Welcome Homes

For 50 years, Magnificat Houses has nourished Houston’s homeless with much more than just food.

bw_Sherman-Anawim-People-300 1.7

On a scorching August morning, at the corner of Congress and Chartres, more than 250 men and women have lined up outside Loaves and Fishes, the soup kitchen operated by Magnificat Houses, Inc., a faith-based nonprofit that serves the homeless and mentally ill. They enter five at a time, greeted by longtime volunteer coordinator Larry Cronin. He’s part of a dedicated team who provides a hot, healthy meal once a day, six days a week, no questions asked. For many, this lunch will be their only meal of the day.


A tall, African American woman in a purple head wrap hesitates before entering. She shouts, “I don’t want to be around a bunch of men!” Cronin points her attention to the women already seated, then tells her about Myriam’s Hostel, Magnificat’s no-cost, three-day emergency women’s shelter located above Loaves and Fishes. The organization also provides transitional and permanent residency via its houses across the city.

The first Magnificat house was founded in 1968 by Rose Mary Badami, a social worker from Denison who witnessed firsthand the plight of the homeless during the Great Depression. After several state-funded mental health institutions suddenly closed, leaving patients to fend for themselves on the streets, Badami singlehandedly raised the funds to buy and restore a house in Midtown to serve homeless women struggling with mental illness.

Today, Magnificat operates 16 residential houses, as well as St. Joseph Clubhouse and Dona Marie Clubhouse, which offer advocacy, structure and work opportunities to those living with a mental health diagnosis. “The work itself provides dignity,” says Magnificat’s executive director John Boyles. “You don’t go there to play pool. You go there for a purpose.” On Oct. 6, Magnificat celebrates its 50th anniversary with a gala chaired by Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Gina Monti is one of many success stories. “We’re not just a homeless shelter,” says Monti, who came to Magnificat after years of homelessness, drug abuse and physical illness. “It’s a restorative environment. To be a part of us is to know something much more lasting.” Now sober for more than five years, Monti is a resident volunteer at Myriam’s Hostel, and is on the org’s communications team. On the rare occasion a dinner meal is dropped off at Loaves and Fishes, she bikes to homeless encampments to spread the word.

“We are all homeless, but we have this great gift that has been given to us. So we just try to share that with each other.”

Wellness+Giving Back
Ancient French Wellness Cures Reimagined at Houston’s Escape Spa: The Power of Vichy

Serial entrepreneur and spa visionary LeBrina Jackson

NESTLED IN THE heart of France, the town of Vichy holds a rich history in the world of wellness and hydrotherapy. Acquiring fame for their alkaline springs in the 17th century, the Romans were among the first to recognize the therapeutic benefits of the springs. They established a French spa known as “Vichy,” which still exists today and continues to attract spa-goers from around the world to experience the transformative effects of hydrotherapy.

Keep Reading Show less

Betty Hrncir, Sidney Faust, Julie Baker Finck

ACTUAL WINTER WEATHER was in the forecast the night of the Winter Ball, benefiting the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and honoring the Women of Distinction, a festive and fitting detail that sparked a flurry of conversation at the Omni Hotel.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Concert of Arias finalists on the Wortham stage, including first place and audience choice winner Geonho Lee of South Korea, third from left. (Photo by Michael Bishop)

LONG ONE OF the HGO’s most exciting evenings on the calendar — Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers called it the best night of the year — the 37th Annual Concert of Arias and gala dinner afterward dazzled and inspired opera fans.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment