Star of Hope has operated for 96 years in Houston, Texas and has grown to serve more than 6,700 homeless people annually through its emergency shelters, transitional living centers and special programs. In June 2003, the mission was suffering from critically low food levels and deep financial struggles. It was on the brink of closing one of its temporary shelter programs and reducing staff. Direct Energy learned of the mission’s struggles and made a financial contribution to help.

Since then we have developed a close relationship with Star of Hope and continue to support them financially as well as assist them during emergency situations like the one they were presented with when the state of Texas became a refuge for Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita evacuees. The immediate response from Direct Energy employees to assist Star of Hope and other agencies providing shelter and goods to those in need demonstrated a real commitment on our part to our communities. It also made us all realize that homelessness can become an issue when you least expect it and as a result of a natural disaster.