HOUSTON – The Harris County - Houston Sports Authority selected Star of Hope as its beneficiary for the inaugural Houston Sports Awards.

The announcement was made February 8 at the Houston Sports Awards where Harris County – Houston Sports Authority CEO Janis Burke and HCHSA Public Relations Director Patti Smith presented Star of Hope CEO and President Hank Rush a check for $50,000.

“In a year when so many people were displaced by Hurricane Harvey and Houston also struggled with frigid temperatures, Star of Hope was there to help Houston’s vulnerable population through difficult times,’’ Burke said. “Star of Hope has been taking care of Houston’s homeless for more than a century and is a necessity in the nation’s fourth-largest city.’’

The Star of Hope has been a safe place for Houston’s homeless since it opened in 1907 in a two-story building at 714 Franklin Street and its mission is supported by, among other entities, the Houston Astros, Houston Rockets and Houston Texans.

Today, Star of Hope serves approximately 1,000 people per day, including up to 450 men per day in the men’s shelter during the harshest conditions. SOH’s Women and Family Development Center can house up to 150 families each day and helps victims cope with domestic and substance abuse.

“We are excited to be part of the 2018 Houston Sports Awards benefiting Star of Hope,’’ Rush said .”It is an honor to be the beneficiary of an organization that, through the promotion of local sports, enhances economic development and brings a better quality of life to Houston area residents.

“It seems that we’re on the same team. Star of Hope has been reaching out to Houston’s homeless since 1907 with the goal of providing life changing recovery programs leading to independent living. This special night is a gathering of eagles in support of a better life.’’