The Mission of Yahweh is a faith-based shelter that, since 1961, has empowered, enriched, and restored the lives of homeless women and children, and provided outreach services to communities in need.
Chapelwood Foundation Impact
The Foundation funded The Mission of Yahweh $5,000 which was used to furnish downstairs bedrooms in the permanent supportive housing building which are designed to accommodate families.
Misson of Yahweh's Story
This mission began humbly when a hairdresser, Helen Gay, quit her job and began hitting the streets in the Fifth Ward with food and other supplies for those in need. Helen felt called to bring food, clothing, and a message of hope to the homeless and those in poverty. She eventually founded The Mission of Yahweh and soon acquired the nickname “Sister Gay” due to her unwavering faith and love as she worked with abused and displaced women and orphans who had no place to call home. She began offering meals and even shelter in her humble home. Helen and her husband also started legally adopting children whose mothers were either unable or unwilling to care for them. They adopted 24 children over the years and raised them alongside the homeless they offered shelter. Helen Gay passed away in 2008, but her calling to offer homeless women and children love and hope continues to grow.
The Mission of Yahweh is currently the only emergency and transitional shelter in the Greater Houston area that offers care for homeless women and their children for up to two years. They are also committed to helping residents become self-sufficient, productive members of society. To help this vision reach fruition, the shelter offers on-site case managers, counseling, vocational classes, life skill classes, and GED programs for all adult residents.
The Chapelwood Foundation is grateful to have the opportunity to support the Mission of Yahweh with volunteers and financial assistance. We are excited to watch this organization continue to grow and impact the lives of women and children in our community.
