Noah Rattler: The End of the Road Celebrate with Noah on August 25, 2007 SEARCH Board of Directors Highlight: Ted O'Neal |
When I first met Noah Rattler, I was sitting outside the SEARCH building waiting for a ride home from work. In the August heat, I did not even consider walking the two miles home. Much less across the country. Noah sat outside waiting for the Mobile Outreach team. I learned he had degrees in physics and engineering from Prairie View A & M University. As we spoke, he mentioned wanting to walk across the country. My response: "Why on earth would you do that?" I think he must have gotten that a lot.
Over the next six months, I would hear his name bounced around among our Development team. His experience with our Mobile Outreach Unit had struck his heart. His desire to walk across the country had found a purpose. Through an uphill battle just to get people to take him seriously, he pieced together supporters, believers (and some curious, yet supportive non-believers), media, and sponsors. SEARCH was one of those sponsors.
While the details were ironed out, Noah kept training. Over the next few months, I saw him everywhere. I would go to my local coffee shop, miles from where he lived, and see him walking, with backpack and walking stick in hand. I would take a friend home in another part of the city, and there he was, strolling along. Finally, after some strategic planning, the date was set: On March 24, 2007, Noah would begin his journey across the country.
In early March, I had the pleasure of attending a workshop with Noah on Ending Racism. Noah spoke about his beliefs in the equality of all men (and women), whether different in race, creed, or economic class. He spoke about his impending walk, at that time only a few weeks away. Everyone there was awed and supportive, but slightly puzzled, saying to themselves “Does this kid understand what he is getting himself into? Has he considered the risks?” Whether he knew it or not, the answer was: Yes. And what he did not know, he would figure out along the way.
Noah was not going to be eating out of garbage cans or asking for spare change, but he was going to face the elements, physical exhaustion, and, except for a few passing cars, solitude. To travelers, Noah would be a speck on the road at 60 miles per hour. To him, they would be racing to reach a destination in twenty minutes what would take him an entire day. His feat was for the homeless and those in poverty. What is easy for most of us to come by and pay for, is a slow, arduous process for those who live on the street. SEARCH Homeless Center helps make the walk to self-sufficiency a little less challenging and a little less lonely.
The send-off for Noah was full of smiles and tears. Everyone there paced around in front of SEARCH’s building, hopeful and concerned. Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee presented him with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition, yet his journey had not even begun. He had 1,800 miles to go. When Noah was ready to say his farewells, he walked down the line of supporters, hugging and talking to each one, whether he knew them or not.
He walked his first mile into Downtown Houston, surrounded by friends and family. As the hours fell away, so did his companions, going back to their lives of automobiles and air-conditioned comfort. But none of them forgot what Noah was doing for those who do not have the bare necessities, much less the luxuries of life.
Amarillo. Flagstaff. Kingsman, Barstow, San Bernadino… His route reads like much of Nat King Cole’s Route 66. I had the privilege to update Noah’s location on a map of where he was going. The little red lines grew longer, the days went by, and every time I checked off a new city, I had to sit back and look at what Noah had done. It was amazing. Noah did not passively walk 1,800 miles. He got involved. In every city along the way, he met with public officials, visited shelters, gave interviews for newspapers, radio, and TV. He was spreading the message. He was walking for a reason. He was doing what he set out to do, not only for himself, but for those he met on the streets of Houston who had touched his life.
On August 4, 2007, Noah safely completed his journey at the famed Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California and will travel back to Houston in the RV donated by singer/songwriter Steve Goad. Watching the same road he slowly endured on foot fly by at 60 miles per hour, Noah will arrive back in Houston a changed man. As I look at pictures from the past 19 weeks, I see a young man about to embark on a journey of the unknown transform into a more composed, more thoughtful, and more mature human being.
Noah is a shining example of dedication and perseverance. At every step of the way, he faced a sea of doubt, numerous obstacles, and physical exhaustion. Throughout, he believed in himself enough for everyone, found solutions to every problem, and pushed himself to endure in the name of his cause. Noah Rattler would not give up. If he has taught us anything, it is that where there is a will, there is a way. And that there is always a solution.
Kara Smith, Development Associate
SEARCH is proud to have been a part of Noah’s journey, and we thank him for selecting us to take this life-changing journey with him.
Noah will be returning to Houston on August 25, 2007 and his family and friends are planning a Texas sized welcome home party. The event is scheduled for 2:00 pm at the Girls and Boys Preparatory Academy located at 8415 West Bellfort. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and other dignitaries have been invited to attend – as well as our entire city. We hope you will join us and celebrate Noah’s accomplishment of walking half-way across America – an accomplishment that makes our city proud.
Ted O’Neal is a partner at Lasco Development Corporation in Houston Texas. He handles business development, acquisitions and dispositions and serves as general counsel. Lasco, through its affiliates, is primarily engaged in commercial retail development in the Central and Southern United States, with some multi-family experience. Mr. O’Neal also serves as an advisor on real estate and various business matters to certain other investors.
