Open Letter to the Community:

Our thoughts, love and hearts are with the YWCA of the Greater Triangle. We were told that overnight this wonderful organization was being shut down, leaving hundreds of people in the dark. Children, students, teen parents, adults, and seniors depend on the programs and comraderie of the YWCA. The YWCA is home to many communities. It is home to NC HEAT (Heroes Emerging Among Teens). NC HEAT was born in the summer of 2010 as part of the Wake Youth Organizing Institute, housed in the YWCA in the heart of SE Raleigh. We have learned, organized, and grown in that building. It is a piece of us and was torn away.

We demand that the attacks on our communities stop and we ask the National YWCA leadership to step up and and stand with us. We see this as part of larger trend of undermining the leadership and organized voices of women, youth, and people of color. These programs and advocacy efforts are necessary for our survival. Dismantling this organization is a direct attack on women and communities of color and we demand accountability.

NC HEAT is asking that everyone call and email the board to express outrage for their lack of concern for the staff and community. Pay your staff now! Reinstate the programs! Save the Hargett St. YWCA!

An attack on one community is an attack on all communities.

Sincerely,

Current and Former NC HEAT members: