Star of Hope Mission

Radio Stations Celebrate "Day of Hope" on Houston Air Waves

Thursday, January 26, 2012 by Scott Arthur

This week Star of Hope has three good reasons to “Thank God It’s Friday.” Starting early Friday morning 93Q (92.9), The Eagle (107.5) and Country Legends (97.1) will each broadcast two commercials an hour featuring testimonies of men, women and children that were homeless and have had their lives changed by the recovery programs at Star of Hope.

Cox Media, 93Q, Country Legends, The Eagle

This “Day of Hope” was inspired by a recent Community Partnership between Cox Media Group and the Houston homeless mission. The main goal is to help listeners realize that our city’s Homeless are not necessarily represented by the man at the intersection with a sign but more likely by the more than ten thousand “Hidden Homeless” ….women, children, men, families sleeping in cars or camp grounds or abandoned buildings … too proud to seek help yet too desperate not to.

Faith-based Star of Hope provides shelter, food, spiritual guidance, life changing recovery programs and day services to about 1,100 of these men, women and children EVERY DAY.

Friday, tune into your favorite Cox radio station to hear real life testimonies and find out more about how our 105 year old organization helps God change lives.

For more information visit sohmission.org, call 713-748-0700 or go to the Star of Hope Mission on Facebook.

Ways to Give Houston
Volunteer Opportunities Houston

From Ending...to Beginning

Thursday, January 26, 2012 by Erika Wise

With Endings...come new Beginnings...

“Beginnings are scary. Endings are usually sad, but it’s what’s in the middle that counts. So, when you find yourself at the beginning, just give hope and chance to float up. And it will.” quote from "Hope Floats"

On December 17, 2011, two families "ended" their three years in Star of Hope's New Horizons Program. Cheri L. and Sandra H. were the first to complete all three years of this "new" program. And, though a happy occasion, there was some sadness, too.

Cheri and her boys are doing well and prospering. Cheri (top) is a personal banker and well on her way to financial stability. Gabriel (middle) has attended the same school for three years and has been recommended for the 'gifted and talented' program. Thaddaeus, also called T.J. (bottom) was enrolled in Kindergarten this year and he is also being considered for the 'gifted and talented' program.

Sandra (far left) is pictured here with her daughter Keiara and two granddaugthers. Sandra has been working for the same employer for a year and has been considered for promotion. She also has an opportunity to return to a previous employer and pursue further career options there. Keiara graduates school in the Spring and has already been accepted to a college of her choice. Though Sandra is wary of letting her daughter go off to college, she is very proud of her, too.

With Endings...come new Beginnings...for Cheri and Sandra's families and for our programming. We are beginning a BRAND NEW program called New Haven. New Haven is a permanent supportive housing program for single women who are suffering from mental illness. Once stable, these women will be placed in their own apartment homes and offered supportive services; such as--case management, counseling, recovery classes, self-advocacy instruction, and much more.
We are excited about what the future has in store for our departing families and for those single women who will come into New Haven. We trust that God will lead these precious families and women AND our staff as we continue to speak and pray His word over their lives.

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
John 14:12-14

Discover how you can help.
Visit Star of Hope Mission - Donation Opportunities Houston

*Photos courtesy of Gary Matthews of Ensorce Photography.

The Lonely Man

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 by Wendi Hay

THE LONELY MAN

I saw him on the morning drive

Carefully studying him as I went by

This man sitting in the cold

At the intersection of the road

It wasn't his homelessness

I was stirred by his loneliness

His home, a shopping cart

His clothes tattered and torn apart

Not moving not saying a word

Just sitting there near the curb

Staring blankly ahead

As if already dead

A song called him a monument

God showing us evidence

That all is not well in the world

Later on with my little girl

He was still there

Same place, same stare

And my heart sank once more

I wished he had someone to love

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, written by malachi819, 01-22-11

Help Houston's Homeless with Star of Hope Mission -
Homeless Shelters Houston.

So What’s Ahead for the New Year?

Thursday, January 12, 2012 by Hank Rush

That’s the question we are all asking, isn’t it? And when we consider that for our homeless men, women and children in Houston, we know that “2012 will be a year of significantly more needs to be met.”

