Knowles-Rowland House, a 31-unit permanent supportive housing development, has opened its doors to Houston’s most vulnerable residents.
The community replaces the former Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth, which was built in 1999 with support from singer Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Tina Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Mathew Knowles. Before a 2021 fire, the center served as a youth summer camp, a senior community center, and an overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
Developed by nonprofit Bread of Life, the new Knowles-Rowland House aims to address chronic homelessness in Houston by providing affordable housing and comprehensive services.
“For nearly 35 years, Bread of Life has focused on making life better for Houstonians living on the edge,” said pastor Rudy Rasmus, who founded Bread of Life with wife and fellow pastor Juanita Rasmus. “The opening of Knowles-Rowland House is the culmination of years of hard work and welcome participation by so many people who ensured this project came to fruition. We could not have done this without our key funding partners, including CEI-Boulos and Allivate Impact Capital.”
The famed singer, who grew up in Houston, was among the many people who attended the Oct. 13 ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“I have so many memories here, and I want to thank Juanita and Rudy because your prayers have held us up,” said Knowles-Carter. “This church was our foundation. I was baptized right here. I made the choice on my own to be baptized because I felt the spirit here, and I feel the spirit right now. And I’m so grateful for that foundation.”
The $13.96 million development was financed through a coalition of public and private partners, including:
- AIC CEI-Boulos Opportunity Fund, a joint venture between CEI-Boulos Capital Management and Allivate Impact Capital;
- Harris County Housing Finance Corp., after funding approval from Harris County Commissioners Court;
- B1 Bank;
- Rice Management Co.;
- An Affordable Housing Program grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, awarded through member institution Home Bank; and
- Project-based voucher rental subsidy administered by Housing Alliance HTX.
“Knowles-Rowland House demonstrates how mission-focused investment capital can help address some of our communities’ most pressing challenges,” said Sam Spencer, CEO and managing director of CEI-Boulos Capital Management. “By combining permanent supportive housing with comprehensive social services, this project will provide stability and dignity for people who have experienced chronic homelessness. We are proud to partner with Bread of Life, Temenos CDC, and Allivate Impact Capital to help bring this remarkable project to life.”
Temenos Community Development Corp., Bread of Life’s sister organization, will deliver comprehensive social services to residents including case management, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, life skills training, and nutrition assistance.