The gist
Nine nonprofits banded together two years ago to create the Flourishment Center, a collaborative that has provided support to almost 50 families since October 2023, said Jenny Jones, nonprofit Attack Poverty’s interim co-CEO and housing collaborative lead.
Now, the group is almost done designing its physical location, a central resource hub that will open next year in the former First Baptist Church at 1117 First St., Rosenberg.
“The Flourishment Center is really an incredible resource that's available to Fort Bend County,” Jones said. “[It will be] run and operated by local nonprofits that are really into the weeds of this work every single day and [have] the relational collateral with community members and individuals that will most benefit from this.”
The details
The Rosenberg resource center is intended to serve as a place where area nonprofits can serve vulnerable populations, Jones said. The center will primarily offer wraparound services, which include:
- Counseling
- Social support
- Educational programs
- Mental health services
The on-site units are intended to provide three to six months of housing while helping residents get on their feet, Jones said. The center will also have crisis housing for those who need somewhere to rest for a short time.
Project collaborators include Fort Bend Health & Human Services, Fort Bend Family Promise, Fort Bend Women’s Center, Texas State Technical College, The Henderson-Wessendorff Foundation, The George Foundation, Parks Youth Ranch, Abigail’s Place and Attack Poverty, according to a presentation at a July 23 Rosenberg City Council meeting.
The cost
Fort Bend County Commissioners Court awarded the Flourishment Center $2.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds in October 2023, Jones said. An additional $2 million was also allotted to the center for renovations to the Rosenberg church.
Beyond the use of federal funding, the collaborative will work together to fundraise to provide resources long term, she said.
What they’re saying
Seeing how today’s economy could affect someone's housing situation, Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy said he and other county commissioners are proud to support the collaborative efforts to ensure individuals aren’t having to leave the county for secure housing.
“If we are truly focused on the economic vitality of our community, making sure that people aren’t having to leave our community to thrive,” he said. “They can thrive right here in places like Rosenberg and Richmond and the greater Fort Bend [County] area.”
What’s next
Design is expected to wrap up in the coming weeks and renovations are slated to begin in December or January 2025, Jones said.
The Flourishment Center is expected to be operational in June or July 2025, she said.