Star of Hope has always been on the cutting edge of ministry to the homeless. Over the past 105 years of service there have been three distinct transitions in the homeless need:

Serving men-only for our first 80 years.
Serving women and families beginning in the mid-80‘s.
Now, the third transition…serving a growing percentage of our city’s AT RISK and ON THE BRINK of Homelessness population.

The face of homelessness has changed. For every person you see on the street corners asking for help or money, there are at least 10 others who are hidden…living in cars, on friends couches or in abandoned buildings, or about to lose their ability to maintain their ability to live and function independently.

2011 was a record year…with 25% more homeless people in Houston, and twice as many families homeless as there were just 2 years ago. Star of Hope stepped up, thanks to your amazing support, and served record numbers, all with open arms to anyone who came for help. Thank you for YOUR help…volunteering your time, bringing donations, giving financial gifts…and most importantly remembering us in your prayers.

One thing that you can always count on when you think of Star of Hope…this is a place where God Is At Work in the lives of our most needy individuals, and He does His Miracles here every day. It is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen! And all of us who work here do so with a reverent awe every day!

This new year, we are already focusing on how we can expand our job preparedness and job skills efforts for our clients. We are staying in touch with more of our graduates than ever before, to support them when they stumble or need a little extra help to stay on track. We are working in a more deliberate way than ever, to assist families and individuals who are ABOUT TO BE HOMELESS, by growing our day services and partnering more closely with other great organizations in Houston. And we are expanding our children’s and teen ministries to help prepare the children of our homeless families to live a different life…and break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in their generation.

Sound exciting? Then come join us and let’s make 2012 our best year ever of CHANGED LIVES in our great city!

Blessings to you and your family in the new year, and we look forward to working together with you in 2012.

Discover ways you can help with Star of Hope today. Visit:
Donation Opportunities Houston
Volunteer Opportunities Houston

The Mosquito

Wednesday, January 11, 2012 by Wendi Hay

This writing has a deeper significance for me than just being an encounter with a mosquito. The scripture says that blood is the life of the body.

Child abuse (of all kinds) is a prevalent and horrifying common occurrence in our country. As a client at the Star of Hope, many nights I would sit up in my bed wide awake after some bad dream. I would look at my daughters sleeping peacefully and safely and it would be almost unreal to me. Just knowing that they wouldn't have to endure what I went through as a child would crush me completely. Many times I would cry uncontrollably out of gratitude. A few times, I called Michelle Alexander and Mr. Patrick in the middle of the night leaving them voice-mails just thanking them for letting me stay at the Star of Hope. I am not sure how much people realize that stolen innocence equals stolen life.

Again, thank you for your support of Star of Hope.

THE MOSQUITO

I would be forgetful

To not write about……

The Mosquito

Texas is infested with them

They linger above my doorpost at night

Waiting for the door to open

And a whole gang of them fly inside

Into the lighted room

I do my best

To hunt them down

And eliminate them

One by one

But some are crafty

Cunning in their hiding places

One night as I slept

A buzzing in my ear awoke me

I couldn’t find it

So I lay back down

But after a few minutes

I opened my eyes

And there it was

On my bedpost

Looking down on me from its perch

Watching me intently

For a few minutes

We had a face off

I was surprised and also fearful

At its boldness

It’s disbelief that it had the authority

To hunt me while I slept

I just looked at it

My daughter was already itching beside me

That made me angry

That meant it preyed upon her first

I tried to squash it

But it got away

And lighted upon the wall beside the bed

I watched it again

I was very still

When it thought I was asleep

It came for me again

But I got him by surprise

This whole scenario

May be insignificant to you

But it was a very valuable life lesson to me

No more should I be awakened

By late night predators

Hunting me while I sleep

They have no authority

The predator became the prey

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, written by malachi819, 06-13-11

Visit Star of Hope Mission

Three Ways to Help Houston's Homeless Before the End of the Year

Thursday, December 29, 2011 by Scott McKinley

Year-End is fast approaching, but it's not too late to help Houston's homeless men, women and children with Star of Hope. Three simple ways you can help in the next three days:

Invite your friends to "Like" Star of Hope Mission on Facebook
Start making plans to volunteer in 2012
Give a year-end gift today

Learn more about Star of Hope Mission - Houston Homeless Shelters

A Banner Year Thanks to YOU!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011 by Hank Rush

You have helped restore almost 7,000 lives in Houston in 2011

As I am sitting here in my office, taking a deep breath and thinking back over this past year, I am amazed and humbled at all God has done in our community through the Star of Hope.