Previously Mr. O’Neal served in various capacities at NextiraOne, an international telecommunications services company now part of BlackBox Network Services, including General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer. In those capacities, Mr. O’Neal had responsibility for all corporate and administrative support activities, including legal and human resources activities and the real estate, communications and IT teams.
Prior to NextiraOne, Mr. O’Neal was Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at XO Communications and previously served as Corporate Counsel with Lucent Technologies. Mr. O’Neal was in private legal practice with Jones Day in Dallas, in the areas of business transactions, including real estate, mergers and acquisitions, securities and commercial matters. Mr. O’Neal is licensed to practice in Texas and Washington.
After completing his undergraduate work at Princeton University, Mr. O’Neal received his law degree from Southern Methodist University. He is an avid golfer and was a member of several of Princeton’s Ivy League Championship teams and is married to Tracy Leonardo, also a Princeton graduate, who is employed by Microsoft. The couple lives with their four-year old son in Bellaire.
Shell Oil Company
A special thank you to Shell Oil Company and Debbie Breazeale, Community Program Manager for Corporate Affairs, for their support of SEARCH’s Adult Education Program. The $25,000 check was presented to SEARCH President and CEO Thao Costis, who was joined by staff members Josh Hayes and Alvin LeBlanc, as well as students of the GED program. The funds received will provide the educational tools needed to help our clients achieve self-sufficiency and will make available a unique service to homeless individuals which would get lost in any other typical education program. The support of Shell Oil Company is a major investment that will enable our students to achieve independence and become productive citizens.
MPI
Just recently SEARCH was presented with a $6,500 check from Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Houston Chapter to support general operating of the agency. The proceeds were generated from MPI’s Awards Event and Gala originally held on June 29th. On hand to accept the check was SEARCH’s Director of Development, Sylvia LeBlanc, who thanked the members for their support of the organization. Meeting Professionals International is the largest association for the meeting profession with nearly 21,000 members and empowers meeting professionals to increase their strategic value through education; clearly defined career pathways via a curriculum and professional development; and business growth opportunities.
Adam Strauss
Adam Strauss came to meet with our Volunteer Coordinator with regard to his Eagle Scout Project. His plan was to create 100 emergency kits (backpacks filled with basic hygiene items) for SEARCH Homeless Center to distrbute from the Resource Center. He went to schools, neighborhoods, and churches to collect the items.
Here is a final tally of the items he has collected so far:
| Soap | 465 | First-Aid | 33 |
| Shampoo | 251 | Kit Bags | 22 |
| Conditioner | 80 | Toothbrushes | 109 |
| Lotion | 194 | Toothpaste | 174 |
| Deodorant | 37 | The Bags | 100 |
| Floss | 24 | Food | 43 |
| Mouthwash | 49 | Cash Donations | $265 |
| Razors | 86 | Miscellaneous | |
| Shaving Cream | 37 | (shower caps, socks, bandanas, etc.) | 150 |
| Hand Sanitizer | 38 |
Thank you, Adam, for helping SEARCH. Your tremendous efforts are appreciated by our staff and clients.
Want to donate items to SEARCH, but don't have the time, don't want to make the drive, or just don't know what we need?
From towels and soap for clients of the Resource Center to sheets and cleaning supplies for clients setting up their new homes as part of the Scattered-Site Housing Program, SEARCH's many programs utilize a variety of goods. You can help SEARCH fulfill its mission by providing some of these in-kind needs to our clients. Below is a list of products which will help men, women, and children transition from mere survival to independence.
Visit our In-Kind Online website and buy now!
SEARCH Homeless Center is now making it even easier for you to help our clients become self-sufficient. Without the hassle or paperwork of sending in a check, making a credit card payment, or paying your bank for on-line bill-pay, SEARCH has set up a direct debit program with Sterling Bank. You select the amount of your monthly donation, the day you wish to have the funds transfeered, and the account from which you would like your funds drawn. It's easy!
1. Download the Direct Debit Authorization Form
2. Either print, then fill out the fields OR fill out the fields online, then print.
3. Sign the form and attach a voided check.
4. Mail the completed form and voided check to:SEARCH
Attn: Development
2505 Fannin
Houston, TX 77002
Help a child start this school year out right...
It’s that time of year again- Back to School time! All across Houston, families are preparing their children for another fun and successful school year.
But for some Houston families, this time of year brings added stress. These families are homeless and cannot afford to provide their children with the tools they need to be successful in the classroom. These children shouldn’t have to suffer.
You can make a difference.
Join SEARCH in our annual Back-to-School drive. With your generous contributions, SEARCH, the leading organization offering long-term solutions for Houston’s homeless men, women and children, can purchase and distribute backpacks, uniforms, and school supplies to children ages 5-18 children who live in our Scattered Site Housing Program and/or attend the House of Tiny Treasures, SEARCH's accredited early childhood development center.
Make an investment in a child’s future and please give generously to SEARCH today. Giving is simple-just complete the attached form and mail payment toSEARCH, Attn: Kamika Hind, 2505 Fannin, Houston, TX 77002, fax to (713) 739-9201 or email khind@searchproject.org
If would like to find out about our other in-kind needs, please contact Kamika Hind by email at khind@searchproject.org or by phone at 713-276-3083. To see a list of ongoing in-kind needs, please visit the in-kind donation section of our website or visit our new In-Kind Online!.
