A 149-unit development for people experiencing homelessness is being built in Houston.
The NHP Foundation (NHPF), a national nonprofit affordable housing organization, announced that it has finalized the lease of land for the project from Magnificat Houses, Inc. (MHI), a 55-year-old local nonprofit.
The acquisition was made possible with $18.7 million from the Houston Housing and Community Development Department, $10.2 million from Harris County Community Services Department, $13.6 million from the sale of low-income housing tax credits to Hudson Housing Capital, and $2.4 million from MHI as a sponsor loan.
Demolition of existing structures on the property has been completed to make way for RoseMary’s Place.
“The ability to provide brand-new housing for this population in the dignified Midtown area, conveniently on a transportation hub, is a win-win for the city and the residents,” said Neal Drobenare, senior vice president at NHPF. “The construction also furthers NHPF’s goal of creating housing that is affordable and beneficial to its surrounding community.”
The new construction will include offices for MHI, which welcomes the unsheltered into a dozen family-style group homes, many close to RoseMary’s Place. In easy walking distance are St. Joseph’s Clubhouse, the organization’s accredited psycho-social rehabilitation center, which empowers the mentally ill, and the Moran Training Center, where residents learn useful skills to foster growth in stability, productivity, and independence.
“The Magnificat community is overjoyed to welcome RoseMary’s Place, and its 149 residents, onto our campus and into our hearts,” said executive director Victor Hay. “MHI will welcome the new residents into our active, lively community, our programs, and celebrations, while our partner runs building operations. We appreciate NHPF for its foresight in recognizing community support as key to healing homelessness—and for naming their building after our founder, Rose Mary Badami.”
