Mens Shelter Donation 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.

Are You Praying For Rain?

Thursday, September 8, 2011 by Hank Rush

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

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

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

One Month Isn't Enough Time to Thank Volunteers

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 by Scott Arthur

Volunteers from First Baptist of Manvel with Beverly, SOH Cook

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.

In Honor of Zan

Tuesday, April 19, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

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.

Discover ways to get involved and help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope.
Visit Volunteer Jobs Houston to get started today!

25 Degrees in Houston

Thursday, February 3, 2011 by Hank Rush

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!

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

Call Center Volunteers Helping Houston's Homeless

Sunday, January 9, 2011 by John Mills

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!

Visit Star of Hope Mission to learn more about Volunteer Jobs Houston and how you can
get involved as a Call Center Volunteer.

The Greatest Miracle of Christmas?

Thursday, December 23, 2010 by Hank Rush

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.

Volunteers at Star of Hope's Christmas Workshop

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.

Adopt-A-Family - 25 Days of Christmas Miracles

Thursday, December 16, 2010 by Erika Wise

There are miracles all around...if you just look. Many miracles are answered prayers; and that is what I want to share today.

Many people want to donate to Charitable Organizations Houston during the Christmas Season. Donating To Charitable Organizations is the stuff holidays are made of. Among other Shelters Houston Texas, Star of Hope is the recipient of many of these charitable callers. Many want to help in any way they can...one way we offer is the "Adopt-A-Family" Christmas Program.

Serving graduates of our programs--Men's Development Center; Transitional Living Center; and, New Horizons--the "Adopt-a-Family" Christmas Program matches donors with needy families/individuals to ensure they get gifts and other blessings for Christmas. This economy has been rough on many people--but the calls from donors wanting to help flows strongly!!

In the midst of a staff change, it was my pleasure to oversee the "Adopt-a-Family" Christmas Program--fielding the calls from donors, entering client data into the computer, and, matching donors with those in need. Many matches were made before the Thanksgiving Holiday and donors were asked to contact their families/individuals by 12/15/10 to establish rapport and begin communicating.

Well, there was a family who received NO contact. Christmas was just eleven days away and she was concerned that her son was not going to have Christmas. How was she going to make ends meet AND get Christmas gifts for her son; "He is so deserving," she said. "He made great grades and deserves to have a good Christmas even if I can't give it to him myself."

I emailed and called the donor several times--no answer, no contact. I was sitting at my desk THIS AFTERNOON praying to God to have the donor call me. What was I going to do if this little family did not have a match??!! The phone rang...

"Hi, my name is Denise, and me and my husband would like to help a family for Christmas if you have something we could help with."

God had provided for the family (a donor calling to be matched), and for me--I did not have to worry that this little family would be forgotten for Christmas!! A Christmas Miracle--YES; and, I got to be a part of it!!!

The best gift of all... "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:6-7

The Miracles of Forgiveness and Freedom

Wednesday, December 8, 2010 by Hank Rush

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.

Helping Houston’s Homeless Find The Brightest Light

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 by John Mills

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.

25 Ways to Help the Homeless

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 by Scott McKinley

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.

Star of Hope's President & CEO, Hank Rush, will be posting stories of "Christmas Miracles" over the next 25 days. Go to his blog, 25 Days of Christmas Miracles, and tell us your story of how you are helping the homeless this Christmas Season.

25 Days of Christmas Miracles!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 by Hank Rush

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.

Men's Development Center Thanksgiving Graduation

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.

Star of Hope - "Home to the Brave"

Thursday, November 11, 2010 by Hank Rush

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.

Gifts That Honor and Help

Tuesday, November 2, 2010 by Scott McKinley

Star of Hope’s 2010 Christmas Gift Catalog is online. You can help Houston’s homeless men women and children, and honor a family member or friend at the same time.

“Some gifts won’t ever be forgotten. Here are six: The gift of food for men, women and children who are hungry...Christmas presents for those who have few reasons to smile...spiritual care for thousands of people struggling from day to day without hope...safety and protection for the littlest among us—the children...the opportunity to learn, to grow, to acquire new skills, to create a new life…shelter and care for those without a home and protection.”