We have an updated Volunteer Application!
Please visit the volunteer section of our website or contact Kamika Hind by email at khind@searchproject.org or by phone at 713-276-3083 for current volunteer opportunities.
| Mavis and Gary Anderson | Meeting Professionals International - Houston Area Chapter |
| Ms. Priscilla R. Angly | Ms. Miao Miao |
| Mr. Anonymous - Halliburton | Mr. Russell Miller |
| Anonymous - Individual | Mrs. Suzanne Nawrocki |
| Mr. and Mrs. Daniel C. Arnold | Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Newman |
| Ms. Elsie Audas | Ms. Mary L. Niemann |
| Bering Memorial United Methodist Church | Mrs. Marlene Norwood |
| BMC Software, Inc. | Mrs. Bobbye S. Parsons and Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Parsons |
| Dr. Edward Bornet | Ms. Donna Phillips |
| Ms. Karen A. Briscoe | Ms. Elizabeth Phillips |
| Mr. and Mrs. William Burke | Ms. Mary A. Potthoff |
| Ms. Barbara E. Butler | Ms. Evelyn Fotiades Poulos |
| Ms. Bertie L. Calhoun | Ms. Mary H. Pritchett |
| Mrs. Vivian Chang | Mrs. Dorothy Proper |
| Chapelwood United Methodist Church | Mr. Robert Rainwater |
| Christ the King Lutheran Church | Mrs. Kathy J. Rudy |
| Mrs. Barbara Claypool | Safeway Inc. |
| Clayton Fund | Mr. Richard Schnieders |
| Dr. and Mrs. Joel Cyprus | Ms. Marjorie Schultz |
| Mr. Frances W. Dickerson | Ms. Mary Sgro |
| Ms. Mary Dix | Shell Oil Company |
| Mr. and Mrs. John Dosher | Ms. Tiffany Shu-Wern Tye |
| Mr. and Mrs. Richard Doty | Mr. Alan Smith |
| Mr. and Mrs. Raymond S. Eagle | Ms. Joylyn Smith |
| El Paso Corporation | Ms. Geralyn Smitherman |
| Mr. John L. Elias | Soref-Breslauer Texas Foundation |
| Ms. Merriola B. Elwood | Mrs. Danny M. Spiller |
| Ms. Sarah Y. Fang | St. Paul's United Methodist Church |
| Mr. Avis Field | St. Philip Presbyterian Church |
| First United Methodist Church | Dr. Anna Steinberger |
| Ms. Janet Fox | The Ken and Teresa Rice Foundation |
| Mrs. Rae Friedman | Ms. Cheryl T. Thompson |
| Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Grenader | Trinity East United Methodist Church |
| Mr. and Mrs. Bill Guest | Mr. and Mrs. David R. Tripp |
| Halliburton | Dr. J. Drew Tucker |
| Halliburton Global Impact | Ms. Karen Twitchell |
| Ms. Bernice J. Harrison | Mr. Edward Menger and Ms. Megan Ullman |
| Dr. and Mrs. Harold B. Hayden | United Way of New York City |
| Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Hayes | Unity Church of Christianity |
| Ms. Andrea F. Hermann | Ms. Virginia F. Valentine |
| Ms. Margaret Hildebrandt | Mrs. Shirley Vranderic |
| Mr. and Mrs. Mark D. Hull | Ms. Martha A. Walls |
| Innovations | Mr. Benjamin Warren |
| Mr. Frances L. Jones | Mr. and Mrs. Brian Weierbach |
| Rabbi Samuel E. Karff and Mrs. Joan Karff | Ms. Merilee Weiner |
| Mrs. Alice Ketchand | Mr. and Mrs. Craig A. Wilder |
| Mr. John Knox, Jr. | Ms. Phaedra Williams |
| Mrs. Sandra Leffler | Ms. Terry Wong |
| Dr. and Ms. James Lomax | Ms. Linda Wright |
| Ms. Mary Lou Margrave | Dr. and Mrs. Byron P. York, Jr. |
| Dr. Merlene McAlevy | Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Zoll |
| Mrs. Deborah Adams | Knights of Columbus ( St. Thomas Church) |
| All Saints Catholic Church | Mrs. Ashley Nunn |
| Asian Congregation (Bellaire United Methodist Church) | Plymouth UCC Church |
| Mrs. Cristina Buaas | Mrs. Candace Prowell |
| Ms. Anita Byrd | Mrs. Sharon Shirley |
| Congregation Beth Yeshurun | Ms. Stephanie Smith |
| Edge Petroleum ( Awesome Ladies Team) | Southern Lady Catering |
| Emerson Unitarian Church | St. Paul Presbyterian Church |
| Ms. Cheryl Fasulb | Trinity East United Methodist Church |
| Mr. Richard Hinds | Ms. Judy G. Viebig |
| Mr. Robert Kales |
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©2005-2007 SEARCH All Rights Reserved.
SEARCH Homeless Center is a proud member of the United Way.
