Beyoncé is giving back to her hometown community.
The music icon, 42, and her mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, appeared on Friday to celebrate the opening of the upcoming Knowles-Rowland House – a structure being converted into permanent housing for about 31 locals in Houston, Texas.
The Knowles-Rowland House, formerly the Knowles-Rowland Youth Center, was built in 1999 but burned down in a fire in March 2021. It was initially funded by Beyoncé and her Destiny’s Child bandmate Kelly Rowland, but will now see new life as housing development for homeless and at-risk Houstonians, and as a place where they can find additional support, according to Houston Public Media.
The project is run by Bread of Life, Inc., a local non-profit organization.
On Friday, Beyoncé and her mom expressed support for the remodeling plans, which local station KPRC-TV noted is an $8 million project.
“That was exciting for all of us,” Bread of Life director of partnerships and development Monique Williams told Houston Public Media of Beyoncé’s support. “She’s a busy woman. She’s doing a few other things this weekend. For her to stop and come home and be in this space with us and hear again what’s going to be done and see her legacy, I think it was wonderful for everyone to be in that space and share it with her.”
Tina Knowles-Lawson.
KPRC 2 Click2Houston/YouTube
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Beyoncé wore snakeskin pants and a cowboy hat to the event, while Knowles-Lawson, 69, opted for a white blazer and matching pants.
Earlier in July, Harris County Commissioners Court approved $7.2 million in funding from the America’s Rescue Plan Act to help rebuild, and Bread of Life is set to raise the rest, according to Houston Public Media.
The location is reportedly expected to open before the end of 2024.
“This project will bring Harris County closer to realizing its vision of a vibrant, inclusive region where everyone has an opportunity to thrive and a place to call home,” Harris County 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis said, according to the agency.
“Access to safe and affordable housing is a fundamental human right and a need that cannot be addressed without increasing and preserving our affordable housing stock,” he continued.
Williams added, “Who expects Beyoncé to be anywhere? Everything is always a surprise. I think it’s been wonderful for everyone to see her dedication to our work.”
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Beyoncé’s appearance in Houston came before her two home shows at NRG Stadium this weekend.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education