Women's Shelter Donation Houston

Recently, we switched our Yellow Cab Ads. Have you noticed? We now offer ANOTHER option in our Ways to Give collection. You can now INSTANTLY donate $10 to help Star of Hope help the homeless in Houston. Just text "SOH" to 20222. It's that simple - and that important to us.

We call this campaign "The Summer of Hope" and we feature a cute little girl (an actual client) pretty in pink with a smile that would melt an iceberg. But if we showed you the hundreds of children without homes this summer - right here in Houston - you wouldn't see many smiles. You'd see frowns and sparks of panic and fear in their eyes.
 
Houston is without question, one of the most generous cities in America. But even Space City has communication problems. Folks don't realize that SUMMER is our busiest and most challenging time of the year. SUMMER is when homeless families that have been holding out in apartments without lights - give up and go to a shelter because of the heat. Or, a homeless family has been staying with friends or relatives to keep the kids in school but now its SUMMER and they're asked to leave - and live on the street - or in our shelter.

A few nights ago, IN ADDITION to the 1,000 homeless men, women and children sheltered in our facilities, 106 women and children slept in our atrium at the downtown  Star of Hope Women and Family Emergency Shelter. I believe that's a record - and a chilling sign of our times.

Help us make this a SUMMER of HOPE For these folks. Text your $10 or better yet - dig a little deeper if you can and assist us in overcoming what is now a $700,000 deficit this year.

God bless and inspire you - and thank you.

Learn about other ways to give. Visit Charitable Donations Houston

We all have our “wilderness” wanderings—much like the Israelites in the Old Testament. We have times in our lives when we have departed one place (Egypt) and are on to a new place (the Promised Land).  Many who enter the Drug Rehab Centers Houston or Battered Womens Shelter Houston are doing just that--moving from one place in their lives to another.  We hope and pray that there will not be a LONG wandering - 40 years - between our points of departure and arrival...but, truly, only God knows.  Sandra has been "wandering" for some time now...and, I want to share a bit of her story.

I met Sandra nearly two years ago. She was a resident of our Transitional Living Center and getting ready to move out after being there for fourteen months.  Sandra successfully completed the New Hope Program  , Personal Development , and the WorkFaith Connection Program. Sandra had a job, money in savings and was paying her bills consistently for the first time in her life.  She was ready for the next step.

Star of Hope's newest program (at the time), New Horizons, was exactly what Sandra needed.  Living in her own apartment, with her children, and the supportive services the program offered, Sandra was certain she would be able to begin her new life as a sober, loving mother who wanted a brighter future.

Sandra hit the ground running! She searched for better-paying jobs and was soon rewarded for her hard work. Not too soon after moving into her new home, she got a job as a housekeeper for a local hotel. She was making a higher wage AND, even before she completed her probationary period, they targeted her for management...enrolling her into Manager Training classes.  Sandra loved her work.  Then...tragedy struck...

Sandra, on her way to the bus stop to go to work, was hit by a car.  She was not injured badly, thank God. However, she was injured enough that she needed physical therapy and to be on "light duty."  Her supervisor told her there was no "light duty" assignments...and asked her to call when she was released to return to work.  But, they called her first--a month later, they called to tell her they were letting her go.  They had to fill her open position.  Sandra was hurt--physically from the car accident; and, now, emotionally from the loss of her job.

Thus began Sandra's "wilderness" walk.  In the Bible, the Lord was with the Israelites--a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). Sandra KNEW God was with her--because she had provision.  God provided for her through the New Horizons program which was able to come alongside her for a time with HER portion of the rent; the program was able to help supplement her food pantry through Food Donation Houston; and, she gained support and encouragement from the staff and other residents in the program through prayer, cards, and hugs when needed. 

