On July 1, 1907, a vision from Reverend Dennis R. Pevoto came to fruition—a vision of compassion, dignity, and transformation. Today, 118 years later, the Star of Hope Mission continues to be a beacon of light for not only the men the mission set out to serve, but also for thousands of women and families experiencing homelessness in our city.
A Mission Born from Faith
The story began with Reverend Pevoto, a Baptist minister who felt divinely called to create a refuge for Houston’s most vulnerable. Alongside Evangelist Mordecai Ham and other local Baptist clergy, he opened the first shelter for homeless men in a modest two-story building at 714 Franklin Street, with Richard Dowling, a former alcoholic, serving as the first director. The mission was simple yet profound: to offer hope, healing, and a path forward.
Expanding to Meet Growing Needs
As the decades passed, the face of homelessness changed. By the 1980s, women and children had become the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population. Star of Hope responded by opening the Women and Family Emergency Shelter in 1986, followed by the Transitional Living Center in 1988. These programs provided not just shelter but also a foundation for long-term stability through education, job training, and life skills development.
A Community of Transformation
Today, Star of Hope operates out of its Cornerstone Community®, opened in 2017, a purpose-built campus offering comprehensive services—from childcare and healthcare to substance abuse recovery and spiritual growth. The Men’s Development Center continues to open doors for men in need just a few blocks north of the home team, the Houston Astros. In the past decade, Star of Hope has developed the Extended Services department to serve individuals who are critically homeless or nearly homeless. In 2024 alone, the organization served thousands of individuals, helping them move from crisis to stability.
The Work Continues
As Houston faces new challenges—from extreme heat to economic uncertainty—Star of Hope remains steadfast. Whether it’s distributing bottled water during heat waves or guiding families toward independence, the mission endures: to offer Christ-centered care that transforms lives.
As we celebrate 118 years of service, we invite you to be part of this legacy. Volunteer, donate, or share the story. Because hope is not just a word—it’s a community in action.