City of Houston Celebrates Grand Opening of New Development in North Houston
May 06, 2022 -- Houston, Texas -- The City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department and partners today welcomed a new facility that will provide shelter for working men experiencing homelessness. Harmony House, 702 Girard, Houston, is equipped with 128 beds and wrap-around services.
The 14,000 square foot three-story facility includes dormitory space and access to on-site amenities, including a shared kitchen, dining and laundry facilities, computer lab, 24-hour Open Access clinic resourced by Harris Health, dental care, and case management services.
“In 2020, I promised to reduce homelessness in our city, and today we are delivering on that promise,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness recently recognized Houston for our extraordinary results. The work that continues in developments like the partnership with Harmony House shows our dedication to providing a holistic approach to helping individuals escape the challenges that keep many in the throes of homelessness.”
“The city is proud to have contributed $5.2 million to the development costs of this amazing facility,” said Director Keith Bynam, Houston Housing and Community Development. “The return on that investment, however, is incalculable. The opportunity presented here at Harmony House is a life-changing proposition for those who may have otherwise been cast aside. We will continue to work toward finding solutions to ensure all Houstonians have a place to lay their heads as they transition to having a place to call their own.”
The City of Houston contributed over $4.3 million in Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone funds and $880,000 in Homeless Housing Bond funds toward the development costs of the new $7 million facility.
Harmony House, Inc. has been providing services for Houston’s low-income and homeless population since 1992. Currently, the nonprofit operates three permanent supportive housing programs, two transitional, and a dormitory-style facility.
The City of Houston Housing and Community Development (HCD) makes long-term investments to improve the lives of Houston residents by creating opportunities for every Houstonian to have a home they can afford in a community where they can thrive. Our department will invest approximately $450 million in federal, state, and local funds this fiscal year to construct and maintain affordable homes, reduce barriers to homeownership, support the work of social service providers, build public amenities, and facilitate disaster recovery efforts. Learn more about programs and resources for Houstonians at https://houstontx.gov/housing/.