Sandra's "wilderness" walk continues to this day (can you believe 15 months!!??)...she has searched and searched for jobs in Houston. She has applied in person, online and networked through several websites to find a position.  She has not been idle, she has not complained (different from the children of Israel), and she has not given up!!  During her time in the wilderness Sandra has accomplished the following:

*started her own cleaning business--SGH Cleaning Services (all that is left to do is obtain the bonding)
*served others by making sandwiches and cupcakes and taking them to Soup Kitchen Houston (at SEARCH Homeless Program)
*involved herself in the lives of her children (visiting their schools, attending counseling programs with them)
*attended Recovery Meetings, Bible Studies, and other meetings to offer HER testimony and provide encouragement to others
*helped several other families get into the Transitional Living Center when they found themselves homeless and in need of help
*recognized a desire to help others who are addicted to drugs and alcohol--she wants to be an LCDC

Sandra has been "wilderness" wandering--but, she has NOT been idle or lazy.  She has times of depression--when rejection overwhelms her--but, the "manna" comes again in the morning (Exodus 16:14) and gives her the strength to continue.  She has times when she wants to GIVE UP, but the water comes from the rock (Exodus 17:6) and refreshes her so she can fill out another application and go on another interview.

As I offer encouragement to Sandra, I keep telling her, "God has something GREAT coming to you." Sandra's Promised Land is out there...Sandra hears the Lord saying to her (just as he did Joshua) "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9b) 

And, so we wait by the Jordan River for God's command to cross over (Joshua 3:14)...Sandra's Promised Land is waiting for her AND, while she is waiting--she finds "Hope in the Wilderness."

What would you say if you had the opportunity to share a few words of encouragement with a child receiving care at Star of Hope? This is an opportunity for you to do just that.

Next month children from Women & Family Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living Center and New Horizons will head back to school.  Thanks to the generous support of friends and donors, every one of these children will step onto the bus and into their classroom with everything they need to succeed. New school uniforms, new shoes and a backpack full of supplies!

You can add to their excitement and joy by writing a short note of encouragement for the school age children at Star of Hope. Please take a moment and “Leave a comment” on this blog. We will print your note, along with others we receive, and give them to the children before the first day of school.

Thanks for caring and making a difference in these children's lives!

School Donations Houston: Ways to get involved and help a child succeed:
- Send a note of encouragement to a child on this blog.
- If you receive our July Newsletter in the mail, write a note on the enclosed backpack tag and send it back to us.
- Donate financially to provide needed items and continued care throughout the school year.
- Coordinate a drive for school supplies or other urgent needs.
- Spread the word! Tell your friends about all of these opportunities to change a child’s life.
 

It was a typical Sunday afternoon. Everyone in my family-of-five had gone their own way after getting home from church and having lunch. I was in the living room, downloading a few songs from my laptop onto my iPod, when a loud pop came from somewhere outside. The power was instantly gone and the house filled with overwhelming quiet.  

This was the second time within a few weeks we found ourselves without electricity on a Sunday. As we gathered to discuss the unpleasant reality, we vividly remembered the 12+ hours it took to restore our power the previous Sunday. 

My youngest son, Josh, said if power was not back on by bedtime that he was going to sleep on our porcelain tile floor. The porcelain typically stays very cool, but the floor is extremely hard. The thought of Josh sleeping on a rock-hard floor to find a little relief in an otherwise sweltering night broke my heart. I thought about the many homeless mothers who struggle and anguish over the often dangerous, uncomfortable and dirty places their precious children will sleep. The thought brings tears to my eyes….and I can’t even begin to grasp the helplessness and hopelessness they must feel as they look into the questioning eyes of their little ones.

My family is very fortunate, very blessed indeed.  Although inconvenient, we had the means to find a comfortable waiting place and air conditioned cars to get there.   But what about the many homeless men, women and children in our city who live on the streets and don’t have those options? Where do they go to escape the treacherous, life-threatening heat that beats down on the sizzling pavement day after endless day?  There’s not even the relief that old, vacant buildings provide during the cold of winter. Stale, stagnant air scorches the lungs and sweat steadily drips from every pore until dehydration sets in.

I praise and thank God that long ago He made provision for a place called Star of Hope Mission. Today, Star of Hope reaches out to the homeless in our city with safe, welcoming shelter and so much more. Thanks to generous donors and volunteers, Houston’s homeless men, women and children find refuge from the blistering heat of the summer and meet a Savior who will provide for every need.

Learn how you can get involved. Visit Volunteer Jobs Houston to find an opportunity of interest to you.

Help make this a Summer of Hope for the homeless in our city.

Donate $10 by safely texting SOH to 20222.

I’ve often heard that for kids a week at summer camp is equal to a year’s worth of Christian education. Many dynamic Christians have shared testimonies of how Jesus first became real in their lives while attending camp. The children at Star of Hope are no different. Amidst horseback rides, canoeing and the many new challenges of the great outdoors, they learn about a Savior who loves them and will never leave them. There, around the glowing embers of the campfire, a yearning for His purpose in their lives is powerfully and forever ignited. So how awesome is it that Star of Hope sends about 120 children to summer camp each year?!?! 

