Women's Shelter Donation 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.

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.

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

When the Only Way to Look Is UP

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 by Hank Rush

As I am writing this, we have just experienced a night of unprecedented need at Star of Hope's downtown Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Last night, 141 families and single women were admitted to our already full family shelter.

The only place for them was on the floor on a mat, but they were grateful and came anyway. Thirty five families with their 55 children and 51 single women all came needing safety from the city streets and the heat. Can you imagine if the best thing in your day is finding a mat on the floor in a homeless shelter?

Well, they came to the right place! They are safe, loved, fed nutritious meals, had a bath and received new clothes (if they needed them)… even a toy or a book for their children. And today they will find a listening ear and a welcoming staff who will help them stabilize from their trauma, receive medical attention through the on-site Harris County Hospital Clinic… and as a private room opens up, a modest room for them and for their family.

Most importantly, we will help them to look UP and to hear once again something they haven’t heard or believed in many years… the truth that God loves them and has a very special plan for their lives. Only He can forgive their past, heal their heart’s wounds and bring light and joy back into their lives!

A former guest of Star of Hope posted on our Facebook Wall last week: “I am so grateful not to be sleeping on that floor tonight, but I am also so grateful that floor was there for me to sleep on at the beginning of my journey to recovery.” Watch this video from KHOU News 11 to see what inspired this comment.

Within the next few days of their stay with us each adult will be helped to evaluate their situation, develop a plan for this week… then next week, then for the month to come. They will be counseled for personal needs, their children will have a safe place to play and receive love and encouragement, and help with their own needs in the midst of family homelessness.

Star of Hope’s Women & Family Shelter is the largest emergency facility in Houston serving families and single women in our five county area who have become homeless. We try not to ever turn anyone away. For two years now, the shelter has functioned at near capacity every night, and has experienced significant winter and summer peak overflow needs. Last night was the highest night of need on record. We are working on broader solutions to the growing issue of homelessness in our city, and our vision is to grow from serving 1,000 homeless people per day as we do now, to serving 2,000 per day, by 2015.

Want to help? You’ll be glad you did!

Donate now to help with the extra summer time costs we’re incurring.
Give today at Supporting Houston Homeless Shelters

Find other ways to serve at Volunteer Opportunities Houston – Star of Hope Mission

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

Young Adults Serving with Star of Hope

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 by Katelyn Oliver

I am very confident in saying that 90% of the world’s most passionate and hopeful people are 25 years and younger. Look at college campuses during a presidential election year or the energy of a high school pep-rally. Revolutions are started by young people who have heard their parents talk about tyranny for a life time and have the hope and courage to start change. Here, at Star of Hope young adults are leading the way in fighting against poverty, abuse, addiction and homelessness with Star of Hope.

If your cynical side is throwing thoughts around your brain like young adults haven’t become jaded from world experiences or they are too naïve to realize the world is unchangeable, silence it. “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa. Wake up Houston and do a small thing with great love. Follow the example of the teens across Houston.

Here are a couple of examples:

Boy Scout Troop 924’s David Reeves delivered with his father, Rick Reeves, 11 well crafted, handmade benches. David had independently contacted a representative at Star of Hope about a service project, he then independently arranged for a group of Boy Scouts to construct the benches and he then personally delivered them. These benches will serve as a great resting spot for mothers and fathers to sit as their kids take advantage of the spring sunshine.

Every Wednesday from 11:30 – 12:45 Heidi Hartung, Chloe Espenan, Anna Buvens, Sahar Yazdanfard and Katy Wefelmeyer from Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart walk into Star of Hope Women and Family Emergency Shelter as if they are employees. They go straight to the kitchen was their hands, put on their apron and hairnets, and start serving lunch to the Star of Hope clients. After volunteering once a week for almost 8 months they practically are employees.

These young adults are doing what they can passionately and are making a difference by helping non profit organizations in Houston. On behalf of Star of Hope I would like to thank them for their passion and hope that blesses and inspires their community!

If you are interested in donating time or money to charitable organizations Houston, Star of Hope Mission has many opportunities!

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!

Star of Hope Featured in Local "Secret Millionaire" Taping

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 by Scott Arthur

Popular radio personality Dana Tyson (Sunny 99.1) was asked by the ABC network to produce a "local" version of the new national reality TV hit Secret Millionaire. The national version features a millionaire who goes undercover doing homeless volunteer work in a charitable institution. At the end of the show - the "volunteer", moved by the charity and love that he is surrounded with - reveals himself and announces that he is donating to charitable organizations. He then writes a stunned staff a large check.

In the local version, Dana and her camera crew went to a Houston Emergency Shelter - the Star of Hope Women & Family Emergency Shelter. Under the guise of taping a program called "a day in the life of a DJ" Dana joined volunteers preparing and serving lunch for about 100 homeless women and children. A few hours later - as the staff was cleaning up - Dana announced that she was so taken by the hard work and dedication of the volunteers that she felt compelled to help out financially as well. She then presented Star of Hope with a $2500 check from the ABC Network.

Watch the "final cut' of this great video:

Learn more about Star of Hope Mission and Homeless Services Houston

A Cozy Movie Premiere

Tuesday, March 1, 2011 by Andrew Holmes

Sometimes, I get a chance to get out of my normal day to day IT world and get to help out on video. A few months back one of our wonderful donors/volunteers, Cookie Joe, and her business partner, Tran Pham Rich , (owners of Cookie Joe's School of Dancin' located in Sugar Land, Texas) donated the money to rebuild and equip our intake center at the Women & Family Emergency Shelter. The name of the intake center is Place of Grace and one of the new features is a large flat screen television that families and homeless ladies, who are seeking services can sit and watch. The television is there to show the potential guests all the many programs and services that Star of Hope Mission offers to help them understand who we are and how much we want to help them.

