Government
BY AUBREY VOGEL
Flourishment Center to bring homelessness resources to the county
Future center resources
Counseling
Social support
Educational programs
Mental health services
Organizations in Fort Bend County are working to provide resources to prevent homelessness in the area and offer shelter for adults. Nine nonprofits banded together to create the Flourishment Center, a collaborative that has pro- vided support to almost 50 families since October 2023, said Jenny Jones, nonprofit Attack Poverty’s interim co-CEO and housing collaborative lead. The group is almost done designing its physical location that will open next year in the former First Baptist Church at 1117 First St., Rosenberg. The details The resource center is intended to serve as a place where nonprofits can serve vulnerable popu- lations, Jones said. It will have temporary housing for those who are parents or guardians of children under age 18; or young adults who are ages 18-25.
The on-site units are intended to provide three to six months of housing while helping residents get on their feet, Jones said. The center will also have crisis housing for those who need somewhere to rest for a short time. The cost Fort Bend County Commissioners Court awarded the Flourishment Center $2.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds in October 2023, Jones said. An additional $2 million was also allotted to the center for renovations. What they’re saying Seeing how today’s economy could affect some- one’s housing situation, Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy said he and other county commis- sioners are proud to support the collaborative
16 on-site temporary housing units
SOURCE: FLOURISHMENT CENTER/COMMUNITY IMPACT
efforts to ensure individuals aren’t having to leave the county for secure housing. “If we are truly focused on the economic vitality of our community, making sure that people aren’t having to leave our community to thrive [is important],” he said. What’s next Renovations are slated to begin in December or January, and the center is expected to be opera- tional in June or July, Jones said.
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