We’re excited to officially announce the name of the new affordable housing community under construction on YWCA’s front lawn: Wheatley Place! Grounds for Change, the campaign supporting the development of Wheatley Place, marks an important step in YWCA Central Carolinas’ commitment to supporting families and individuals in our community.
The name Wheatley Place honors Phillis Wheatley, the first published African American woman poet, and pays tribute to the former YWCA branch in Charlotte named in her honor. Founded in 1917 as one of the first YWCA branches for African American women and girls, the Wheatley Branch played a vital role in uplifting and empowering Charlotte’s Black community. By naming our new community Wheatley Place, we pay tribute to YWCA’s powerful mission of empowering women and eliminating racism and our rich history.
YWCA has contracted with DreamKey Partners to build 80 affordable housing units on our front lawn to support families and individuals earning 30–60% of the area median income, addressing Charlotte’s growing need for safe, accessible and affordable homes.
We’re thrilled to see Wheatley Place take shape and to continue building a stronger, more inclusive Charlotte for everyone.
