A Day and Lifetime of Joy as The Mission of Yahweh Dedicates Two New Dormitories to Support Houston’s Homeless Women and Children
For over 64 years, The Mission of Yahweh (MOY) has served as a faith-based emergency shelter for homeless women and children in Houston. The Mission sprang from humble beginnings and a vision of hope from the founder, Sister Helen Gay. Originally started with two shotgun shacks, Warner Roberts raised the funds for the first building, constructed in 1981 by the late and great builder Doyle Stuckey. The addition of two new dorms expands the Northwest Houston campus to five dormitories able to support over 120 women and children in need. The expansion could not have come at a better time. With the rapid growth of evictions, job losses, and unaffordable daycare, women and children are living in cars, unsafe motels, and homeless camps. In July alone, the Mission of Yahweh, Star of Hope, and the Salvation Army were forced to turn hundreds of homeless women and children away due to a lack of space and resources.
The Mission of Yahweh’s story is deeply rooted in a spirit of service, embodying the core values and a faith tradition. Before her passing, Sister Gay would always say, “This is not a shelter; it is a home away from home for His least people.”
Thanks to its loyal sponsors and donors, The Mission of Yahweh’s newly built dormitories are debt-free, as 100% of the funds were raised. Now, more families will be helped through the efforts of many. Those cherished sponsors include Larry Martin, who matched the funds raised to build these new dorms and who originally built the largest dormitory (named Sister Gay House) that housed 24 of Sister Gay’s adopted children;
Build Captain David Weekley Homes and HomeAid, a nonprofit that helps with building projects for the homeless population. Their partnership with the Greater Houston Builders Association results in building two beautiful dorms at a fraction of the retail price; Brigitte & Bashar Kalai, Lori & Todd King, Janelle & Greg Reid, Nichole & Benny Agosto, Kathy & Dick Baker, The Elkins Foundation, The Hamill Foundation, Fleming Foundation, H-E-B, Herzstein Charitable Foundation, Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, Anne & Chris Richardson and The Medallion Foundation. Chapelwood United Methodist Church, Houston Children’s Charity, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and Sherri Zucker were lauded for providing the resources to furnish the buildings. Beds in the dorm room are beautifully dressed, courtesy of Laura Ward and Houston Children’s Charity. The Mission is also grateful to the many other donors and supporters who contributed funds, goods and services, time, and talent to make this dream a reality.
The program began with remarks from MOY Board Chair Kari Work, who warmly welcomed guests to the dedication of the dormitories. Guest speakers included Chris Weekley, President and Vice Chairman of David Weekley Homes, Scott Black, David Weekley Homes Director of Land Acquisition, and HomeAid Board President, and Greater Houston Builders Association Associate Vice President Renae Turnbaugh.
Since its inception, The Mission of Yahweh has housed approximately 10,000 women and children and provided them with three levels of programming: Residential—Encouraging community living and being good neighbors; Vocational—Preparing them with skills, training, and opportunities for independence; and Spiritual—Nurturing faith and personal growth.
Notable guests included: Warner Roberts, Pamela Lockard, HomeAid Executive Director Carole Brady, Chris Weekley, Scott Black, Larry Martin, Greater Houston Builders Association CEO Aimee Bertrand, MOY Executive Director Glenda Haynes, Todd King, Saula Valente, Deborah Laws, Janelle Reid and her father Jay Halliday, Helen Gay
