During the Depression era, the center served as an employment agency and girls and women found work. In the early 1940s, defense industries began to employ large numbers of women. Fewer calls for household and domestic workers lessened the need for employment agencies. During 1940, Houston YWCA leased 1419 Live Oak St. for the Blue Triangle Branch. Programs were offered for girls 9 to 12 yrs. of age, Y-Teens, and young employed women. The dream “of a building of our own” began and a group of ten women in the community organized and purchased land at 3005 McGowen St. for $1,000. They were Mrs. Lillie Austin, Mrs. A.B. Dotson, Mrs. F.N. Fairchild, Mrs. Ann Robinson, Mrs. Etta O’Neil, Mrs. Elneida Steward, Mrs. Stella N. Hill, Mrs. Eloise Williams, Mrs. A.E. Bowie, and Mrs. Carter Wesley. After the purchase, the property was deeded to Houston YWCA. The City of Houston Community Chest gave permission to hold a Capital Funds drive in 1948, with Ms. Sylvia Coleman serving as Chair. The funds provided for an activity center. Construction began in the summer of 1950 and was completed in December 1951. Programs and activities for children and adults, daycare, Bible class, art, drama, and dance classes continued for many years. Leisure learning and social activities made Blue Triangle “the social spot” for Houston’s people of color. Breakfast With Santa became an annual event and Reunion Dinners were fundraisers. Life Memberships and Silver and Gold Members, many of whom were sponsored by organizations, churches, civic groups, and fraternal organizations, provided funding to benefit programs and operations.