Record numbers of people have become homeless in Houston this past year, and as a result, Star of Hope has served more individuals than ever before in our 104 year history this year. Immediate needs met, safety, a place to sleep, clothes, showers, food, a note card of encouragement from a volunteer, a counselor and longer term programs to help begin putting life back together…all offered to each one in an environment filled with the love of Christ.

I am reminded about the young man in his 20’s who graduated from our Men’s Development Center this past summer, who had been left on the doorsteps of a hospital in his home town when he was only 6 weeks old because his mom didn’t want him. He had struggled with the sense that he didn’t belong or have a home his whole life. But here at Star of Hope he “came home” to Christ and found new purpose and his eternal identity in Him. Or the young 15 year old girl, who came to us with her family, two years behind in school because of all the moves the family had made the prior couple of years. Through our Stars of 2morrow Teen Ministry this young lady caught up in school and graduated from high school in the top 7.5% of her class this past spring. She is at the University of Texas this Christmas on a scholarship! And there are hundreds of other stories just like these, inspiring and life-changing, all because Houstonians like you CARE.

A month ago, the children of the Yellowstone Academy Middle School held a fundraiser for Star of Hope, and together raised $176.28 to give to children less fortunate than themselves here at the Star of Hope. These precious children, whose families’ average income is about $10,000 per year, came on a school bus and joyfully brought us their Christmas gift.

Yesterday, a young man named William rode a bus to downtown from a west Houston grocery store where he works as a sacker, then took a train from downtown to the Medical Center, then a cab to Star of Hope, to bring his $200 gift he had been saving up. He does not have a car, but wanted to bring his Christmas gift in person this year somehow, some way.

So I am humbled at how God uses it all…our gifts, our volunteer hours, our staff and facilities, and most of all, our prayers to change and restore lives from the depths of despair, to heartfelt joy once again.

From all of us to you, thanks for making this all possible! We look forward to serving our community, with you, in 2012.

Discover ways to help with Star of Hope Mission.
Visit Volunteer Opportunities Houston and Donation Opportunities Houston today!

Like Star of Hope on Facebook and see more pictures from 2011.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Wednesday, December 21, 2011 by Hank Rush

Christmas excitement builds at Star of Hope . . . thanks to you!

There are only a few days remaining until Christmas! Last-minute preparations are underway all over Star of Hope, especially making sure we’ll have enough special Christmas gifts for all the boys and girls who will spend the holiday here with their families. That’s a bigger challenge than ever this year, as we’ve seen a 25% increase in the number of homeless families in Houston.

For two hundreds families in residence with us this year, Star of Hope will be “home” for Christmas. And even the men in our men’s programs enjoy special time with their families at Christmas.

I’ll never forget what I saw last year at our Men’s Development Center downtown at their annual Family Christmas Day. We were enjoying a festive Christmas party with our men and their families, who had come for the day’s activities. I was visiting with a young man who was telling me how much the Men’s Center had meant to him, when I saw out of the corner of my eye another young man, with his three school-aged boys trailing behind him, headed for the Christmas tree near the front of the building. He joyfully took his boys to the tree, and reached down and picked up the gifts he had for each of them, which were nestled under our tree, hugging each one of them. I was moved to watch this dad sharing his love for his children, as if they were in their own home! That sight just made Christmas for me, and I believe God used the Star of Hope to bring healing to that family as they are recovering from their dad’s former addictions.

There are dozens of other stories I could share with you about Christmas at Star of Hope. We all thank you for being a part of all of it, through your prayers and gifts. May God fill your own home and holiday time with His peace, joy and the celebration of His great gift to all of us, His Son, Jesus Christ! Merry Christmas to you from the Star of Hope!

