Beyoncé, the undeniable global superstar with an impressive 88 Grammy nominations and 32 wins, has sold over 200 million records, solidifying her status as one of the best-selling artists in history. Amidst her commanding Renaissance World Tour, captivating audiences worldwide, Queen Bey is also channeling her influence towards a cause close to her heart – addressing homelessness in her hometown of Houston.
Joining forces with her former Destiny’s Child bandmate Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé spearheads The Knowles-Rowland Project in collaboration with Harris County and the nonprofit organization Bread of Life. The initiative aims to convert a local gym in the homelessness-affected area of Midtown into 31 permanent housing units, accompanied by an array of support services such as case managers, peer specialists, and various essential services spanning mental health, transportation, and physical and behavioral health support.
The project, scheduled to break ground in October, comes with an estimated cost of $8.4 million, a significant portion of which will be covered by the American Rescue Plan. This economic stimulus package is designed to alleviate the impacts of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Beyoncé’s commitment to addressing social inequalities and positively impacting her community is nothing new.
Beyond this latest project, she has a history of philanthropy, establishing the BeyGOOD Foundation in 2013 to support diverse charitable initiatives. In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Beyoncé provided food, water, supplies, and financial support to her hometown, actively participating in rebuilding communities and assisting evacuees.
Her name has been linked to housing projects that aim to address homelessness before. In 2017, a part of her $7 million donation to her childhood church, St. John’s Downtown, was utilized to establish the Knowles-Temenos Place Apartments. This housing community offers meals, job-preparation training, and other services to those who are homeless.
Beyoncé’s commitment to social good extends beyond monetary donations, as she actively engages with the communities she seeks to support. By leveraging her fame and resources for positive change, Queen Bey is an inspiration, demonstrating that making a difference starts at home. In using her name to spotlight homelessness and encourage others to address social issues, Beyoncé continues to prove why she is not just a megastar on the stage but a Queen Bey making a lasting impact offstage.
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