Dish-Houston

Hank Rush, Star of Hope President and CEO, has announced that the Mission’s SUMMER OF HOPE initiative continues with a “Hot Weather Alert” because of the extreme heat. The Mission’s HOPE-IN-ACTION van departed the Men’s Center at 8:45 AM this morning loaded with bottled water. Multiple times a week the outreach van visits areas frequented by homeless men and women, distributing water and encouraging the street homeless to seek shelter at the Star of Hope.

Star of Hope has received 38.000 bottles of water donated by the I Am Waters Foundation. I Am Waters foundation was created by Houstonian Elena Davis to enrich the lives of America’s homeless by providing a continuous source of fresh, clean bottled water, delivered with a daily, inspirational message of hope, love and a sense of belonging to the greater community. Star of Hope expects to distribute about 1,500 bottles of water a week to shelter clients and street homeless.

With daytime temperatures predicted to surpass 100 degrees this weekend, the downtown Men’s Development Center and the Women and Family Emergency Shelter, both over capacity with record numbers, are encouraging all resident guests to stay inside. The two shelters have set up areas offering cold water to anyone requesting it.

In addition, the Mission has put out a call for financial assistance.

“Traditionally the summer time is when our population increases and our donations decrease. We can use some immediate help to insure that this will be a SUMMER OF HOPE for Houston’s suffering homeless,” said Rush.

Typically, Star of Hope, a faith based mission, offers food, shelter, education, spiritual direction and structured recovery programs to about 1,150 homeless men, women, and children each day. 

Residents of the Historic Houston Heights continue to make history this Friday night, December 3rd, as they host their annual Holiday on 19Th Street event. This special evening has been  a Houston area highlight for more than two decades amid a festive atmosphere filled with shopping bargains, refreshments, Santa, carolers and much more. "It's like spending time inside an old traditional post card," said one shopper from last year, "everyone is full of the Christmas Cheer and there’s a lot to see - antiques, clothing, books, original artwork and so many unique gifts." The opportunity to Sip, Shop and Stroll down 19TH Street starts at 6 PM and ends at 10 PM.

But this year is extra special. The 19Th Street Merchant's Association has chosen to give as well as receive. According to Merchant's spokesman and shop owner Dan Long, "We are aware of the growing homeless problem in Houston - this Christmas, more children will be homeless than ever before. So we've decided to help." he said.

And with that, 19TH Street created a miracle of giving. This year, visitors will be given the opportunity to Shop AND DROP for the Star of Hope Homeless Mission. Customers are encouraged to bring a new or gently worn blanket or a new toy to any of the participating 19Th Street merchants and DROP it into the donation box while they shop. In addition, some merchants will be offering discounts or free gifts for the donation - and many will give a portion of the December 3rd proceeds to the Star of Hope Mission.  

The Star of Hope reaches out to about 1,000 homeless men, women and children EVERY DAY. To donate or for more information, visit sohmission.org.