The Inspiration
On May 5, 1905
they established the first YWCA in Washington, DC. Headquartered at Four and One Half Street and Maryland Avenue in Southwest. The objective was to “promote the temporal, mental, social, moral, and spiritual health of young women.” It was one of the first YWCAs in the United States to serve “Colored” women.
In 1918, the “Colored” YWCA became affiliated with the National Board of the Young Women’s Christian Association of the United States of America. However, it remained distinct from the D.C. Central YWCA, which opted to remain separate. On December 19, 1920, the organization dedicated a new headquarters building at 901 Rhode Island Avenue, Northwest.
The elegant, four-story building would provide a fertile ground for the growth of the organization and a meeting place for civic leaders and social activists within Washington’s black community.
In 1923, the Board of Directors voted unanimously to change the organization’s name to Phyllis Wheatley Young Women’s Christian Association, in honor of Phillis Wheatley, the first African-American poet.
The Building
Today
As an extension of its original mission, the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA currently provides temporary housing to women in transition regardless of race, creed or color.
Our residents’ need for transitional housing often stems from homelessness, unsafe domestic environments, and mental illness, among other factors. We also provide permanent, affordable housing for women.
Current activities and programs for our residents include sewing, crocheting, and jewelry making classes, our longstanding Booklovers’ Club, which is set to expand this year, an annual community day/health fair, Mother’s Day brunch, game night, Labor Day barbecue, and holiday socials to name a few.
Our programming for children and young adults includes a reading partnership with KIPP DC Elementary School, which is also located in the Shaw community, a community service partnership with Lutheran College Washington Semester, and a talent showcase scholarship program as part of our Mid-Summer Soiree.
* Phyllis Wheatley YWCA is no longer affiliated with YWCA USA.
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