The Beacon is a homeless shelter sponsored by the Diocese of Texas and the John S. Dunn Foundation at Christ Church Cathedral.

We have a dedicated team of volunteers who go on the 1st Sunday of each month, and have done so since it opened, to greet clients, prepare meals, and do laundry for the people in need.

Contact: Nick & Gail Roe

Click to open the items below to learn more about The Beacon’s programs.

Every week, we use our St. Thomas food bags to collect nonperishable food items, baby diapers and wipes, soap, and toothpaste that are then donated to Interfaith Caring Ministries in League City.

Please bring your filled bags, leave them at the “Feed the Hungry” barrel, and pick up an empty bag for the next week.

Contact: Larry Hunter

Greeters are volunteers who possess the gift of hospitality.

They welcome visitors and members as they arrive for services and other events at St. Thomas.

They seek to serve Christ in all persons by welcoming and introducing newcomers to the opportunities in which they might want to serve.

Contact: MaryRuth Greenwell

Habitat for Humanity is a Christian, non-profit housing ministry that builds affordable houses for low income families to purchase on favorable terms.

St. Thomas parishioners have for many years volunteered their time and talent to help build these houses.

We usually offer two opportunities each year to participate in building or providing lunch for the workers – Mid April and May.

No particular skills or tools are required.

If you would like to volunteer, watch for announcements each Spring giving specific information.

You may also support Habitat with a contribution during the Advent Market.

St. Vincent’s House (STV) is an urban mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.

Located in Galveston, Texas, St. Vincent’s House provides essential services at a single location to the disadvantaged, under-served and working poor. These services enhance the physical mental and spiritual well-being of the population served.

Services include medical care (preventive and acute), free/subsidized pre-school, emergency assistance, food pantry, transportation, alternative high school (both diploma and GED), adult education, emergency shelter and more.

The STV mission is to HOPE people — providing the help to create HOPE.

STV is a favorite outreach ministry for St. Thomas. We support STV through the Advent Market, ECW funds, food donations, Advent party gifts and our time, talent and treasure.

Contact: Vicki Buxton

The Helping Hands Ministry was initiated in the late ‘70s/early ‘80s by members of the Episcopal Church Women (all women of St. Thomas are members of the ECW) to provide short-term assistance to St. Thomas members. Assistance is varied and depends upon the needs of the parishioner(s). The level and duration of the assistance is based upon the severity of the illness/injury, anticipated recovery time, the support of family and friends, and the resources of the parishioner(s).

Short-term assistance generally is limited to 2-weeks and includes:

• Meals – generally limited to 2 per week;
• Medical transportation – generally limited to services within the Clear Lake area and provided when family or friends are unable to provide same, or financial resources prevent use of public transportation (i.e., taxis, Uber, etc.);
• Minor laundry and/or light housekeeping;
• Identification of community-based resources (food take-out and delivery services, taxis, Uber, etc.)
• Clergy and LEV visits

Should additional assistance be needed, the Helping Hands chairperson and the rector will meet to discuss participation of the ECW.

Contact: Carolyn Judy