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

Moji Thompson
"As caregiver for a cancer patient, I spent nearly two years in Houston and had heard so many wonderful things about The Ballard House. However, nothing could have prepared us for the extraordinary warmth, kindness, and generosity we experienced when we finally had the opportunity to stay there ourselves.
The Ballard House is so much more than a place to stay during a difficult time. It is a true reflection of the beautiful heart and spirit of the Katy community. The countless volunteers, donors, cooks, cleaners, and supporters who give so generously of their time, energy, and love create something truly extraordinary. Their kindness goes far beyond anything we could have imagined.
We are especially touched by how immaculate and welcoming the house is, and by the genuine care shown by everyone who works or volunteers there. It is clear that helping residents isn't simply something they do; it comes from their hearts. They go above and beyond in ways both big and small, making people feel cared for when they need it most. Doti, in particular, is an absolute angel, and her kindness is a beautiful example of what makes The Ballard House so special.
One of the things that touches us most is seeing the young children from the community come to help. There is something incredibly moving about watching these little ones learn, through their own experiences, the value of compassion, generosity, and service to others. They are learning lessons that no classroom alone could ever teach them, and they are growing into the kind of caring, community-minded adults our world needs so much.
During a cancer journey, families carry so much uncertainty, fear, and emotional exhaustion. Having a place where you are welcomed with open arms, surrounded by kindness, and relieved of even a small part of life's burdens means more than words can adequately express.
The Ballard House is not simply a home away from home. It is a place where compassion becomes action, strangers become a community, and kindness brings light into some of life's darkest moments. It offers comfort and healing to those who need it, while also nurturing a beautiful culture of giving, service, and love that reaches far beyond its walls.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced The Ballard House firsthand. Our hearts are full of gratitude for everyone who makes it what it is. What you have created is truly remarkable, and the lives you touch extend far beyond the residents who walk through your doors.
Thank you for being such a wonderful source of comfort, hope, and humanity. The world is a better place because of The Ballard House and the extraordinary people who make it possible." - Moji
Volunteer Spotlight

Paul Rostek
Paul is one of our weekly adult volunteers. He has extensive involvement with Cancer Support ministries, served as a GriefShare Support Group facilitator and volunteered as a hospital chaplain. We are excited to offer emotional support to our residents in the form of a safe space for honest conversation and encouragement from others. Find Paul in the library at 7 pm each Tuesday for a weekly support group alternating between the caregiver and patient.
"Meeting with the patients and caregivers residing at The Ballard House and entering into their sacred space is an immense privilege. To hear their stories and to be able to offer prayer and encouragement is a blessing to me and hopefully to them also. It is also a joy to work with such wonderful staff and volunteers. The Ballard House is an amazing gift to those making it their temporary home while getting medical treatment." -Paul