City of Houston Moves the Needle on Homelessness with
Temenos Place Apartments II

December 4, 2015 -- Houston continues to take center stage in the national fight against homelessness. On Thursday, Dec. 3, Mayor Annise Parker joined Pastors Rudy and Juanita Rasmus and Houston Housing and Community Development (HCD) Director Neal Rackleff in a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening Temenos Place Apartments II. Continuing the successful public-private partnership between Temenos Community Development Corporation (TCDC), Bread of Life, Inc. (BOL) and the City of Houston, this property will offer 80 housing units for low-income and homeless residents with disabilities as well as necessary supportive services and a safe haven. The City of Houston contributed $4.5 million in local and federal funds towards the $10 million facility.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, via representative Booker Morris, commemorated the event with a certificate of recognition which read, “One determined person can make a significant impact, but a determined group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” Indeed, Houston has made great strides this year in its commitment to providing for its homeless community.  The City was nationally recognized for effectively ending veteran homelessness, has reduced chronic homelessness by 70 percent and has reduced overall homelessness by 50 percent.

The new Temenos property will offer mental health counseling, life skills training, job readiness and workforce development. Residents will also have an opportunity to participate in group yoga and enjoy an outdoor communal area.

Focusing on the individual and offering comprehensive services are key to the partnership between TCDC and BOL. Pastors Rudy and Juanita Rasmus and Mayor Parker all reflected on the growth and shared partnership over the years. HCD Director Neal Rackleff shared the sentiment. “The importance of human potential cannot be understated,” said Rackleff. He added, “In order for our homeless citizens to see their potential, they must have a safe place and the opportunity to see themselves as more than a cardboard box or sleeping bag.”  Temenos Place Apartments II is designed to tap into the potential of each individual who comes through the doors, Rackleff said.