*Featured image contains photo by MART PRODUCTION
Beyoncé is arguably the biggest superstar on the planet. Amassing a staggering 88 Grammy nominations with a record 32 wins, she has sold over 200 million records and is one of the world's best-selling artists of all time.
And she's not slowing down. She is currently taking her 'Beyhive' by storm on her Renaissance World Tour, wowing sold-out crowds across Europe and North America.
But now she's turning her sights closer to home.
Say My Name: How Beyoncé Is Using Her Name to Make a Difference in Her Hometown
Queen Bey is teaming up with her former Destiny's Child bandmate Kelly Rowland, to use their names and influence to address the pressing issue of homelessness in their hometown of Houston.
The duo has joined forces with Harris County and the nonprofit organization, Bread of Life, to convert a gym into affordable housing in Midtown, an area famous for its rampant homelessness problem.
The Knowles-Rowland Project will provide 31 permanent housing units for those in need. Additionally, the community will provide residents with case managers, peer specialists, service specialists, and support services, like transportation, mental health, and physical and behavioral health support.
The project will break ground in October. It is estimated to cost $8.4 million. Out of the total cost, $7.2 million will come from the American Rescue Plan; an economic stimulus package aimed at providing relief from the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The rest of the money needed will come from other financial backers.
During a press conference announcing the project, Judge Lina Hidalgo teased plans for a “bigger launch” event when Beyoncé is in town for her tour in September.
Houston's Homelessness Crisis
Houston, like many other major cities, faces a significant homelessness crisis. A population boom coupled with skyrocketing housing costs has created the perfect storm.
According to recent reports, the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Harris County is approximately 3200. While adding 31 housing units obviously won't fix the problem, at least it's a start.
Rudy Rasmus, a local pastor and the executive director of Bread of Life, is grateful for the initiative.
"This will be our fifth housing development in downtown in Precinct 1 over these last 17 years, and we're just really grateful to continue to help end homelessness in our county," he told the HoustonChronicle.
Rasmus also recognized the significant contributions Beyoncé, Rowland, and their fellow Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams have made over the years, including funding a youth center in 2002 with the proceeds from their hit single, "No, No, No."
Beyoncé Is Known for Consistently Giving Back
Beyoncé has never forgotten her roots. Over the years she has poured millions of dollars into the city she still affectionately calls "home."
In 2013, she established the BeyGOOD Foundation to support various charitable initiatives in her quest to "change the world for GOOD."
After Hurricane Harvey devasted the city in 2017, the foundation provided food, water, supplies, and financial support. And Queen Bey herself visited Houston and met with affected individuals, volunteering her time and resources to help rebuild communities and support evacuees.
Additionally, through the Beyoncé Scholars Program, she has helped students from Houston and other parts of the country achieve their academic goals.
She has also made significant donations to various local organizations, including schools, community centers, and charities focused on youth development, health, and empowerment.
Not to mention this is the second housing project her name has been associated with.
In 2017, Rudy Rasmus, the pastor of her childhood church, St.John's Downtown, used part of her $7 million donation to launch the Knowles-Temenos Place Apartments. The housing complex provides meals, job-prep training, and other services to the homeless.
So yes, QUEEN.
By publicly supporting initiatives like the Knowles-Rowland Project, Beyoncé shines a spotlight on the issue of homelessness and the importance of addressing social inequalities.
And her commitment to making a positive impact within her own community inspires others to do the same.
By leveraging her fame and resources for social good, the megastar continues to prove why she truly is the Queen Bey.
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