Beyoncé is supporting her hometown by doing so.
The 42-year-old music icon and her mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, made an appearance Friday at the opening ceremony for the Knowles-Rowland House, a building that will be transformed into permanent supportive housing for roughly 31 Houston, Texas, residents.
Originally known as the Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth, it was erected in 1999 but was destroyed by fire in March 2021. According to Houston Public Media, the property, which was originally financed by Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child, will now take on a new life as a housing development for Houstonians who are homeless or at risk of becoming vulnerable, as well as a location where they can obtain further support.
Bread of Life, Inc., a neighborhood nonprofit, is leading the initiative.
Beyoncé and her mother publicly supported the rebuilding plans on Friday; local television station KPRC-TV reported that the project will cost $8 million.
The backing of Beyoncé was “exciting for all of us,” said Bread of Life’s director of partnerships and growth Monique Williams to Houston Public Media. She works very hard. This weekend, she has a few other plans. It was fantastic for everyone to be there and share that with her for her to pause and just sort of return home, to be in this space with us, to hear again what will be done, and to witness her legacy.
Beyoncé went for a snakeskin romper and a cowboy hat for the occasion, while Knowles-Lawson, 69, chose a white blazer and matching slacks.
As reported by Houston Public Media, the Harris County Commissioners Court had previously approved $7.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act cash to help with the rehabilitation. The remaining funds would be raised by Bread of Life.
Before the end of 2024, the location is apparently scheduled to open.
According to the source, Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis stated that the project would bring the county closer to realizing its vision of a prosperous, inclusive region where everyone has the chance to develop and a place to call home.
He went on to say, “Access to affordable and secure housing is a fundamental human right and a necessity that cannot be met without increasing and maintaining our affordable housing stock.
Who expects Beyoncé to be anywhere, Williams continued? Everything is unexpected. I believe it was excellent for everyone to be able to see her dedication to our work in a more direct way.
Prior to this weekend’s two homecoming performances at NRG Stadium, Beyoncé made a stop in Houston.