Nestled in the heart of the Crown Point neighbourhood, the Centre of Innovation will be a leading Canadian centre of excellence providing comprehensive support to the economic empowerment of women and gender-diverse people. It will fuel an entrepreneurial environment conducive to business innovation, leadership and growth. The Centre of Innovation will benefit more than 3,500 individuals annually as they engage in our programs focusing on leadership, training and entrepreneurship ranging from training in non-traditional occupations for women including the skilled trades and STEM fields, to corporate leadership, and entrepreneurial supports. Now more than ever, we know that financial security to be able to respond to our changing world.

At the heart of the Putman Family YWCA is the Community Atrium where women, children and families will gather to participate in YWCA Hamilton programs and services. Flooded with natural light from soaring windows, this space will bring together Hamiltonians of all ages, abilities and backgrounds so they can connect with one another and strengthen the social fabric of the Crown Point community. Located on the lower level, the Community Atrium includes open seating, a community kitchenette and multipurpose space for community gatherings and conversation. The Community Atrium will promote neighbourhood connections through safe, accessible spaces, and will meet the changing needs of the community.

Empowered by the Yates Family, the Courtyard and Community Garden Accessed will benefit countless women and families annually through programs and services. From increased food security to horticulture therapy, the courtyard and community garden will serve as a beautiful outdoor space for residents and community members to develop meaningful connections with each other and with nature. Community members will participate in gardening, learn the importance of eating seasonal fruits and vegetables and enjoy taking in the fresh air or reading a good book while sitting on benches overlooking garden boxes. The Courtyard and Community Garden will be a tranquil place for community members to reconnect.

Located on the main level of the Putman Family YWCA, the Active Living 55+ Centre provides affordable programs and services for adults 55+ to enrich and support independent active living, and will offer a variety of health and wellness programs to promote physical and emotional well-being. This bright and functional space will host programming focused on skill development and strengthen social and peer relations to build community and connections with other seniors. The Centre will serve 400+ seniors annually by promoting social inclusion and improving health and well-being.

Empowered by Nancy and Patrick McNally, the Youth Zone is a space designed for and by young people. Located on the lower level next to the Community Atrium and Innovation Centre, the Youth Zone will be a welcoming and accessible space for young people to do their homework, build skills and connect with one another to strengthen their community. YWCA Hamilton’s RISE Collective, speqtrum programs for Two Spitit and LGBTQIA+ youth and other youth-led initiatives will activate this space in ways that make the Crown Point community stronger, more equitable and more inclusive.

Empowered by Brian McComb and C.F.F. Stainless Steels Inc., the Impact Lab serves as a flexible multipurpose space designed to house YWCA Hamilton’s programs and services to transform the lives of women, girls and families. With a focus on skills development and training for women, young women and girls, the potential of the Impact Lab is limitless. Located on the main floor, the Impact Lab will feature a Makers Lab and floor to ceiling windows.

Empowered by the Campbell Family and Starward Homes, our affordable housing wing will welcome the 50 women and women-led families to their new permanent, affordable homes. Each floor will have 12 or 13 1,2 or 3-bedroom units for women and families. Residents will access their new homes through a dedicated entrance at the north end of the building and take an elevator up to their floor which has large, bright hallways. Each unit has large windows to let in the natural light, modern finishes, and spacious layouts so residents can turn their house into a home.

Each affordable housing floor has been empowered by:

• Aldo DeSantis and Multi-Area Developments Inc.
• Danny Gabriel and Marz Homes
• Jeff Paikin in Memory of Anna Giacomodonato
• Judy and Bruce Robinson and Family

Empowered by KPMG, the Events and Community Room is open to the public year-round to provide a space for community events and social gatherings. Designed as a flex space, this room can transform to meet the needs of YWCA programming and community interests.

Empowered by Branthaven, our resident-only lounge is a recreational, social and functional space located at the very top of the Putman Family YWCA designed for residents to spend time together. The Resident Lounge sits adjacent to the building’s laundry facilities, where residents will gather and multi-task or unwind in a space designed with their enjoyment in mind. Comfortable soft seating, a television for movie nights, and a community library will ensure that this space feels like an extension of the homes of residents. With sweeping views of the city from the sixth floor, residents will be able to gather with one another and connect to build strong, healthy friendships. Moms will be able to connect and learn from each other as their children play and read together.

Located on the 6th Floor, the resident-only rooftop is a community space for social gatherings, outdoor play and simply a space for those who reside at Putman Family YWCA to take in the views and enjoy the fresh air.