Yesterday, after completing a video compilation of various elements I took the DVD over to test and play it for the first time at Place of Grace. I was joined by a homeless lady who I did not think was paying any attention to the video. She, like countless others, was just looking for a place that would take her in and give her some relief from the Houston streets. As the video progressed through all the various ministries of Star of Hope , she looked over at me and said that she had no idea that Star of Hope did so many things. I sat and explained a few details to her about what she had seen, all the while hoping she was inspired to become a part of the Star of Hope family and be a life changed, a life restored.

Learn more about Star of Hope and Philanthropy Opportunities Houston.

The 2011 NCAA Final Four Tournament Is Coming to Star of Hope!

Monday, February 14, 2011 by Elizabeth Hatler

Excitement is building as we head toward March Madness and Houston prepares to host the NCAA Final Four Tournament! Not only will there be lots of memorable, action-filled college basketball, but also special outreaches to those in our community who are less fortunate…..and the kick-off is at Star of Hope!

Feed the Hungry will distribute food to 1,750 Houston-area families during tournament week and donate 250 boxes of food to Star of Hope Mission. A tractor trailer will roll into our Storehouse on March 14^th,loaded down with boxes and pallets of food. We need 20 volunteers, age 18 or older, each day on Tuesday & Wednesday, March 15^th & 16^th, from 9 AM – 3 PM for to assemble and fill 750 boxes.

Through a partnership with Samaritan’s Feet, the tournament will give away 2011 pairs of shoes…..and the first 300 pairs will be given to clients at the Star of Hope Women & Family Emergency Shelter. What an awesome experience as volunteers wash and put a clean pair of socks on the feet of each client before they are fitted with new shoes and receive a care pack filled with toiletry items. Through these gestures of kindness and compassion, our clients will learn about their value and worth as individuals; that others care about them; and that better days are ahead. We need more than 80 volunteers, age 21 or older, working shifts from Noon – 7 PM on Monday, March 28^th, to unload and set-up, wash feet, change water, greet, clean-up, and be runners.

Don’t miss out on this tremendous opportunity to participate in the 2011 NCAA Final Four Tournament! All volunteers will receive a commemorative 2011 NCAA Final Four t-shirt.

Sign-up today by contacting Elizabeth Hatler at ehatler@sohmission.org or 713-440-5322.

Find other ways to get involved and help Houston's homeless with Star of Hope today at Volunteer Opportunities Houston.

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.

Helping Homeless Families in Houston

Tuesday, December 28, 2010 by John Mills

I am in early this morning to attend to the last details for our year-end. As I enter my office I see the wonderful picture of Ava, the three year old of a homeless family, on my office wall. Her sweet image gives me purpose and reason for my presence here this morning.

You and all those wonderful folks who partner with us at Star of Hope, help provide hope and emergency comfort, resources and safety for those who stay with us in our Women & Family Emergency Shelter and our Transitional Living Center. I see the benefits first hand, to the parents…but I see much more. I am here to help provide hope to the children, those who are not yet really sure why they are here.

By the way, Ava’s image, with her big beautiful eyes and her full, stringy brown hair reminds me of my own grand daughter. We all need help sometime! May God richly bless you as we seek the wonder of a New Year!

This morning we are within 5% of making the much needed budget to finish 2010. There is still time for you to make a difference! May God richly bless you as you seek His perfect will and possibly to make a small difference in the lives of those in need!

Join Star of Hope in helping families in crisis. Visit Donating To Charitable Organizations Houston.

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.

Good Orderly Direction

Thursday, December 16, 2010 by Guest Blogger

Guest Blogger: Brian Kolb

I’ve been a supporter of SOH (Star of Hope) for a few years now. The extent of my support historically has begun and ended with my checkbook. Until recently.

My family had an opportunity to serve "Cookies and Goodnight" at the Women & Family Emergency Shelter where we engaged 300 residents with homemade cookies, juice and smiles.

It was the single biggest impact my family has experienced in service work.

As we were going to the shelter, I thought I’d hand deliver my check in an envelope. My 8 year old daughter, Peyton saw me doing this the day before we left, asked what the money would do and how it would help SOH. Peyton said she’d like to give some money to help for Christmas and began to consider what she’d give. I wanted to tell her that it wasn’t necessary but I needed to let her decide. To my amazement, the next day she told us that she wanted to give $20 to SOH. She said that she felt good about that but when she considered less, it didn’t feel so good.

Peyton reminded me that we are to give joyfully.

2 Corinthians 9:7 says “Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver”.

Even though all that I had done for years was write a check, Peyton was able to see that act, understand it’s meaning and see the joy and blessing it brings our house. She understands that we are blessed to be a blessing. What an exciting opportunity!

Good Orderly Direction

I’m a slow learner and as such I have to simplify my relationship with God. For me, God is Good Orderly Direction. When I choose to listen to those that I respect and admire, when I emulate what they do and when I trust God, knowing that he is faithful even I am not, my life improves exponentially, my relationships are healthy and my peace of mind is of the charts.

Brian

Learn more about how you can get involved with Star of Hope by visiting Donating To Charitable Organizations Houston and Community Service Volunteers Houston.

"Mom's Story Paints Picture of Homeless Families"

Thursday, December 9, 2010 by Scott McKinley

Nearly 21% of people staying in homeless shelters in Houston are families. If you missed it the other night on Fox 26 Houston, Kristine Galvan interviewed a mother at Star of Hope's Women & Family Emergency Shelter:

Looking for a way to give back and help those less fortunate this Christmas? Please consider a gift today for Star of Hope. Donate online at Charitable Donations 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.