A permanent supportive housing development in Midtown named after Houston-natives Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland will begin construction in the first quarter of 2024 with a completion date by the end of the year, according to officials from the nonprofit organization behind the new development.

Quote of note

“I really believe the city of Houston wants to have everybody housed,” Bread of Life CEO Yvette Tarrant said. “For the future, I believe that when we see our citizens walking around that used to be homeless and sleeping under the bridge, being able to stand up with dignity and confidence. We’re so happy to surround them and give them a place to live, a place to be free, to not worry about their belongings and a place to regenerate their lives.”

The cost

Out of the nearly $9 million needed to complete the project, according to officials, $7.2 million in funding will be designated from Harris County’s federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. Commissioners approved the funding in June.

Bread of Life is redeveloping the former gymnasium on its campus to create 31 housing units to support Houston residents in need.

“There is a critical need to provide stable housing to many underserved Houstonians,” said Pastor Rudy Rasmus, Bread of Life co-founder and executive director. “We are grateful for the support of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and the commissioners. The resources they provide are critical to helping everyone in the community thrive.”

Tina Knowles and Matthew Knowles have been longtime supporters of the Bread of Life mission. The building was initially constructed in 1999 with the help of financial support from the Knowles family.

“This has just been that kind of place that I would do anything for,” Tina Knowles said. “I just commend them because they have really embraced this.”