Gift #1 - Gifts of Nourishment: Food
Gift #2 - Gifts of Joy: Christmas Gifts
Gift #3 - Gifts for the Soul: Spiritual Care
Gift #4 - Gifts of Safety: Children’s Critical Care
Gift #5 - Gifts of Learning: Education
Gift #6 - Gifts of Hope: Shelter & Care

If you prefer to give your gift through the mail, download our mail-in form. When you donate online you can send eCards to family and friends. You may select to send your eCard now or schedule a date closer to Christmas.

Learn about other ways to give and helping Houston's homeless with Star of Hope at
Charitable Organizations Houston.

The National Business Travel Association partners with Star of Hope - Part 1

Thursday, October 14, 2010 by Elizabeth Hatler

It’s been a year since I received the first e-mail from Jeannie Eisenhart. Jeannie works for Crowley Maritime in Florida and is on the Board of the National Business Travel Association.

NBTA members include airlines, hotels and resorts, travel agents and corporate travel departments, food service companies and temporary corporate apartment homes – just to name a few. Their 2010 international convention & exposition was scheduled for Houston, and for the first time ever, NBTA wanted the agenda to include a community service project. After the Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau recommended Star of Hope and NBTA executives from Washington, D.C. toured our facilities, an amazing partnership was born!

NBTA featured Star of Hope on their website and urged each member’s support. Without a track record, NBTA did not know what the response would be. But they wanted to provide members with a variety of ways to help Houston’s homeless men, women and children:

· * As members completed the convention registration form, they were asked to make a $10 donation to Star of Hope.

· * NBTA members were given a list of needed items – such as toiletries, towels, sheets, clothing and canned goods – and asked to make an in-kind donation.

· * And members were asked to sign-up for a project at our Transitional Living Center – painting client apartments and other living areas, writing notes of encouragement for client mailboxes and assisting in the kitchen.

Deliveries arrived from across the country – large and small boxes of donated items. As our Women & Family Emergency Shelter slept a growing number of adults and children in overflow during the dangerous summer heat, these donations were a special blessing.

We worked with the incredible NBTA staff for almost a year, planning for every detail. And there was a lot of work happening behind the scenes. NBTA secured cash donations from ADTRAV and Continental Airlines. Someone from Lowe’s contacted Werner & Co. on behalf of NBTA. Werner generously donated more than 50 ladders for the painting project. And Aramark donated drinks and snacks for NBTA volunteers.

After such a tremendous team effort, I was eager to meet all of the people from across the country who worked so tirelessly to bless Star of Hope. I wanted to put faces with the names and personally thank each one of our new friends. Project day could not arrive soon enough!

Make plans to serve Houston’s homeless men, women and children.

Call 713-440-5322 or 713-440-5301 to discuss volunteer project options for your group.
Community Volunteer Opportunities Houston

Homeless Families Double in Houston!

Thursday, September 16, 2010 by Hank Rush

The Coalition for the Homeless in Houston recently published its 2010 Enumeration of those in our city who are homeless. Over 40,000 have experienced homelessness in the past year in our city, up 20% from 2009. With all the Star of Hope has been seeing since spring, it's not surprising that the number of homeless families has doubled since 2009. Now families make up 21% of Houston's homeless population. The economic downturn has filled Houston's network of emergency bed providers and most transitional living facilities are at or near capacity. We therefore are finding it much more difficult to find agencies to which to refer families from our emergency shelters. The system is in gridlock.

I wrote a few weeks ago, wondering if Summer, 2010 would ever end. I guess you could say the weather is moderating, but we are still sleeping 80 to 100 a night in overflow on the floor of our Women & Family Emergency Shelter downtown, even in mid-September! This is an extraordinary pattern for this time of year and with the economy still ailing it may be a while until things return to "normal."

As we gear up for the Holidays, please keep us in mind if you'd like to volunteer, do a kids' toy drive or make a special financial gift for our men, women and children at Star of Hope this Thanksgiving and Christmas. And, most of all, please pray for those who are starting over in the safety of Star of Hope. God is "At Work" here every day, changing lives, one by one. Come and serve with us, and you will see and be blessed yourself! I guarantee you'll leave here counting your blessings and will have helped someone through your service!

