SEARCH Board of Directors Highlight: John Knox, Jr. Spotlight: Chapelwood United Methodist Church, Waste Management |
Bikers and Babes11th Annual Celebrate the Children Dinner |
Since early July, the SEARCH management team has been working on redefining SEARCH’s mission and values. With the dramatic changes that the agency has been undergoing over the past few months to refocus on its core programs, we felt it was a fitting time to reassess how we’ve been operating as an organization, determine whether our mission reflected what we were doing everyday, and determine the priority values that would help us be most effective in carrying out our mission.
SEARCH Board of Directors and management are proud to present our redefined mission:
Provide hope, create opportunity, and transform lives.
In carrying out this mission, SEARCH operates with the following core values:
Find out more about happenings at SEARCH Homeless Center. Revisit or come see us for the first time by attending a free one hour event including light refreshment and insightful tour which takes place at 2505 Fannin, 77002 every month on the following:
For more information or RSVP, please contact Holly Hunsicker, 713-276-3066.First Thursday at 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. (October 4, November 1, December 6)
Third Thursday at 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (October 18, November 15, December 20)
It’s a sad reality across Houston. The number of men, women and children experiencing homelessness continues to grow, however, the resources needed to effectively address this problem continue to be limited. The question now becomes how can residents of communities work together to make real change?
You might have seen a feature on the news about Midtown Houston’s homeless problem. Some new businesses and residents who now call Midtown home have observed the crime and homeless population in the area and have incorrectly linked the two. While it’s natural that these new residents worry about the safety of their families, friends and customers, we can’t focus the blame on the homeless. After all they are just as vulnerable, if not more vulnerable to criminal activity.
Relocating these individuals is not a solution. Simply moving the homeless population into another neighborhood puts a band-aid on a very large wound and does not address the real factors and contributors involved. More than half of the 12,000 to 14,000 homeless individuals suffer from mental illness, and about half have a history of chronic substance abuse. Shelter and housing capacity meet the needs of only half this group, leaving more than 7,000 individuals on the street. We must focus our energy on creating more affordable housing and access to mental health services. We must also address the gang members and other entrepreneurs who take advantage of the homeless and encourage them to participate in illegal activities for a little money.
At SEARCH we believe it takes a village to move people off the streets and into housing. That is why for the past two months, SEARCH has been actively working with our surrounding neighbors and other members of the community to address the growing number of people in the area and the various activities that occur day and night. We continually look for ways for the community to get involved. We welcome individuals to spend time volunteering with our Mobile Outreach teams who work with the most difficult cases and help prepare homeless men and women for housing and stability. We welcome individuals to spend time at our facility in Midtown which serves more than 200 homeless people each day. Here we help provide the homeless with their most basic needs, food, healthcare, counseling, education, employment, and more.
As new residents and businesses enter an area that has been overlooked for decades, new attention and focus is being paid to a problem that existed for so long. SEARCH welcomes the attention to this problem and hopes this is the beginning of a real partnership between local businesses, private residents, and nonprofits. It is our sincere belief that by working together as a community, we can create a sense of urgency and begin to form real solutions to a real problem.
Mayor Proclaims August 25th "Noah Rattler Day"On Saturday August 25th, SEARCH volunteer Noah Rattler was welcomed home from his 1800 mile trek from Houston to Los Angeles by family, friends and supporters. Through his personal accomplishment, Noah raised awareness of the Homeless issue facing the country and is embarking on a fundraising campaign to bring contributions to SEARCH, where he got his inspiration. Also in attendance was Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who recognized Noah for his dedication to the issue and invited him to join her at the upcoming Congressional Black Caucus meeting in Washington, DC. This is only a stepping stone for Noah, with his support group, he will continue to advocate for the needs of homeless men, women and children across the country.
Read Cindy George's coverage in the Houston Chronicle.
John Knox, Jr. is the founder and Chairman of the Board of SureTec, the market leader in the small to mid-size contract bond businesses in Texas. In the early 1980’s, John created Universal Surety of America (USA). Under his direction, USA became the largest surety company in Texas. In 1994, John sold USA, while continuing as its Chief Executive Officer through 1997. In late1997, USA merged with a national surety organization to become one of the nation’s largest surety companies. John is recognized as one of the most innovative executives in the surety industry.
John has achieved great success. His mission to grow from Success to Significance graciously includes SEARCH and the homeless people we serve. With John’s involvement with Chapelwood United Methodist Church, where he is an active member, has increased their support for SEARCH.
