HomeAid and Astros Host Families for Hunger and Homelessness Week

On November 13, 2010 Minute Maid Park was the home field advantage for 40 low-income families at an event hosted by HomeAid Houston, a Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) charity and the Houston Astros. The event, named "Feast of Thanks", marked Hunger and Homelessness Week (November 14 – 20). Astros Hunter Pence, Humberto Quintero, Bobby Meacham and Doug Brocail were on-hand for visits with family members, autographs and photos.

Everyone shared a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings as well as games and family activities. Each child received an Astros goodie bag and families were provided a grocery bag of food to make their own Thanksgiving meal, courtesy of ConocoPhillips and the Houston Area Urban League.

HomeAid Houston, a charity that builds and renovates homeless shelters in Houston invited families from Gracewood, Santa Maria Hostel and Volunteers of America, three agencies for whom HomeAid has built shelters.

The "Feast of Thanks" event was held on the Club Level of Minute Maid Park. It celebrated life's blessings of family, food and fun. In addition, the event highlighted the ongoing assistance needed from the community to support low income families and families working hard to transition out of homelessness.

"We are so blessed to have our amazing partnership with the Houston Astros and to have the opportunity to share those blessings with our families," said Bette Moser, executive director of HomeAid Houston. "It is inspiring to see firsthand how these mothers and their children are rediscovering themselves and their potential for living productive lives in the community. It was an honor to share this time with them."

The Astros players also volunteered their time to record public service announcements that support HomeAid Houston and the Astros as they work to give hope to Houston's homeless and to encourage the community to get involved.