Of course, the kids don’t simply hop on the bus and ride off to their cabins in a wooded paradise. Getting 120 children ready for camp is a HUGE job that could not be accomplished with the generosity of our donors and volunteers. Since most of our children do not have the essentials for a week at camp, we pack and send each camper with everything he or she needs – shorts, t-shirts, socks & underwear, swimsuits, tennis shoes, flip-flops, towels, toiletries, and most important, a Bible. 

This week, volunteers will be at our Women & Family Emergency Shelter to pack a duffel bag for each child.   This is not a fast job – packing must be done with care and an eye for detail. Not only is it important for campers to have the items they need, it is very important they have the right sizes. Volunteers from the Doubletree Hotel – Houston Downtown will kick-off the packing party and donate travel-size toiletries. Rick & Carole Wilcox, Harry Kirkpatrick, Melvin Jackson, Nellie Zarate, Durwood South and Vivian Busquet , along with a few more volunteers, will finish the job long before the first bus arrives. The ride to Camp Good News will be filled with joyful camp songs and happy hearts.

Please pray for our children and counselors as they travel to and from camp. And pray as our children experience God’s amazing creation in a new way, they will open their hearts to His love and accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior. As they come to know the boundless love of Christ, our children will truly experience a Summer of Hope!

Learn more about Houston Volunteer Opportunities and Donation Opportunities for Summer of Hope.

Throughout the community, an exceptional group of young people are learning the skills needed to become our future leaders. These young men and women are part of the Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs. What an honor it is to work with Scouts who select Star of Hope as the site for their Eagle Scout and Girls Scout Gold Award projects!  

The project requirements are stringent. Scouts must submit a comprehensive plan - containing a detailed description of the project, the necessary supplies and materials, how the project will be funded and how the project will benefit Star of Hope - that goes through many levels of approval in the Scout organizations before work can begin. 

This month, Scouts Mark Camero and Kevin Sweat will complete the projects they first proposed last year. Mark designed and is coordinating a team to build shelving units for a storage area at Star of Hope’s Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Kevin designed and is coordinating a team to build a seating area and improve the area around a playground at our Transitional Living Center. Scout Brian Howell is working on a project that will include a new seating area and beautification of an area around Star of Hope’s administration building. From drawing plans to material take-offs, these young men have covered all the bases. Scouts Tyler Barron and Matthew Salazar recently hosted donation drives for pillows, towels, socks and underwear and collected several thousand items! As we work with these young men over many months, nothing is more awesome and inspiring than when the invitation arrives to their Court of Honor ceremonies! 

Girl Scouts Madeline Bowser and Kelsey Pearson developed Gold Award projects that enriched the lives of the elementary-school-age children at our Transitional Living Center. Madeline organized and hosted three fun-filled monthly theme parties and also collected children’s socks and underwear. Kelsey, who lived in China for several years, shared her love for international cultures by organizing and hosting three international festivals that included arts & crafts, food and games. Not only did our children benefit from these unique experiences, Madeline and Kelsey were excellent role models.

In addition to these wonderful young people, Boy Scout leader Shana Montgomery has been a special blessing. While working through the demanding Wood Badge program, which teaches advanced leadership skills, Shana selected Star of Hope for her community service project. She helped get our children ready for summer camp by collecting flip-flops in all colors and sizes. 

We are so proud of our Scouts and grateful for the many ways they bless our mission! Each Scout demonstrates a tremendous work ethic, dedication and compassion for those less fortunate. Their commitment and service truly gives Houston’s homeless men, women and children hope for a better tomorrow.

"We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield." Psalm 33:20

When a teenager comes into Star of Hope with his or her family, they will receive many things that they need from shampoo to a uniform for school. But I feel the greatest gift that they will receive while they live here at the Women and Family Shelter is something that I give to them. Almost every teen that has come through our doors has received a Bible! Many of the teens that come through here have lost their Bible while moving around and some have never owned one at all. So, it becomes a source of great joy to give a teen a Bible.

