Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland are reportedly making a positive impact in their hometown by joining forces with Harris County to address the issue of homelessness in Houston.
The Houston Chronicle reports that the members of Destiny’s Child are launching a permanent housing complex in Houston’s midtown area. The county leaders have announced their plan to construct 31 new permanent supported housing units for unhoused individuals using $7.2 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan.
The housing project, named Knowles-Rowland House, is scheduled to break ground in October. Alongside the housing units, the initiative will also provide comprehensive support to the residents, including mental health, physical and behavioral health support, and other specialized services.
Additional funding for this project is coming from various groups, including Rice University. The total estimated cost of the initiative is around $8.4 million.
An even bigger launch is expected when Beyoncé performs in Houston for her Renaissance Tour later this year, with shows scheduled at the NRG Stadium on September 23 and 24.
During a press conference on Tuesday (June 27), Judge Lina Hidalgo commended the efforts in reducing homelessness in the area by 20% during the pandemic and beyond.
She also acknowledged the involvement of Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland, emphasizing that the Houston natives “have been supportive of the community for a very long time.”
Rudy Rasmus, a local pastor and executive director of Bread of Life where the housing units will be located, expressed his gratitude for the project. He mentioned that the Knowles-Rowland Project was inspired by the Destiny’s Child trio, who used money from their hit single “No, No, No” to build a youth center in the city.
