| Tours: Come See What's Inside |
With 14,000 homeless individuals on any given day and only enough shelter beds and housing programs for half of this number, more than 7,000 homeless individuals remain on the streets each night. These men, women, and children need our help with basic necessities as the winter season nears, but more importantly, they need and want opportunities to change their lives.
During this cold season as part of our “Warm and Wooly” Drive, please help us by providing new or gently-used coats, blankets, winter clothes, and funds to meet essential needs. Drop offs may be made at SEARCH’s facility, 2505 Fannin, 7 days a week. Your contribution could make the difference. Thank you for your support of SEARCH’s work.
For more information or to give on-line, please visit www.searchproject.org/donate.
Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young employees arranged a competitive fun-run. The run began as friendly competition until Al Fortunato, FSO Practice Leader, decided to use it as an opportunity to promote inclusiveness while aiding a local charity. Al offered to donate $10 for every FSO member that participated in the run by either walking, running, or racing. The group had a great turnout and it was a success! Al and his wife generously agreed to donate $1,000 to SEARCH., and combined with a few other donations, FSO reached a grand total of $1,070. "We chose to donate to SEARCH. in an effort to help the group continue to do great work in the community."
FKP Architects
FKP Architects hosted the firm's 16th annual Halloween party for the children at SEARCH’s House of Tiny Treasures. In addition to the Halloween treats, each year the firm donates needed funds, groceries, diapers and other essential items. FKP Architects have been long time supporters of SEARCH and its House of Tiny Treasures. They have made a great investment to help the children transform their lives.
Larry Kraus is no stranger to SEARCH, or survival. Larry survived Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005, and most recently survived the Chicago Marathon. Here is his story:
I started working with SEARCH in 1998 and accepted a position with Healthcare for the Homeless – Houston (HHH) in 2001 after completing my MBA at the University of St. Thomas. I was working for HHH at the time of my move. When I moved back to New Orleans in January 2005, it was a difficult decision to make. I had lived in Houston for many years and enjoyed the city. I also had many friends in our building.
I was still getting acclimated to New Orleans when on August 29, 2005 my world was turned upside down. That was the day Hurricane Katrina struck the New Orleans area. Fortunately, I was able to evacuate from the city with my mom and our three dogs. Although it took us over 30 hours to reach Houston, we were thankful that we had left when we turned on the TV and learned of the terrible destruction caused by Katrina. As a result of flooding, I lost my job and many of my household possessions.
At the time, it was a devastating blow that left me disillusioned. However, the support of my friends and family helped me get through a difficult time. I was able to resettle back in Houston and SEARCH was kind enough to give me a job in October 2005. And perhaps one of the most important changes in my life took place in spring of 2006 when a friend of mine talked me into joining the Houston Fit running program and signing up for the 2007 Houston marathon.
Long distance running has provided me with a great way to stay in shape, relieve stress, and access a terrific social circle of fellow runners. It also gave me an opportunity to thank SEARCH and raise money for our important cause. During my training for last year’s Houston marathon I asked friends and relatives to pledge money to SEARCH based on the number of miles I ran.
I repeated this effort when I ran in the Chicago marathon on October 7th. That was the most difficult run I have ever experienced. The heat index was over 100 degrees and 400 runners had to receive medical attention. However, I was able to complete the race.
I plan to continue to run in marathons and raise money for SEARCH. I have entered the 2008 Chevron Houston Marathon and am considering the Little Rock marathon in October. During our training runs, whenever a fellow runner asks me what I do for a living I take the opportunity to educate them about our services and hopefully get them interested in supporting SEARCH.
Larry Kraus was recently promoted from Program Manager of Scattered Site Housing to Director of Grants.
SEARCH employees apply this same kind of perserverence when helping clients. They find the resources needed, and keep going until they reach their goal. When one race is called, they find another one...
Run for a Reason MarathonThe 2008 Chevron Houston Marathon is just around the corner in January. Last year, Chevron's Run for a Reason Charity program raised over $850,000 for 40 charities in Houston. This year, the goal is $1 million dollars. Although registration for the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon is now closed, you can register for the EP5K Fun Run. To register for this event, visit www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com.
Another great way to participate is by getting involved in the Run for a Reason Program. Run for a Reason is a yearly charity fundraising drive in which local businesses, organizations and runners use the Marathon as a vehicle to raise money for charitable causes. Last year, the Run for a Reason program raised over $850,000 for local and national charities. Runners and non-runners can sign up to become a fundraiser for SEARCH by visiting http://www.active.com/donate/search08.
The holidays are just around the corner and what better way to show a loved one you care than by making a donation on their behalf to help individuals in need. That’s why the people at the Chevron Houston Marathon have rolled out the “Holiday Card” program. This is a whole new way for runners to donate to SEARCH. As an alternative to more traditional holiday gifts, marathon participants are encouraged to make donations on behalf of their loved ones to celebrate the season. For more information contact Kamika Hind at 713-276-3083 or visit www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com.
JOE Magazine to honor SEARCHVenue: Pashaa Ultra Lounge (Downtown)
Benefiting: SEARCH
Date(s): Thursday November 15, 2007
Time(s): 8PM – 11PM (Private Reception), 11PM – 2AM (After Party)
Dress: Urban/Business CasualJOE Magazine (www.joemagzine.com) and Everyfreckle Publishing are holding a charity event to honor SEARCH for our efforts to help end homelessness in Houston. Proceeds from the event will benefit SEARCH programs. For more information on this event, contact Kamika Hind 713-276-3083.
18th Anniversary LuncheonJanuary 18, 2008
Westin Galleria HotelChairman, John Guess Jr.
Emcee, Melanie Lawson
Keynote Speakers: Authors Ron Hall and Denver MooreSame Kind of Different as Me, is a phenomenal book that tells the unlikely true story of Ron Hall and Denver Moore. Ron is a wealthy international art dealer who travels the world buying and selling rare and expensive art. When Ron reluctantly volunteers at a homeless shelter, at the insistence of his wife, he soon comes into contact with Denver, a homeless man who grew up as a sharecropper in Louisiana. It was here that the two men met. The story of their relationship is fascinating and inspiring, offering a glimpse of what happens when these two worlds come into contact with each other.
Download the 2008 SEARCH Luncheon Sponsorship Form
11th Annual Celebrate the Children GalaMay 10, 2008
Hilton of the AmericasChairs, Jan and Alan Selbst
Co-Chairs, Nita and Nolan BedfordFor one night only - get your Harley out of the garage, get decked out in your best black leather, and join us for some rip-roaring excitement! It will surely be a hot night of fundraising fun. Your gifts will help us meet the needs of the homeless men, women, and children, and develop the skills needed to end homelessness. The House of Tiny Treasures, SEARCH’s early childhood development center, offers services for both the child and the family, thereby helping to break the cycle of homelessness.
Download the 2008 SEARCH Gala Sponsorship Form
For more information about our Annual Luncheon and Gala, please contact Kamika Hind at khind@searchproject.org or 713-276-3083.
Provide hope, create opportunity, and transform lives.
Learn about what is happening inside SEARCH, the amazing services we provide, and the difference we are making for our community. Join us for a Free One-Hour Event including light refreshments and an insightful tour.
Scheduled One Hour Events:
Thursday, November 15 @ 5:30 pm Thursday, December 6 @ 7:30 am Thursday, December 20 @5:30 pm
Please RSVP: 713-276-3066 or hhunsicker@searchproject.org. If these times are not convenient to you, we will be happy to schedule a private tour.
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 shop 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 transfered, 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 770025. You will receive a written confirmation in the mail.
In-Kind Needs During this cold season as part of our “Warm and Wooly” Drive, please help us by providing new or gently-used coats, blankets, winter clothes, and funds to meet essential needs. Drop offs may be made at SEARCH’s facility, 2505 Fannin, 7 days a week.
Please call Kamika Hind at 713-276-3083 or email khind@searchproject.org for more details.
Also, if you have not visited our In-Kind Online page, you should take a look! We are constantly working with Case Managers, Facilities, and Resource Center and Mobile Outreach staff to assess the in-kind needs of our organization.
The items listed above are available for purchase on our In-Kind Online page.
We curently need monitors for our Resource Center and WorkSource Midtown. To see more volunteer opportunities available, please visit the Volunteer section of our website. If you would like to volunteer or would like more information, please contact Kamika Hind by email at khind@searchproject.org or by phone at 713-276-3083 for more details.
| Bellaire United Methodist Church | Jury Focus |
| Mable Benson-Adair | Bonnie Karpay |
| Cathy R. Blum | Willy Kuehn |
| BMC Software, Inc. | Cheryl Lawson |
| The Brodsky Foundation | Hyman Massin |
| Barbara E. Butler | Keith McFarland |
| Jereann H. Chaney | James Melancon |
| Christ the King Lutheran Church | Midtown Redevelopment Authority |
| Congregation Emanu El | Leonora Montgomery |
| Congregation Or Ami | Ted Pate |
| Covenant Church | Jo Ann Petersen |
| G.S. Cyprus | Powell Foundation |
| Joel Cyprus | Rice University-Fast Warp |
| David G. Daleiden | Rockwell Fund, Inc. |
| Data Management And Realty Company | Alice Sands |
| Margaret Dosher | Susan E. Scarrow |
| David Ferdman | Alan Selbst |
| Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund | Simmons Foundation |
| First Christian Church | Jackie Sklar |
| First Unitarian Universalist Church | Kara N. Smith |
| Mary D. Flowers | St. John's Presbyterian Church |
| Alfred G. Fortunato | St. Paul's United Methodist Church |
| Sandhya Ganesha | St. Philip Presbyterian Church |
| Jay Gerstenhaber | Stephen J. Stelmak |
| Robert H. Graham | Sterling Bank |
| Jeanne M. Grant | Amy L. Sutton |
| Bill Guest | Sysco Corp. |
| Allwyn L. Hahn | The Refreshing Church |
| Brendan Haiduk | Yvonne H. Thornburg |
| Keith Hale | Trinity East United Methodist Church |
| Sandy Harris | Annette L. Tripp |
| Gloria L. Herman | Megan Ullman |
| Paige A. Hinson | Unity Church of Christianity |
| Scott M. Holloway | West Houston Chinese Church |
| Houston Endodontic Specialists, LLP | Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church |
| Houston Jewish Community Foundation | Marianne J. Wilkins |
| Terry Huffington | Elizabeth Y. Williams |
| Steve Jackson | Charla Wilson |
| Robert B. Jarmon | Wilson, Cribbs, & Goren, P.C. |
| Vivian Johnston | Lorraine and Edmund Wulfe |
| JP Morgan Chase Foundation | Linda P. Zoll |
If you would like to receive our SEARCH Newsletter, please send
an email to webmaster@searchproject.org or call 713-739-7752.
©2005-2007 SEARCH All Rights Reserved.
SEARCH Homeless Center is a proud member of the United Way.
