s Day, and as I’m writing this blog, I’m reminded of the long heritage Star of Hope Mission has had in serving our Veterans who become homeless. Way back in 1945-1946, Star of Hope was serving hundreds of Veterans each month, coming through Houston with no place to stay. Ever since then, Star of Hope has proudly served Vets who have become homeless and need help in re-establishing their lives, after their service to our country.
Today, we are serving 100-150 Veterans per day, from the Vietnam, Korean, Desert Storm, and Afghanistan wars, with recovery programs and life changing help for a better life. In our VIP Program, we serve 150-200 per year, in partnership with Houston’s Veteran’s Administration to help with their physical and mental health, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and addiction recovery needs. Our men in the PTSD group meet twice each week, offered at Star of Hope in partnership with Military Ministries, an arm of PTSD Foundation of America.
When I attend any Veteran’s program at church or in our community, my eyes well up with tears, as I think of the many men I’ve met here, who, without the Star of Hope, would be on the streets of Houston today. They are not forgotten! And they feel God’s love everyday they are with us. Star of Hope is “Home to the Brave”…and my hat is off to the great staff of men and women at our Men’s Development Center in Downtown Houston who faithfully serve these who have sacrificially served all of us in defending our country.
If you’ve never been to any of Star of Hope’s mission locations, I invite you to come and tour, get involved and volunteer! You can help Veterans and many others with your talents to have a better life, renew their faith and strength, and once again, stand tall as Americans. Come and join us, you’ll be glad you did!
Learn more about star of Hope at Mens Shelter Donation Houston and Houston Volunteer Opportunities.
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