Star of Hope Mission - Support Houston Homeless Shelters

A Star of Hope Graduate's Perspective

Monday, December 12, 2011 by Scott McKinley

I am so excited that Wendi Hay, a graduate of Star of Hope’s Transitional Living Center for Women & Families, has joined our blog team. Watch this video and hear some of Wendi’s story. Then visit her blog, A Profound Perspective, to get Wendi’s perspective of life at and after Star of Hope. Thanks Wendi!

Star of Hope Mission – Houston Family Shelters

Yellowstone Acadmey 8th Graders Give Well

Monday, December 12, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

Recently, you may have seen on our Facebook Fan Page a picture of Hank Rush, with a big old check from Yellowstone Academy 8th graders. They raised money, made a check and presented it to Mr. Rush, proudly.

I find this story extremly moving for several reasons. One being that many of Yellowstone Acadamy kids have lived at Star of Hope before or are currently living here. Another, staggering fact is that 87% of Yellowstone Acadmey kids are currently living in poverty or extreme poverty. In fact the average family income is $8,088.

The final number that strikes me is in total $178.98 was given to Star of Hope from Yellowstone Acadmey kids, which is about 2.2% total of a Yellowstone Academy's average family YEARLY income.

That makes me ask myself does at least 2% of my yearly income go to helping Houston's homeless? A group of 8th graders gave and about 95 people will be able to eat a hot meal in our soup kitchen this Christmas.

Stories like these always remind me of this passage:

Mark 12:41-44

The Message (MSG)

^41-44Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, "The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all."

Remember this Christmas Season isn't about how much you give it is about the heart of the giver. Give joyfully, give faithfully and you will give well.

Yellowstone Academy Giving

Want to give well this Christmas? Feed Houston's homeless!

The Star of Hope

Monday, December 12, 2011 by Wendi Hay

Two days I have endured

This tormenting spirit

The one that is too strong for me

The one that I have entertained for so long

I needed to get us out for a few minutes

A few snacks and hot chocolate in the warmth of the car

There was this beautiful choir singing to me through the radio

“I am standing…

In the need…

Of a blessing!”

And my thought was this,

God “is” the blessing

As I looked up through the front window of my car

From the parking lot

Through the wind and the trees

For the first time since it was erected

I really noticed the Cross

And its accompanying Star

It seemed especially beautiful in this very moment

As it shined so brightly in the dark of the night

It seemed to be speaking to me

And I knew I was still loved

And the Spirit of God spoke to me

Saying these words

“There is not one beyond my reach

And you,

My Beloved

Who are so close to my heart

I will never leave”

And today

I have learned faithfulness

What it means to really yearn

After the LORD

And to need HIS Word,

To long for HIS comfort

That no matter what temptation comes along

Nothing or no one can separate me from God’s love

Wendi Hay - written 11/25/10

Learn more about Star of Hope Mission - Christian Ministries Houston.

Hope for Christmas

Monday, December 12, 2011 by Erika Wise

As we celebrate Christmas, let us know that our hope is not found in man, the gifts others give, but in the 'baby' that came so that we may truly know the hope of man!

Christmas is a joyous time for many...but, for those struggling financially and emotionally, it can leave them with little or no hope. The Star of Hope--its staff and programs--are here to show guests and clients of the true Star of Hope--Jesus Christ.

For nearly 20 years, we have had the Adopt-a-Family Christmas Program for those who have left our programs and may be struggling their first year or two out on their own. Church groups, families, and companies call asking to help make Christmas special...it is no small miracle that these families and individuals who need help receive bountiful blessings of gifts, support and love from perfect strangers!!

This week, I received an email from someone in need. Here is some of what she wrote:

"I was married on October 5th, 2011...just a few months ago. We found out I was pregnant shortly thereafter...my "husband" told me on November 5th that he no longer loved me, and did not want to be married to me...I was living the fairytale until we moved into our home just a week after being married...He has no concern now for me, Clayton (her 8 year old son), or our unborn child...I am completely in a bind and don't know what to do about Clayton's Christmas. The reason that I am so concerned is that I have always been able to provide him a very good Christmas from Santa. It breaks my heart that because I put my trust in a man my son is now suffering."

