Bread of Life, Inc. announces the grand opening of the Knowles Rowland House, a 31 unit permanent supportive housing development at 2019 Crawford St. in Midtown Houston. The $13.96 million project converts a fire damaged former gymnasium and recreation center into permanent homes for individuals exiting chronic homelessness. Temenos Community Development Corporation, a Bread of Life sister organization, will provide on site supportive services. Residents begin moving in Nov. 1, 2026.
The invitation only ribbon cutting was held Oct. 13, 2026 in the sanctuary at St. John’s Downtown, the church Pastors Rudy and Juanita Rasmus founded alongside Bread of Life in 1992. Tina Knowles, Beyoncé Knowles Carter and Kelly Rowland spoke. Beyoncé was joined by her daughters Blue Ivy Carter and Rumi Carter, who helped cut the ribbon.
The original Knowles Rowland Center for Youth was built on this site in 1999 with support from Tina Knowles, Beyoncé Knowles Carter, Kelly Rowland and Mathew Knowles. For more than two decades it served as a youth summer camp, a senior community center and an overnight shelter for people experiencing homelessness. A fire in March 2021 ended that chapter, and the building stored disaster relief supplies until redevelopment began in 2023.
What the Building Offers
The three story, 18,900 square foot building contains 31 single room occupancy apartments, including 16 designed for people with mobility and sensory needs, plus common areas for residents. Each unit is fully subsidized through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Project Based Voucher program, administered locally by Housing Alliance HTX. The building sits in walkable Midtown near the METRO light rail, giving residents direct access to employment, education, health care and other essential services.
Temenos CDC staff will be on site 24 hours a day, providing case management, benefits enrollment and maintenance, mental health counseling, substance use treatment, transportation assistance, life skills training, and access to fresh and shelf stable food.
Public and Private Partners
U.S. Congressman Christian Menefee, Houston Mayor John Whitmire, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Houston City Councilmember Carolyn Shabazz also addressed guests.
The $13.96 million development was financed through a coalition of public and private partners:
- Harris County Housing Finance Corporation, after funding approval from Harris County Commissioners Court
- B1 Bank
- AIC CEI Boulos Opportunity Fund, a joint venture between CEI Boulos Capital Management and Allivate Impact Capital®
- Rice Management Company
- An Affordable Housing Program grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, awarded through member institution Home Bank
- Project Based Voucher rental subsidy from HUD, administered by Housing Alliance HTX
The opening of the Knowles Rowland House represents a meaningful step forward in providing permanent housing and essential support for individuals experiencing homelessness. By transforming a former community center into a place residents can call home, Bread of Life and its partners are demonstrating the lasting impact of investing in the community and helping those who are often overlooked. Their efforts serve as a reminder that giving back to the communities that helped shape us can make a profound difference in the lives of those in need. More celebrities should follow this example, using their influence and resources to support meaningful initiatives that uplift the less fortunate and create lasting, positive change.
