Making a significant philanthropic contribution to their hometown, Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland are joining hands with Harris County in Houston, Texas. The duo’s collaboration aims to establish 31 permanent housing units in Midtown for the unhoused population.
The project, known as the Knowles-Rowland House, will be supported by $7.2 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan. The housing development will be located at the Bread of Life gymnasium on Crawford Street, offering not only housing but also essential services such as case management, peer support, specialized services, and transportation, focusing on mental and behavioral health. A major announcement regarding the housing units is scheduled for September, coinciding with Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour stop in Houston.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Judge Lina Hidalgo expressed how Harris County and the city of Houston, in collaboration with the coalition for the homeless, managed to achieve a 20 percent reduction in homelessness amidst the pandemic, and have successfully maintained that progress. Judge Hidalgo emphasized her support for initiatives like the one led by Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland, stating that she values such efforts regardless of the individuals involved. However, she found it particularly noteworthy and interesting due to the long-standing support that Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland have shown for their community over the years.
.@LinaHidalgoTX on approving $7.2 million for 31 new housing units for the homeless with support of @Beyonce and @KELLYROWLAND. Planning a “bigger initiative” in September when Beyoncé is in town. pic.twitter.com/1ZpjEIBwnl
— Urban Reform (@urbanreformorg) June 27, 2023
With plans to commence construction in October, the housing project spearheaded by Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland, in collaboration with Harris County, is estimated to cost approximately $8.4 million. Additional funding will be sourced from external organizations, including Rice University, as mentioned by Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis. Rudy Rasmus, a local pastor and executive director of Bread of Life, expressed admiration for the former Destiny’s Child members, highlighting their partnership with the county and their ongoing contributions to Houston. Rasmus praised their endeavors, which date back to 2002 when Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle Williams utilized funds from their debut hit single, “No, No, No,” to establish a youth center in the city. The upcoming project will mark the fifth housing development in Precinct 1 over the past 17 years, reinforcing their commitment to combat homelessness in the county. Beyoncé and Kelly have consistently demonstrated their dedication to their hometown, such as their involvement in assisting Hurricane Harvey victims in 2017, alongside Williams and Tina Knowles-Lawson, in serving food to those affected. Furthermore, even prior to that, Rowland collaborated with the Knowles family to establish the Survivor Foundation, a charitable organization aimed at providing transitional housing for Houston residents affected by Hurricane Katrina.
“This will be our fifth housing development downtown in Precinct 1 over these last 17 years, and just really grateful to continue to help end homeless in our county,” Rasmus said.
Continuously demonstrating their commitment to their hometown, Beyoncé and Kelly have been dedicated philanthropists. In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey’s devastating impact on Houston in 2017, Beyoncé, accompanied by Williams and Tina Knowles-Lawson, actively participated in serving food to those affected, lending a helping hand to their community. More than a decade earlier, Rowland collaborated with the Knowles family to establish the Survivor Foundation, a charitable organization with a mission to offer transitional housing to the victims of Hurricane Katrina in Houston. Their unwavering efforts reflect their deep-rooted compassion and desire to make a positive impact on the lives of their fellow Houston residents.