Providing a home away from home

Offering no-cost temporary housing for individuals and caregivers undergoing treatment in Houston, Texas—

a comforting refuge on the path to healing.

Group picture. Volunteering. Volunteer. Excited. Happy. The Ballard House. All ages. Welcome.

Our Mission

The Ballard House is dedicated to providing compassionate support to individuals and their caregivers who travel to Houston, Texas for world-renowned medical treatment. We offer a temporary, no-cost home away from home, fostering a warm and welcoming environment that prioritizes safety and community. Our commitment is upheld by the generosity of the community, as we rely on their donations to extend comfort, care, and solace during challenging times. Together, we strive to be a beacon of hope, easing the burdens of those facing medical journeys by offering a place where healing begins with a supportive and nurturing embrace.

People serving themselves from a buffet of barbecue meats and side dishes at an indoor gathering.

Family of four posing in front of a stone fireplace with horse artwork and rustic leather chairs

Three people give thumbs up in front of a large donation display of toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, and household supplies.

Diverse group of women preparing and serving food at a community kitchen buffet.

Three smiling women wearing name tags pose together at an indoor holiday gathering.

Older couple posing together in a warmly decorated living room, with a stone fireplace, artwork, and armchairs behind them.

Older woman in a red shirt standing behind a chocolate cake topped with nuts in a home kitchen.

Three men pose beside a hospital bed loaded with white plastic-wrapped bedding in a room with a stone fireplace.

Our Impact

Blue outline of an open hand holding a heart symbol

Join Us as We Launch Our New Campaign: 60 for 60
If just 1,000 supporters commit to $60 a month, together we can fully fund one year of care.

Click to Donate to this Campaign

Spotlights

Guest Spotlight

Louise R. and Jesse Gonzales
"I wanted to take a moment to send a heartfelt thank you for the wonderful grab & go lunches you've been providing. Honestly, they've been an absolute lifesaver for us!
Our commute back & forth from Houston three times a week is quite a marathon, and it really takes a lot out of us. We're usually out the doors by 9am and don't get back till around 5pm making for some long exhausting days.
Trying to sort out lunch during those busy stretches used to be a major hassle and just added stress. Having those convenient, pre-prepared meals ready for us has lifted such a huge burden off our shoulders.
We're incredibly grateful for your thoughtfulness and support.
Thank you so, so much for everything. God bless you all."
Volunteer Spotlight

Akshaya Adaikkalavan
"I’m grateful to be part of this tight-knit community and to contribute to its incredible work each week. I’ve been a Night Owl volunteer for over two years, and it has been nothing short of a fun and fulfilling experience. After graduating from college, I was looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community, and I found exactly that at the Ballard House.
My conversations with guests have given me valuable perspectives and, if there is one big takeaway I’ve gained from my time here, it is the importance of staying optimistic and spreading positivity. When things don’t go as planned, it can be difficult to maintain that optimism, but being part of a community filled with compassionate guests, staff, and volunteers makes all the difference. We have the opportunity to inspire one another and spread positivity, playing an important role in making everyone here feel supported and welcomed.
The warm conversations and words of encouragement I’ve exchanged with guests and volunteers have personally helped me get through dull days. I’m truly grateful to everyone at the Ballard House for creating such a welcoming and uplifting community, and I’m thankful to be a part of it."