John first volunteered his time, talent, and support to SEARCH in 2003. He joined the Mobile Outreach team to make visits to people on the streets, listen to their stories, and extend a helping hand. He used his photographic talents to capture individuals’ quiet suffering so he could educate others about the problem of homelessness. He also consistently provided financial support when it was most needed. John raised his level of involvement by joining SEARCH’s Board of Directors this past Spring.
In addition to various surety and trade groups, John is an active member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and the World Presidents’ Organization (WPO). He is the father of three boys and makes his home in Houston, Texas.
SEARCH is most grateful for John’s support and leadership as we work to provide hope and opportunities for people to change their lives.
Chapelwood United Methodist Church
SEARCH would like to send a very special thank you to Chris Archer, Ann and Bill Steiner and all the members of Chapelwood United Methodist Church for all of their volunteer work and recent generous donation. They have kindly decided to donate $2,850 to provide food for every 1st Tuesday until June 2009!
If that weren’t enough, Chapelwood is donating an additional $2,150 to be used wherever SEARCH needs it most. Thank you to everyone at Chapelwood Church for your compassion and generosity. Your gift will go a long way towards fighting homelessness in Houston.
Waste Management
Friday, August 24, thirty employees of Waste Management came to SEARCH for the United Way Day of Caring. Everyone from the Vice President to management to administration came out to help us in the kitchen, clothing room, Resource Center, Employment Education Center, and on the grounds. The Vice President of Waste Management helped pick up paper for recycling from all four floors. SEARCH thanks Waste Management for your time and committment to helping the homeless of houston.
South Main Baptist Church and Chevron
A special thanks to South Main Baptist Church and Chevron for providing new tennis shoes and a great catered meal for the children of the House of Tiny Treasures. Each child was provided with a pair of ‘blue’ or ‘pink’ tennis to prepare them for the new school year. Many volunteers and employees were on hand to help the kids pick out their favorite pair. This was a special day for the parents as well; everyone was greeted with a catered bar-b-q dinner to top off the day!
On August 9, SEARCH received a letter from a former client:
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is (name removed) and I rely on SEARCH and the services they provide. Being homeless is a situation I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. I’d like to first thank GOD for SEARCH and the people who assist us at SEARCH. You have all been a tremendous help to me as well as many other people I’ve come in contact with. It has truly been a blessing to have had the opportunity to come into contact with positive people who help in a genuine way.
My case worker, Layla Becker, has gone above and beyond the call of duty in assisting me in getting on my feet and handling business that I would not have been able to do without her assistance. At this point I have a chance to regain custody of my daughter as a result of Ms. Becker’s assistance. She is a wonderful professional who gets the job done.
When I speak of angels, I feel I can include Ms. Becker in that category. I’d like to thank Ms. Becker and SEARCH. I also want to thank GOD for putting Ms. Becker and SEARCH in my life. They have assisted me in getting into a drug recovery program, and I am now looking for a job and transitional housing. She has pointed me in the right direction and given me several leads on transitional housing. She has also helped me gain a relationship with GOD. I now want GOD’s will, not my own will to be done in my life, and drugs are now in my past. I don’t think any of this could have been done without the help of Ms. Layla Becker. I know that GOD is the source and everything else is a resource. But GOD surely put Ms. Becker in my life, and I’m sure the lives of other homeless people, to do his work.
I would like to give a special thanks to Mr. Calvin, Mr. Don, Ms. Angie, Ms. Ola, and the rest of the intake staff who really treated me like a person instead of the using addict who I used to be. It’s truly a blessing for an establishment (SEARCH) to carry out GOD’s work.
“Thank you!” VERY MUCH!! From the bottom of my heart.
SEARCH changes the lives, not just the conditions, of our clients. Many of our clients, such as the one above, now work in the communities from which they came in order to share a better way of life. This client has requested to remain anonymous to be able to continues his or her efforts and remain effective in their service to others.
We would also like to say a special thanks to Case Manager Layla Becker for making a difference in the lives of those she encounters. SEARCH has received sentiments of gratitude and praise for Layla's efforts with our clients, our staff, and our supporters. Layla Becker is just one of our staff here at SEARCH who embodies our new mission: Provide hope, create opportunity, and transform lives.
January 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.
May 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 to meet the needs of the homeless men, women, and children develop the skills needed to end homelessness. TheHouse 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.
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 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
We are in need of magazines and books for our Resource Center. 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.