Well, something amazing happened when I came to the shelter today. One of my co-workers came up to me and said that there were boxes of Bibles for the teens that came in. This was unusual, because normally I have means of finding free Bibles (used or new) to give the teens. Well, I went and found the Bibles that were set aside for the teens. To my surprise, I found four boxes of Bibles containing a total of 136 Bibles! And these were not the normal paperback Bibles that I usually have to give the teens. Instead, these Bibles were unopened, leather bound, and compact so they can be easily carried around. I was completely amazed and filled with joy as I imagined one of the teens carrying one to school with them or reading it in their room.
Through my surprise, I realized that someone out there really blessed many teens living at this shelter. And who knows how many will be blessed by these teens that will take God's Word into their schools and homes. I thank God for those who generously give of what God has blessed them with so that others too can receive of that blessing. If you would like to see our needs and see how you can help, click Charitable Donations Houston

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:10-11- copied from one of those Bibles!) 

A great way to help the homeless is by donating needed items to an emergency shelter or long-term program. Also, consider organizing a collection drive with your friends, church, colleagues, school or organization.

Star of Hope Mission's urgent needs for this week include:

• Women’s Deodorant
• Shaving Cream
• Razors
• Blue Label Similac
• Flashlights & Batteries
• Pull Ups (2t, 3t, 4t).

Thank you for helping!

Coordinate a drive for needed items: Volunteering Houston. View our current needs list: Donating To Charitable Organizations
 

You gotta love the folks at Marriott International and Glazier Foods. Together, they delivered 5 tons of much-needed, non-perishable food to our Storehouse and unloaded every box, bag, and bundle by hand—well with a little help from a fork lift.

This was a definite hallelujah moment for our kitchen staff and all of Star of Hope, for that matter, because with nearly 1,000 hungry, homeless men, women, and children to feed, daily, the words “5 tons” weighs in at the top of the blessings scale.

This is the fourth year that Marriott has rallied their family of hotels around the city to help the homeless at Star of Hope, through their Spirit to Serve initiative, collecting thousands of pounds of food for the people in our shelters. But this year, Glazier Foods upped the ante by matching Marriott’s effort pound for pound, doubling the donation and making it an awesome feed-for-all. 

Thank you Marriott International and Glazier Foods. You are a friend indeed.

Watch the video: Donating To Charitable Organizations Houston

Are you looking for a way to get involved and help the homeless in our community? Consider organizing a collection drive for some of Star of Hope's needed items at your school, company, church or neighborhood. Focus on a theme and get creative:  Pillows and Blankets, Socks and Underwear, Items for Infants and Toddlers, We Care Houston Packages, etc...

You can find our current needs list at Houston Shelter Donations. Visit Inkind Drives and Donations to tell us what you're collecting, your expected donation date and ask us any questions you may have.

Thank you so much for rolling up your sleeves and working with us to help the homeless men, women and children of Houston.

I met Wendi and her daughters in June 2008. This was around the time they first arrived at Star of Hope’s Women and Family Emergency Shelter. On this particular day volunteers from Westin Hotels catered a meal and threw a big party for the families at the shelter.

Wendi and her family soon moved from the Emergency Center and into the Star of Hope Transitional Living Center for Women and Families. Wendi received help for substance abuse and through our other programs learned to build a stronger family. Read Wendi’s story and watch a short video in our January Interactive Newsletter.

Offer support and hope to moms like Wendi. Donate Online at Donation Opportunities Houston.

As the New Year fast approaches, I want to extend a sincere and heart-felt “Thank You” to you, for all your support and help this past year! 2009 has been a rough year for most all of us in some way or another, and has seen unexpected severe hardship on many individuals and families in Houston and around the country, due to the major economic crisis we have all faced.

Star of Hope has been a true shining light in this darkness, and I can joyfully say that EVERYONE at this Mission has stepped up and worked extra hard this year to serve the huge numbers of men, women and children who have come to us for help. I am so proud of our staff! And I am personally grateful to you for supporting and partnering with us this past year, to provide the resources to serve as we’ve been called to serve. We could not have done it without you!

As we face 2010, we know going in, that there are many who are at the brink and will deal with financial crisis, loss of home or apartment and job in the year to come. With your continued help… in the many ways you partner with us… we will seek to continue to meet these lives at their crisis point, and help them on their journey to a new life of faith, work and home for them and their families.

Blessings to you, our dear partner, and best wishes for a joy filled New Year for you and yours!