Renovations Underway for West Side Residential Complex for Women and Children
San Antonio Takes a Step Towards Empowering Women and Children
In a bid to provide support to women and their children, a significant housing project on the West Side of San Antonio is currently undergoing renovations. The initiative aims to create a safe and nurturing environment for those in need, with plans to open the facility in the fall of 2024.
Journey Towards Transformation
After the availability of a former convent in 2021, the YWCA San Antonio took charge of transforming the space into a residential complex. Francesca Rattray, the CEO of YWCA San Antonio, expressed, “We put the financing together, moved in, and have been raising funds, designing it with our partners.”
Facility Upgrades
The existing building, although in good condition, requires upgrades to meet current standards. Rattray emphasized the need for flooring, ceiling, and code compliance enhancements to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment for its future residents.
An Empowering Living Space
The Women’s Live and Learn Center will have the capacity to accommodate up to 30 women and children. Rattray highlighted the center’s focus on providing a dedicated space for women to commit to a career path, enabling them to reside for up to four years, fostering stability and growth.
Diverse Support and Services
The project is under the auspices of YWCA San Antonio, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating racism and empowering women. The residential complex will cater to single women between the ages of 18-25, with or without children, offering a supportive environment for those with diverse backgrounds and needs.
Building a Bright Future
Rattray estimated the total cost of the residential renovation and the construction of an early childhood education center to be approximately $12.5 million. The center aims to serve individuals with a history of foster care, survivors of domestic violence, and youth seeking a positive pathway forward.
Empowerment Through Support
With a focus on providing workforce training, case management, and onsite childcare, the facility aims to empower women and children by offering essential services and resources within a nurturing and supportive community.
Opening Doors to Hope
The Women’s Live and Learn Center is scheduled to open its doors to residents in the fall, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards creating a space where women and children can rebuild their lives and envision a brighter future.
