Charlotte, NC — DreamKey Partners, in partnership with YWCA Central Carolinas, is excited to break ground on “Grounds for Change,” a transformative affordable housing development located on YWCA’s 10-acre property on Park Road. YWCA is proud to contribute land and significant philanthropic support for this project that advances our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. This transformative project will provide 80 affordable housing units reserved for households earning 30%–60% of the area median income (AMI).
These units contribute to alleviating Charlotte’s lack of affordable housing, an urgent need that has grown to crisis proportions in recent years. YWCA Central Carolinas remains committed to fostering equity and stability in our community, and this project represents a major step forward in providing desperately needed housing options for individuals and families. As a natural extension of our long-standing efforts through the Women in Transition and Families Together programs, which provide transitional housing and case management for women and families facing homelessness, Grounds for Change underscores YWCA Central Carolinas’ dedication to addressing the homelessness and housing crisis in our city.
“The visionary women of YWCA Central Carolinas have been dreaming big dreams for well over a century, but realizing THIS particular dream is especially inspiring, given all the delays we’ve faced. Our excitement and commitment to transforming these acres into affordable housing for 80 households has never wavered. That groundbreaking day has arrived, bringing with it the opportunity to make a world of difference for generations to come,” said CEO Kirsten Sikkelee, who will transition into the role of Senior Project Liaison to Grounds for Change on March 3.
Originally announced in 2020 with plans to break ground in 2021, “Grounds for Change” faced significant delays due to the effects of the pandemic including inflation and cost escalations, but our dedication to this initiative has persisted. Despite challenges, YWCA Central Carolinas and DreamKey Partners have worked diligently to bring this vision to life, and today’s groundbreaking signifies the start of construction on a brighter future for countless families and individuals. We anticipate that units from the Grounds for Change development will be move-in ready by early 2027.
“The YWCA in particular… has been an advocate and a champion of affordable housing for decades,” said Mayor Pro Tem and City Council Member Dante’ Anderson, highlighting YWCA’s longstanding commitment to housing solutions. She also recognized YWCA’s Families Together and Women In Transition programs as key initiatives supporting individuals and families in need.
“DreamKey Partners is thrilled to collaborate with the YWCA on the development of affordable housing at their Park Road campus. The ambitious vision championed by the YWCA’s board and staff promises not only to build a vibrant community, but also to significantly enhance economic opportunities for low-income families in Charlotte. Through this unique partnership, we hope to inspire others to reimagine what’s possible in creating affordable housing solutions within their own neighborhoods,” Julie Porter, President of DreamKey Partners, said.
The Grounds for Change development exemplifies the power of collaboration and community-focused innovation. As construction begins, YWCA Central Carolinas is proud to celebrate this milestone and its meaningful impact on the Charlotte community.
