Many Knoxvillians may know the YWCA building as where they learned to swim or where they took dance lessons as a child. Or you remember that one scene in October Skies that was filmed there. But hundreds more know it as a haven, a miracle, or simply, “home.” In its 100-year history, this building has served countless women and children in our city through its numerous community outreach programs. However, while the programming and services have changed over the years, modernizing to meet community needs, the building has changed in the opposite direction.
The YWCA has already raised $10 million toward a massive renovation project inside its 100-year-old building. The changes will allow it to increase its boarding rooms from 58 to 75, expand the Jenny Boyd Keys of Hope Program for Women, and expand its services to more of Knoxville’s women in need of a helping hand out of homelessness.
The YWCA Knoxville and Tennessee Valley’s mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Nestled just a couple of blocks off Market Square, this historic building has served as home to this organization since 1925, but its services began in 1899 with 15 girls who found refuge here.
The downtown YWCA, located at 420 West Clinch Avenue, was built in 1925 to serve women and girls with women’s housing, an employment bureau, gym classes, a sewing room, and transit services. By 1934, nearly 200 women lived on the top two floors of a bustling facility, accessing training and work opportunities with other women in need. Currently, the facility is a safe space for women in need, providing housing for 58 women for up to two years through the Keys of Hope Women’s Housing Program. The facility is also home to YWCA staff offices and Club W Fitness, which features workout rooms and a basketball court. Today, YWCA serves more than 11,300 women, children and families through a variety of high-quality programs at three sites in downtown Knoxville, East Knoxville and Oak Ridge and provides services across a six-county service area (Knox, Anderson, Roane, Loudon, Blount and Sevier).
The Jenny Boyd Keys of Hope program provides housing, counseling, and other support services that give women who would otherwise be unhoused the stability and care they need to get back on their feet. Last year, they served 112 women (though there were 2800 inquiries), and they expect they will be able to serve up to 200 with the renovation expansion. They saw an increase in needs during the housing crisis and Covid.
Those who stay 12 months in the program have a greater chance of success in the future. Residents can stay up to two years in the program and return once if needed once they leave. 90% of the residents who receive case management and employment counseling found and kept employment. They have successfully transitioned 83% of their clientele to permanent housing.
The program requires residents to be employed, pay monthly rent while in the program, and engage in support services to improve other skill sets. The program has the flexibility to meet the needs of the residents where they are and work on individual goals that help to build a woman up, no matter her circumstances. Other services offered to the community are victim services for those suffering from abuse, numerous youth programs, and their work in advancing racial justice.
All current residents have moved to a Comfort Inn nearby, allowing the project to move along much faster and at a lesser cost. The staff has relocated to other offices in the area. They are not taking new residents during the renovation project and plan for it to begin by August. Denark Construction is leading the project, and McCarty Holsape McCarty (MCH)is the architecture lead.
When I asked Marigail Mullins, former CEO and current Keys of Hope Campaign Chair, what renovation component had her most excited, without hesitation, she said, “Plumbing!” For years, the century-old building has struggled to flush toilets reliably and has had many other issues. Amongst these changes will be cosmetic updates, structural improvements, elevator improvements, and flooring updates. They will keep the welcoming and warm character of the building while making it even safer and more functional. The annual YWCA cost for one woman in the program is $5,973. But it costs taxpayers more than $40,000 to cover the cost of a chronically homeless person.
While they have raised $10 million to date, they are working to raise another $1.5 million to finish the campaign. That is where the community can help. Many of us feel helpless when it comes to the issue of homelessness in our city. I read frequently that people think no one is addressing the issue. This is your chance to back a program that is doing the work. They are providing stability, support and HOPE to women who are on the verge of homelessness or who are already unhoused. Click this LINK to donate to their capital campaign.
Click this link to see renderings for the renovations!
YWCA Capital campaign – Renderings
There are other ways to get involved as well. Shop one of their wish lists, intern or volunteer, or apply for one of their open positions.
Do you have a memory from the YWCA? We’d love to hear it!
