The Star of Hope Mission is dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless men, women and their children. Positive life changes are encouraged through structured programs which focus on spiritual growth, education, employment, life management and recovery from substance abuse.

I had the absolute joy of photographing five incredible women from Star of Hope Mission, and I’m thrilled to share about this project.

The photoshoot - behind the scenes

The photoshoot was full of joy, confidence, and celebration as each woman stepped into the spotlight and embraced her beauty. This wasn’t just a photoshoot—it was a celebration of strength, transformation, and self-worth.

I’m happy to share this behind-the-scenes look at our photoshoot.

Anna (second from left) and Polished Hair and Makeup (last two ladies on the right) posing with the five residents after the photoshoot. Huge shoutout to Polished Makeup and Hair for delivering top-notch glam—each woman was treated with such care and professionalism, and it truly showed in how radiant they felt (and looked!).

the big reveal

The big reveal day was nothing short of magical! The five women from Star of Hope Mission returned—this time with their children—to see their final portraits, and the reactions say it all. Smiles, laughter, hugs… and yes, plenty of happy tears.

Seeing themselves celebrated in such a powerful and beautiful way was an emotional moment for everyone in the room. Their kids beamed with pride, and the energy was full of love, healing, and confidence.

This was more than just a photoshoot—it was a moment of reflection, transformation, and empowerment. I’m so honored to have been part of this journey. Read their stories below and if they moved you please consider donating to Star of Hope Mission.

Resident story 1.

“I am a Houston native, born and raised in the Third Ward. I came to the Star of Hope Mission after fleeing from an abusive relationship. Since I have been here, I have grown so much. When I first arrived, I was in a real dark place. My self-esteem was low, and I was angry. Once I decided to let go and let God in, that is when the real change began. You see, I had to get out of my own way and stop being my own worst enemy.

I made sure to utilize every resource that Star of Hope offered to better myself. I finally got my GED, y'all! All of my teachers were phenomenal. I thank them for being patient with me and seeing the potential in me that I couldn't see in myself. I never imagined that I would accomplish so much being here.”

(Written in the resident’s own words)

resident story 2.

“I was born in Washington DC. My family and I came to Texas to start a business. Unfortunately, the business failed and at the start of the new year in 2024, we were homeless and searching for resources to survive. A church friend brought us to the Star of Hope Mission.

Since coming to the Star of Hope, I have rededicated my life to the Lord, and he has delivered me from a broken heart and depression. The Source (Star of Hope curriculum) has taught me to have grace and mercy for everyone, to stop complaining, and remember gratitude is the focus in every situation. My future endeavors are to work full time in healthcare and to eventually become a postpartum doula.

I want to thank my teachers for their encouragement and prayers over all of us at the Star of Hope. I want to thank my husband for his strength to persevere and his faith that this too will pass. I must also thank my children for their encouraging words when I needed them the most and for making the best of this season and excelling in every area.”

(Written in the resident’s own words)

resident story 3.

“I am 31 years old. When I turned 17, I was introduced to drugs, became addicted, and struggled with them on and off for 12 years. Because of my addiction, I dropped out of high school, and I lost contact with my family. I became homeless, lost my job, lost my car and lived on the streets for a long time. I attempted to get clean multiple times but failed. I was so depressed and disgusted with myself.

During that time, I had three children, but all of them were taken from me because of my addiction. I got pregnant again and it wasn't until I heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time that I opened my eyes and realized that this baby was mine and a blessing from God, and it deserved better than what I was giving it. So, I finally got clean, and then I relapsed again. A couple of months later, I found out I was pregnant again. How was I going to take care of not one but two babies when I was struggling with an addiction?

I came to the conclusion that it was finally time to get help and go to treatment. I prayed for guidance from God the whole time. I left the drugs on August 7th, 2020. God put me in a new place with a new start with both my babies at Star of Hope Mission. I successfully completed the New Hope drug treatment program, received my GED, and just recently finished applying to college. I also finished training and am now a certified forklift operator. My family has started talking to me again.

Everything I lost to my drug addiction in 12 years God has restored in 1 year, 9 months, and 9 days. If that isn't proof God is real and it's amazing, I don't know what it is. Today makes 642 days sober, and there is only more to come.”

(Written in the resident’s own words)

resident story 4.

"I am a woman who has been through numerous things. I’ve been abused mentally, physically, and emotionally starting at age 4. My dad didn't become a part of my life until I turned 17, so I lived with my mama. My mama and I had a difficult relationship. I started using drugs and even got to the point that I decided I was tired of being here and attempted suicide. However, God had other plans for me.

I moved to Texas from Chicago on November 1st, 2022. I came to Houston because I wanted to fix the bond between my mother and me. That didn't work, and my mom disowned me. That next day I left. I stayed in hotels for a few days then ended up coming here to the Star of Hope Mission. Star of Hope accepted my daughter and me with open arms.

The Star of Hope has helped me establish and keep my boundaries. The Source curriculum at Star of Hope helped me grow spiritually and I learned how to read and understand the Bible. My teachers have become my family. Anytime I would start slipping up, here my teachers would come with, “Miss., let's get back on track”. I'd like to thank the staff for being supportive and always making sure my daughter and I are always doing okay. Last but not least, I'd like to thank God for being by my side every step of the way."

(Written in the resident’s own words)

resident story 5.

“I grew up in the Third Ward in Houston, in a toxic and abusive household. My father was in prison all of my childhood and my mother was a single mom with four children. I have had relationship failures, but despite the failed relationships, God blessed me to become an awesome mother of two beautiful girls. After a wrongful eviction, I came to live at the Star of Hope.

At the Star of Hope Mission, I have learned more about God and who He is. The Source (Star of Hope curriculum) classes have encouraged me to read my Bible and to also live by it. I have also learned more about what I need to change and improve on myself. The Source classes have taught me job-ready skills and life skills, and I am much more prepared now for my children and my future life.

I am currently job searching. My plans are to find work that can accommodate me as an ambitious single mom, continue to volunteer for the USO, and to go to the military reserves, to one day get married and become a wonderful wife to my husband, start my hair business, to continue to strive for a better life for my family, and to continue to practice forgiveness and to pray for my solutions. I want to thank God for everything he has done, is doing, and is about to do in my life.”

(Written in the resident’s own words)

luncheon at the river oaks country club

It was such an honor to have my portraits of these five incredible Star of Hope residents exhibited at their Bingo Brunch event at the prestigious venue of River Oaks Country Club. Sharing their strength and beauty through photography has been one of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on—and getting to sit at their table during the brunch made the day even more special.

To top it off, I was happy to contribute one of the bingo prizes, along with Polished Makeup and Hair,—it was such a fun way to give back, and the energy in the room was full of love, joy, and purpose.

So grateful to be part of this amazing cause and community. Here’s to using art to make a difference!