Items added recently include:
Prenatal Vitamins, 3 month supply ($40)
New Underwear or Socks ($10)
Microwavable dishes, casserole, and plastic container set ($35)
Small, non-hazardous appliances, rice cookers and crock pot ($75)
Metro tokens fund/Bus Passes ($10)
Telephone ($12)
Air mattress ($100)
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.
| AIG American General Corp. | Interior Plant Company |
| Allstate | Dr. and Mrs. Kevin H. Izu |
| Ms. Catherine I. Anadu | Mr. Steve Jackson |
| Mr. Anonymous - Chevron | Ms. Deborah Korkmas |
| Ms. Sarah J. Aranzeta | Lyondell |
| Dr. Richard D. Bebermeyer | Ms. Mary Lou Margrave |
| Bering Memorial United Methodist Church | Memorial Hermann Healthcare Systems |
| Mr. John R. Boettiger, Jr. | Mrs. Suzanne K. Morris |
| Mr. and Mrs. J. Downey Bridgwater | Ms. Lisa Newton |
| Ms. Barbara E. Butler | Mr. and Mrs. Arthur T. Pedersen |
| Ms. Anita Byrd | Planned Parenthood |
| C.C.I.S., Inc. | Prepared 4 Life |
| Central Presbyterian Church | Mrs. Lynn Rosas |
| Ms. Kathy Coker | Ms. Sandra B. Rosenberg |
| Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Colquhoun | Mrs. Kathy J. Rudy |
| Congregation Emanu El | Ms. Alice Sands |
| Council of Congregations | Ms. Mary S. Schrank |
| Mr. Mark R. Cox | Ms. Lois N. Setzer |
| Mr. Steven E. Cylkowski | Mr. Jason Sims |
| Ms. Marjorie De Hartog | Mr. John Sorrentino |
| DHL Worldwide Express | South Main Baptist Church |
| Mr. and Mrs. John Dosher | St. Paul's United Methodist Church |
| Mr. and Mrs. John Driskell | St. Philip Presbyterian Church |
| Ms. Cindy L. Duffy | Staubach Company |
| Mr. Roger Durand | Mr. David R. Stevenson |
| Mr. William A. Durham and Ms. Susan Gallagher | Ms. Lisa E. Stone |
| Mr. Alan H. Feiveson | Ms. Gail F. Taber |
| Ms. Reba M. Freedman | Target Stores, Inc. |
| Mr. and Mrs. Duane Geis | Ms. Armide Janice Taylor |
| Mr. Robert C. Gentry | Terrace Chapel |
| Ms. Mira Golden | The Prudential |
| GPI, LTD. | Trinity East United Methodist Church |
| Mr. Charles Hamilton | Mr. Edward Menger and Ms. Megan Ullman |
| Harris County Department of Education | United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania |
| Healthy Family Initiatives | Unity Church of Christianity |
| Mrs. Mary S. Hinds | Mr. Walter W. Isle and Mrs. Pamela J. Walker |
| Ms. Paige A. Hinson | Wells Fargo Insurance Services |
| Ms. Melissa D. Hobbs | Ms. Anita Williams |
| Mr. Michael Hobdy | Ms. Joyce E. Courtois and Mr. Paul Wilson |
| Mr. Valis Houston | Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Zoll |
| Houston Endowment Inc. |
| Bellaire United Methodist Church | Mr. Marc Grossberg |
| Ms. Anita Byrd | Mr. Stefi Harris |
| Chevron | Ms. Yvonne King |
| Church Women United of Houston | Knights of Columbus ( St. Thomas Church) |
| City Coop | Mr. and Mrs. Gerran & Ashley Lester |
| Congregation Beth Yeshurun | Mrs. Cindy Matthews |
| Congregation Emanu El | National Charity League ( west Houston) |
| Mr. David Croskery | Mrs. Kathy Parven |
| Mr. R. A. DeFaung | Prudential Financial Employees c/o Prudential Community Res |
| Ms. Carol Dweitt | Mrs. Eileen Silverman |
| Edge Petroleum ( Awesome Ladies Team) | Southern Lady Catering |
| Edge Petroleum Corporation | St. Michael's Church |
| Mr. Mark Elliott | St. Paul's United Methodist Church |
| Emerson Unitarian Church | Thoreau Unitarian Universalist Congregation |
| ExxonMobil Corp. | Mrs. Deborah Wilson |
| Glazier Foods | Ms. Lorri Wolff |
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.
