Like all communities in the Triangle, Southeast Raleigh is unique. For many years, Southeast Raleigh has been neglected, missing out on infrastructure, educational, economic and other needed support that makes an area vibrant. This community has a strong culture and strong people but has often been overlooked by corporate, governmental and nonprofit sectors.
About Southeast Raleigh
This inequity of support has led to staggering statistics. In Southeast Raleigh, the number of single parent households is 50% higher than the rest of Wake County. The unemployment rate is 50% higher than the rest of Wake County. Twenty-three percent more households are below the poverty line. Obesity rates are 8% higher and instances of Type 2 Diabetes are 9% higher. The average lifespan of a resident living in the 27610 zip code, in the heart of this community, is 12 years less than the lifespan of a resident in the 27617 zip code.
The YMCA, along with our collaborative partners, is working in a Collective Impact Model to change these statistics.
The YMCA's Service in Southeast Raleigh
For more than 50 years, the Y has served the Southeast Raleigh community through a variety of programs and services. Tens of thousands of children have learned to swim, received academic support, enjoyed healthy meals and attended Y camps and after school programs at local schools and churches. For us to more fully meet the needs of the entire family, it is critical for us to provide facilities, services and partners in close proximity to the Southeast Raleigh community to more effectively influence positive change.
Research suggests that when area nonprofits, government agencies, businesses and the public work around a common agenda, substantial progress can be made to alleviate many of our most serious and complex social problems. The YMCA of the Triangle is leading such a project in Southeast Raleigh. Our Y has assembled significant support from throughout the community to build a YMCA, a Wake County Public School and affordable housing on a 32-acre site on Rock Quarry Road.
Southeast Raleigh YMCA
The 35,000 square-foot facility will include:
- Gymnasium
- Wellness Center
- Outdoor Pools
- Indoor Running Track
- Sports Fields
- Group Fitness Space
Southeast Raleigh Elementary School
This community-responsive Wake County Public School will serve 520 students in grades preK – 5. The school will include:
- Rooftop Garden and Teaching Kitchen
- STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Programming
- Multiple Onsite Partners to Provide Enrichment Programming
Affordable Housing
Our housing partner, DHIC will build and manage 120 units that will include:
- 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Units
- Full Access to the YMCA
The estimated service for the YMCA alone is 2,500 children in Y programs and 8,000 YMCA members and program participants. To ensure strong, long-term success, the YMCA is relying on community contributions to pay for the land and the Y facility.
Our capital campaign goal is $24,600,000. To date, we have raised more than $21,000,000.
Please consider supporting this Collective Impact Model right here in Raleigh. For more information, contact Bruce Ham by email or call 919-719-9670
