The YWCA Wheeling, which has not seen a major upgrade since its initial construction, is poised to make a transformative impact on the program participants, organization employees, and the local community with this renovation.

Construction efforts generated an estimated 67 positions, 85% of which were accessible to those facing barriers to entering the workforce. The renovated facility will enable the YWCA to add 7 new positions in addition to its current staff of 33.

Additionally, the building has new and upgraded systems, including a new elevator which will replace the one that has been in use since 1969, updated lighting and plumbing for better energy efficiency, and a brand new HVAC system. The renovation of the programmatic, residential, and shelter spaces provides an estimated 20% increased capacity by adding 14 rooms that are even more comfortable and inviting for program participants and will enable the YWCA to support an additional 1,200 people each year.

The Cambridge community is once again benefiting from jobs created from within The Packing House. The extensive construction and preservation efforts generated 110 construction jobs, and as the tenant businesses grow in their new spaces, they’ll create and retain a projected 161 permanent jobs. 100% of the construction and permanent positions will be quality, well-paying jobs targeting and supporting the community.

The tenants of the building are dedicated to giving back to the community through various programming and support. The Maryland DHCD operates a Community Engagement Center within the Packing House to host training and certification programs for residents, including holistic health, continuing education in the medical field, farming certifications, and landscaping certifications.

MERGE is focusing on career growth support by operating one of Cambridge, Maryland’s few incubation hubs and shared office space, with a focus on education.

The new collaborative space will support an estimated 50 entrepreneurs each year. Several active MERGE members, such as the Dorchester Foundation, are community-oriented and operate youth employment programs targeting low-income families.

Food entrepreneurs will also benefit from the new space, with Four Eleven Kitchen offering classes, support, and training in its food concept spaces. Four times a year, it will offer six—to eight-week programs for six young chefs (24 annually). The Four Eleven Kitchen will also offer an additional 10–20 food concept production platforms for others looking to try their hand in the kitchen.

All of this and more will take place in the newly renovated Packing House. This historic, 60,000-square-foot industrial warehouse has been awarded LEED Gold certification for meeting high standards in energy efficiency, water conservation, and material reuse. It is projected that the restored Packing House will conserve 148.9 MWh of electricity each year, equivalent to the amount of energy used when burning 120,000 lbs. of coal.

KIPP Durham opened in August of 2016 with a founding class of 90 fifth and sixth graders and will ultimately serve 600 students in fifth through eighth grade. The establishment of KIPP Durham has saved neighborhood children from a 40-minute commute across town to an underperforming public school. The school provides transportation to all students and provides free breakfast and lunch as all of the children are eligible for free or reduced meals.

25 construction jobs were created; 65 full-time equivalent positions

have been created for teaching, administrative, office, and custodial staff along with school bus drivers and part-time specialists. Ten Durham City part-time positions have been contracted for maintenance, janitorial, and operational services. Opportunities for professional development and advancement are available for all teaching, office, and custodial staff. KIPP has dedicated its hiring efforts to identify members of their team who are passionate about teaching and committed to helping low-income students and families in the greater Durham community succeed in college and beyond.

The revitalized Hoen Lithograph building, which completed construction in 2020, is now a thriving hub of innovation, workforce training, research and opportunity in East Baltimore. The building now supports hundreds of students working to address health inequities in their communities, community members looking to expand their

employment opportunities, and creative minds helping to highlight Baltimore as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. Workforce training programs located at Hoen Lithograph support 575 students each year, while social service programs support 2,500 annual visits.