Hope Center Houston

A Look Back at 2019
The Numbers
What an amazing year 2019 was for Hope Center Houston!

The following are not 'just' numbers. Each represents the life of a homeless guest. 
 
Hope Center Houston in 2019
 
      *11537 guests signed in
     *9010 breakfast meals were served
*11337 lunch meals were served
       *1706 showers were provided
    *1310 loads of laundry were provided
       *1487 clothing needs were supplied
        *256 haircuts were donated
        *789 unique guests were connected to services beyond the Center
        *More than 1560 volunteer hours per month were provided by more than 110 volunteers
 
The Story
2019 brought many milestones, some huge and some small, but all were important steps towards improving the lives of our homeless guests.

We began the year with high hopes and prayers, still in our original location as 1960 Hope Center. Having signed a contract in December 2018 for our new property, tremendous focus was on building renovation and construction fundraising. All the while, we continued serving our guests in limited quarters which included a very small kitchen, a shower and one washer and dryer.
 
Early in the year Hope Center Houston’s book, Hope Heals, was published. A raw light of truth, Hope Heals showcases the past and current lives of many of our homeless guests, along with narratives from a number volunteers. Each speaks to the impact that Hope Center Houston has had on their lives.
 
April was a busy fundraising month. Our first Ladies Style and Fashion Show was an upscale smash and wonderful weather welcomed our annual Golf for Hope Tournament golfers who enjoyed golfing, food, and fellowship.
 
Thanks to Lakewood United Methodist Church for hosting a dinner and jazz concert featuring Fellowship of the Swing Jazz Band, proceeds which were donated to Hope Center Houston.

As renovations to our new facility neared completion, we hosted an Under Construction Open House, inviting the community for a first look at our progress and plans. Shortly after, our volunteers were treated to a luncheon with a sneak peak of the new facility.

With the help of many hands, by August 1st everything Hope Center Houston ‘owned’ was in our new home. A new center begged for a new name, so we became Hope Center Houston.

Our annual ‘Reach for the Stars’ Fall Gala was a rewarding and entertaining evening capped off with dinner, music and dancing. 

Andrew Rey, a former guest, was name “2019 Achiever of the Year” by the Coalition for the Homeless for his accomplishments in overcoming homelessness.

Ryan Anderson, former Houston Rocket, brought his team to HCH and threw a fiesta, celebrating with food, music, dancing and hair stylists!

Previously postponed due to heavy rains, our Ribbon Cutting and Building Blessing was held in November to a packed house. The Honorable R. Jack Cagle honored us with his support and blessings.

Late November saw a few ‘firsts’ at Hope Center Houston. Our own Dr. Bob performed a beautiful wedding ceremony for two former guests at the Center. Our chaplain, Allen White, began monthly "Hope Talks", with inspirational guest speakers providing messages of faith and hope to our guests and local community.

December delivered a few inclement weather nights, so we opened our doors to protect our homeless brothers and sisters. There were several Christmas celebrations, and gifts, holiday food and Christmas cheer was provided to all.
 
Each success story is a direct result of the host of volunteers, churches, businesses and donors who are advocates for Hope Center Houston on a regular basis. Please visit our website at hopecenterhouston.org to view the businesses and churches who support our ministry.  

We are looking forward to a tremendous 2020!

An excerpt from Hope Heals
Some of our guests' stories will bring a tear to your eye, and I have sat and cried with some of them. Sometimes it gets hard when I don't see certain people making progress, but then I remember the men and women who are now working and who come back to thank us...I remember the look on the faces of our guests when they find out they are moving into an apartment. And I remember all the times that I've heard "Thank You" and "God Bless You"... I believe that God calls us to serve those less fortunate and the men and women who walk through the doors of the Hope Center certainly fall into this category. I now know that there are so many reasons that someone can find themselves homeless, and it goes way beyond drug or alcohol abuse...many...who find themselves in this situation never envisioned it could happen to them...The Hope Center is a special place, with special people. When my sons and I first volunteered...I only knew one other person...Today, some of my closest friends are the people with whom I volunteer. We have created an amazing community...I am incredibly grateful for the lessons I have learned and all the people I have met. The Hope Center truly is a blessing in my life. ~Kim Ramsey, Volunteer Coordinator