This story is all-too-common. Mothers and their children are spending Christmas looking for a safe place to stay...someone to care...some hope...

Through the generosity and gifts of donors and volunteers...*Sherry and Clayton--and, her unborn child--will be blessed with gifts and love this Christmas.

I think back to that first "Christmas" night...a pregnant woman carrying the HOPE of the world...And, that is what we celebrate this time of year.

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him 'Immanuel'--which means 'God with us.'" Matthew 1:23

*Names changed to protect privacy/confidentiality.

Discover ways to give at Donation Opportunities Houston.

Room in the Inn this Christmas

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 by Hank Rush

Christmas is my very favorite time of the year, and I often read the Christmas Story along with my family this time of year. As we read it, I have thought many times, as you may have, about that innkeeper who turned Joseph and Mary and the unborn Jesus away that Christmas evening. What was he thinking when he did such a seemingly uncaring deed? I’ve thought to myself and you may have too, “I’d never have let anyone, let alone God’s only Son, be born in the stable! I would have made room for them in my inn!”

It may not be practical for you and I to take someone into our homes each Christmas, but I hope you know that every time you give to Star of Hope, you are providing “room in the inn” for many in great need of a new start in life, and a new look at God’s roadmap for their lives. They find warmth, safety, and help with their personal needs, but most of all, they find His Love at the Star of Hope. As He said in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.” (NIV).

This has been an extraordinary year of need in the Houston community…more families and individuals have experienced homelessness than in many years. And the Star of Hope has been called on to serve more people than ever before, in our 104 year history! But we need your help right now as recent donations have not kept up with the demands we are experiencing.

Help us make the “Star of Hope Inn” that warm and special place for those who have literally nowhere else to go…as Mary and Joseph experienced, this Christmas. Now just as then, it is our choice that can make all the difference in someone’s life and journey back to wholeness and hope. Please donate online now!

Blessings to you this Christmas!

If you missed it on the news, watch this video from ABC 13 - KTRK:

Star of Hope Asks for Your Help for Homeless

Help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope.
Dicover ways to give at Donation Opportunities Houston.

TLC "Little Couple" Making a Big Impact at Star of Hope

Wednesday, November 30, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

Jennifer Arnold from TLC's "Little Couple" serving at Star of Hope

Through Star of Hope, Houston’s community, has many opportunities to give Hope to Houston’s homeless every day. Recently, “Little Couple” a show on TLC featuring Bill Klein and Jennifer Arnold took time to share their hope with several of Star of Hope’s families. Despite their small stature they have really big hearts --- with beautiful stories to share.

With successful careers, Bill as a businessman and Jen as a doctor, they have much wisdom in overcoming uncontrollable obstacles while having an excellent attitude towards life! They are an inspiration and it is an honor to have had them serve a Thanksgiving meal to Houston’s homeless! Thank you, Bill and Jen for having big hearts that give back to Houston's needy.

We are looking forward to a very heartfelt episode!

Fan us on Facebook so you stay connected and do not miss the airing of the "Little Couple" featuring Star of Hope!

Discover ways you can help with Star of Hope. Visit Volunteer Opportunities Houston.

This Season of Thankfulness

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 by John Mills

Hey guys! I found these two photos of Thanksgiving lunch at the Star of Hope.

Star of Hope Mission - Thanksgiving 1965

Star of Hope Mission - Thanksgiving 2009

The first pic is from many years ago and the second is more current! The parallels touched my heart in that, while years have passed, there are still the less fortunate in our city, who really need our help. Every day, Star of Hope helps over 1,000 persons, about 1/3 are children. The more I work in this homeless Christian Ministry in Houston, the more I am concerned for the children, the next generation. Last night the Star of Hope Women and Family Emergency Shelter on Dowling had 63 persons sleep on a pallet on the floor because the 74 rooms were filled! Please pray for these persons, that they will find their way in our world! If you can help, you can donate today. Also, you can find out how you can volunteer, and learn more about homelessness in our city!

Thanks for your prayers. They become the catalyst for life change! God bless.

