The YWCA of Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley is rallying the local community in support of its historic building's facelift, with a capital campaign aimed at gathering the funds necessary for its rejuvenation. Deemed the Keys of Hope Capital Campaign, the effort seeks to garner upwards of $11.5 million, addressing the dire need for space and updated facilities for a building that has stood as a beacon of assistance for women in the community since its inception nearly a century ago. The building, which will be named the YWCA Nancy J. Land Center following a significant donation by Nancy Land and her husband Stephen Land, has seen better days with crumbling infrastructure demanding urgent renovations.
According to WBIR, the non-profit organization has already raised around $9.9 million through a mix of public, and private funding, grants, and generous donations. Meanwhile, a release from the YWCA highlighted the building's accessibility issues, such as outdated mechanical systems, decaying plumbing, and disintegrating walls.
A ceremonial unveiling of the Keys of Hope Capital Campaign banners marked the occasion, with renovations poised to touch every corner of the building, from the kitchen to the residential spaces. Notable upgrades include transforming second-floor office spaces into additional residences, ensuring that women transitioning away from the edge of homelessness have a safe and empowering environment to rebuild their lives, as reported by Knox News.
This renovation marks a profound shift for the Knoxville center, which has been operating from the same location for nearly a century, and comes as a response to an overwhelming demand. Stephanie Burrage, CEO of YWCA Knoxville said, “Capacity is our biggest issue. A lot of people are hurting these days, and so it’s really nice that we’ll be able to help more people here.” in an interview with WVLT. An echoed sentiment of opportunity and expansion was voiced by donor Stephen Land, who noted the significance of the YWCA’s work in the community, especially as capacity issues have forced the center to turn away more than 1,200 women yearly due to lack of space.
These renovations are a strategic foundation for the YWCA to enhance its success rate in helping women gain employment, secure permanent housing, and establish self-sufficiency.