Visit to learn more:
Community Service Volunteers Houston
Charitable Donations Houston

Hope Floats Up on the Kemah Boardwalk

Tuesday, August 24, 2010 by Erika Wise

While the warm breeze blows in from the Gulf of Mexico on another HOT day in Texas...these men are grateful. They are continuing their journey of HOPE... together!!

Most of these six men entered Star of Hope's Men's Development Center (Drug Rehab Centers Houston) and did so "just in time." Some were on their way to an early grave; some had already been in prison and were on the verge of going back; and, all were tired of their lives and wanted something different.

Houston Emergency Shelter gives men, women and families HOPE. Whether it is drug abuse, family alienation, or our country's declining economy--Star of Hope shelters and programs are there to see that Hope Floats Up!

These men have their own apartments again--some for TWO years now! Charitable Donations Houston allow them the ability to have their own homes while still getting some encouragement and accountability in their lives. The Star of Hope New Horizons Program encourages these men to carve out a community of Christ-followers and lift each other up as they learn how to live these NEW lives.

Derrick Jones, New Horizons Community Pastor, used these words to describe the day (he went with them):

“After testimonies, bible study and prayer, it was time for us to travel to Kemah, Texas for recreational fun. We arrived in Kemah and ate a wonderfully delicious sea food buffet at the Lighthouse Buffet on the Kemah Boardwalk. After absolutely stuffing ourselves, we stood by the bay and watched as countless boats, yachts, catamarans, and jet skies went out into the Gulf waters. We listened to live music that was really relaxing and soothing to the weary soul. We progressed on and watched several magic, dance, and variety shows by extremely gifted entertainers. By this time, we were worn out by the day’s activities and events, and decided to return home. The men had a great time. After living lives that that never afforded them the opportunity to really enjoy life, these men who have given their lives to Christ had the chance to enjoy and appreciate God’s creation. They were greatly encouraged by the camaraderie that was forged on August 7, 2010. It was a great day to be a man – a man saved by the precious blood of Jesus Christ and in fellowship with other saved men!”

Hope Floats Up--even on the Kemah Boardwalk!! Praise God.

The Blind Side Opened Houston's Eyes to Star of Hope

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 by Scott Arthur

It was a hot August night, but a breeze carried relief and a message of Hope to about 1500 Houstonians as they sat outside at Miller Outdoor Theatre and watched one of the best movies of 2009. Last Saturday, Star of Hope hosted a showing of The Blind Side - the feel good movie about NFL star Michael Oher and his tenure with the Touhy family. Sandra Bullock's performance won her the academy award and the story won the hearts of movie fans everywhere. Sean and Leigh Anne Touhy will be our guest speakers at the 2011 Star of Hope Banquet in February.

The event was billed as the Star of Hope "Can" Film Festival - inviting all to bring a donation of "Canned Goods" to help us feed the 1,000 homeless men, women and children we serve in our Shelters in Texas EVERYDAY.

You know how your favorite part of the movie used to be BEFORE the feature ...cartoons and stuff? (I know - I'm really dating myself). Well on Saturday night - I thought the show before the movie was great. Top rated Sunny 99.1 radio personality (and Star of Hope board member) Dana Tyson hosted the night and Houston's First Lady of TV - KHOU's Deborah Duncan sang The Star of Hope song - which she co-wrote. Then, the crowd was treated to a 4 minute tour of Star of Hope Shelters Houston Texas hosted by our President and CEO Hank Rush - big as life on the giant screen.

The audience was even given an opportunity to donate $10 by texting SOH to 20222. For a limited time - that donation will be matched by a generous donor. So if you are so inclined as to donate - now is a GREAT time to be supporting Houston Ministries, especially Star of Hope, one of the most effective non Profit Organizations Houston.

It was a magic night. For those of you who have trouble imagining it - here's a link to a quick Star of Hope YouTube "Can Film Festival" tribute.