homeless women and families within a community context. The initial phase of affordable housing will sustain 500 individuals and families. Food, clothing, and Christian ministry and counseling will con- tinue to be a mainstay for everyone, anchored by a beautiful chapel in the center of the community. Historical Need, Unprecedented Response E ver since Hurricane Ike and the great reces- sion hit Houston in 2008, Star of Hope’s downtown Women and Family Emergency Shelter has been full to capacity, and it has experi- enced an additional 50–170 people sleeping on floor mats each night in overflow. So after much research and planning, five years ago Star of Hope’s board and leadership team created and began im- plementing Star of Hope’s Vision 2020 to respond to this great need, with a plan to offer homeless women and families both emergency and longer- term solutions to their homelessness in one loca- tion, just as it does for the men staying at its Men’s Development Center. As a result of this plan, in March 2016, Star of Hope broke ground on Star of Hope’s Cornerstone Community transformational campus. This unique campus will become home to all of Star of Hope’s women and family services citywide. “Our Cornerstone Community transformational campus will be a place where Houston’s homeless single women and families can begin their journey toward lifelong independence,” Hank notes. Star of Hope began providing services for women and families in 1986, and currently owns and operates two women and family facilities: the Women and Family Emergency Shelter, which is located in downtown Houston, and the Transi- tional Living Center, which is located in close proximity to the world-renowned Texas Medical Center. These two facilities are being sold and all women and family services will be moved to Star of Hope’s Cornerstone Community and, combined, they will take on the name the Women and Family Development Center. “At this campus, we are implementing a new case management-based program called New Pathways to better meet the needs of homeless women and families who come to us in crisis,” says Betty Nun- nally, senior vice president of programs at Star of Hope Mission. “Each guest, upon admittance, will become a resident and will be assigned a case man- ager who will guide them through their needed counseling, classes, and programs to enable them to achieve self-sufficiency and exit homelessness permanently.” In addition to the services provided at the Women and Family Development Center, Star of Hope has partnered with other agencies to provide additional services. Health care needs will be met by an on-site Harris Health Clinic. The Harris Health System is regarded as one of the best public health systems in the region for its provision of quality patient care and medical treatment. Harris’ professionals are experienced in treating adults and children with all types of needs—from routine care to life-saving procedures. The WorkFaith Connection will provide job readiness and job search services right on campus. This organization’s mission is to help people in transition build a new life through work and their faith in God, equipping them with the skills and Ī WWW.AGRM.ORG MAY/JUNE 2017 21