BTW, don’t miss our annual banquet, February 2nd, at the Hilton Americas. It will be a great night to learn more about Houston’s homeless! Make reservations now and bring a friend or neighbor, or both!

May God richly bless you and your family during this Season of Thankfulness!

Discover ways to give and help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope Mission.
Visit Donation Opportunities Houston.

Grateful Every Day

Tuesday, November 22, 2011 by Hank Rush

Star of Hope Women & Family Emergency Shelter

With Thanksgiving only a few days away, I’m counting my blessings — and I want you to know you are a big part of my gratitude! This has been such an exciting year of service at the Star of Hope, as record numbers of individuals and families have come for help.

You have shown the true spirit of our Lord and of the compassion of our city. It has truly made a difference for thousands… because of your help, your volunteer time, your food and clothing drives, your cards and letters, meals served for our Clients, and most importantly your prayers.

Every day at the Star of Hope God changes lives. It is amazing to watch and is such a humbling place to serve. We feel a profound sense of gratefulness to God, and are constantly amazed at His incredible power to heal a broken heart, forgive a broken past, and bring new Life and Hope alive in a life once again.

Right now, we are caring for almost 1,100 men, women and children in urgent need of basic necessities and long-term, life changing solutions to their problems. And in this incredibly busy Thanksgiving, we’ll all be counting you as one of our blessings, and praying for God’s rich blessings for you and your family. Thank you for partnering with us this holiday season at the Star of Hope!

Discover ways to give and help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope.
Visit Donation Opportunities Houston.

104 Thanksgivings at Star of Hope

Thursday, November 17, 2011 by Scott McKinley

I was just thinking about the fast approaching holidays. Thanksgiving is a week away and Christmas is just around the corner. I’m looking forward to spending next Wednesday afternoon with homeless and recovering men at the Star of Hope Men’s Development Center in downtown Houston. Wow… this will be the 104th year that Thanksgiving meals have been served at Star of Hope!

This picture was taken during the Thanksgiving meal at Star of Hope in 1955.

Even in the early days, Star of Hope has always been more than a soup kitchen and place to sleep. I’m honored to be a part of such an enduring legacy. I’m thankful for Star of Hope’s incredible staff, faithful volunteers and generous donors who continue to make a Star of Hope a place of refuge and recovery in our city.

To learn more, visit More Than A Soup Kitchen Houston. You may be surprised at the depth of the programs offered at Star of Hope Mission.

Hope Floats Up, Even In The Hardest Of Times

Friday, November 11, 2011 by Erika Wise

God provides in the most unique and profound ways…and, three of Star of Hope's New Horizons Residents are experiencing that right now!

Experiencing a job loss is something MANY can relate to when this country has an unemployment rate near 10%. But, the issue strikes too close to home for Curly, Sharon and Pam.

When asked “What do you want for Christmas?”—children are not answering with the usual “bike, doll, or other toys.”…they are saying, “I want my Mom to have a job.”

Sharon and Pam struggle with their job search. Both laid off from their jobs months ago, struggle with the stigma of a past that will not go away. The ladies know how to dress for an interview; they have wonderful personalities and answer their interview questions well; and, they show genuine desire and interest in working for the company/organization for which they interview. Those who interview them say they would like to hire them right away…but, “we have to do a background check.” REJECTION comes with a phone call that says, “I am sorry, but we do not hire felons.”

And, then there is Curly. He is kind, has a good work ethic, and is very skilled. However, he is older than most of the others who are applying for the same positions he is. He is a half-step slower than the younger men, but his knowledge and work ethic far outshine that of his rivals. He has knowledge in how to fix cars and just about every home appliance you could think of. He makes his portion of the rental payment by collecting his unemployment and doing odd-jobs to raise the funds.

“Who will give me a second chance, Miss Erika?” is the question posed to me. I truly wish I could answer that question.

Discover ways to give and help.
Visit Star of Hope Mission - Donation Opportunities Houston.

Give Us This Day, Our Daily Bread

Thursday, November 3, 2011 by Hank Rush

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

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

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

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

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

Blessings to you and yours this Thanksgiving!

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

Things We’re Thankful For

Friday, October 21, 2011 by Hank Rush

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

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

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

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

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

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

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