HOUSTON, TX – Astros manager Dusty Baker and the Astros Foundation have joined together to donate 3,000 protective masks to individuals in homeless encampments in and around the Houston area. 

The Astros Foundation has called on community partners, including the Houston Police Department, SEARCH Homeless Services and Star of Hope, to assist with the distribution of the masks, which begins this week. 

Thao Costis, President and CEO of SEARCH Homeless Services, stated, “SEARCH and our partners are connecting with men and women who are among our community’s most vulnerable to offer access to housing and healthcare. What a needed gift of masks by the Astros Foundation so that people who are homeless can protect themselves and each other as we all build our community’s health together.”  

“Our Homeless Outreach Team is grateful for this opportunity,” said Wendy Baimbridge, Assistant Chief, Houston Police Department. “It can open up communication between us and this community as well.”

“We are blessed to have the Astros Foundation as one of our supporters and community partners,” said Hank Rush, President and CEO, Star of Hope Mission. “The protective masks we received from this generous donation will help us continue to reach out and care for the homeless in our facilities with confidence during these uncertain times.”

“Our goal is to spread the love, not the virus,” Baker said.

This marks the second time that Baker has made a charitable donation in the Houston area. In June, he also made a donation to the Houston Food Bank. The Astros Foundation has also made several donations during the pandemic, including to the Texas Medical Center, Houston Food Bank, Houston Fire Department and Kid’s Meals.