Washington, D.C. – May 23, 2023: National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC) is thrilled to announce the successful New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) and Historic Tax Credit (HTC) investment to support the revitalization and expansion of the historic YWCA of Wheeling, West Virginia.
Since its establishment in 1906, the YWCA of Wheeling has been a beacon of progressive ideals and champion for equal access regardless of race, even amidst the Jim Crow-era laws of the early 20th century. With a mission of “eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all,” the YWCA of Wheeling has been operating from this historic location, growing its programs, and continuing to support the women and families of Wheeling. However, the century-old building now requires essential repairs and upgrades to ensure the YWCA can continue its mission into the future.
“This building is steeped in over a century of helping meet women, families, and men where they are. Over the years, we have grown and morphed to meet the changing needs of the community, and in order to continue this hard work, we need to make changes to our historic Chapline Street location,” said Lori Jones, Executive Director of the YWCA Wheeling.
The YWCA currently serves 7,400 participants each year through a range of programs, including a non-treatment residential substance use recovery program, case management services, youth empowerment, a no-cost clothing and shoe bank for individuals and families, an emergency shelter, and support services for women and families experiencing domestic violence.
The renovation of the century-old YWCA of Wheeling building will enhance the quality of life for employees, residents, and community members and support an additional 1,200 women and families each year. Critical renovations include expanded and enhanced programming space, expanded and refreshed residential and shelter space, which will provide space for up to 55 women and families, new HVAC, and upgraded plumbing and electrical – all to ensure the YWCA’s sustainability in its mission to provide vital services for women and families in need.
NTCIC provided a $10 million NMTC allocation for the project and facilitated the investment of the $6.1 million in both state and federal HTCs generated by the revitalization efforts. The swift closing facilitated by NTCIC enabled the YWCA to begin construction promptly, limiting program disruption and enabling the organization to quickly expand its crucial services and provide a safe haven for women and families at risk.
“YWCA of Wheeling has provided life-saving services for so many over its history and serves as a beacon of hope and positive change for so many women and children,” said Kathleen Galvan, NTCIC Acquisitions Manager. “NTCIC is honored to play a part in supporting its mission and enabling this important organization to grow.”
In undertaking this project, the YWCA continues its long history of progressive action and service to the underrepresented members of the Wheeling community. The renovation of the YWCA facility not only preserves a piece of Wheeling’s history but also ensures that the building continues to function as a vital resource for women and families in the area. Click here to read more about the history of the building.
ABOUT YWCA OF WHEELING
Since 1906, the YWCA of Wheeling has provided services to individuals regardless of race, gender, age, or religion in the West Virginia Northern Panhandle, including Ohio, Marshall, Brooke, Wetzel, Hancock Counties, and Belmont and Jefferson Counties in Ohio.