Human Rights Center to move

Though the Chapel Hill and Carrboro Human Rights Center has just over a week to obtain permits, it is ready to make its move to the new 107 Barnes St. location.

Currently located in Abbey Court, the Human Rights Center has provided services for immigrants and the underserved since 2009.

But in November and December, the Abbey Court homeowners association asked the group to move under threat of fines, saying the group used the property for non-residential purposes and committed other infractions. The association gave the center until March 1st to relocate.

UNC sociology professor and center founder Judith Blau said the center will be ready to move to the new location, which she purchased herself for $155,000, by the deadline.

“HRC volunteers are already committed to providing manpower for the move,” she said.

Blau said she submitted applications for the proper building and program permits this week.

Center leaders said they hope the Town of Carrboro approves adult programs in addition to a children’s after school program by March 1st.

Lauren Kennedy helps run the Saludamos women’s wellness group and said she hopes to continue her collaborative cooking classes in the new location.

“I recently visited the new home, which has been renovated by HRC supporters and definitely radiates the warmth of a home,” Kennedy said. “It’s vibrantly painted and open, the kitchen and common room are calling for social gatherings over home-cooked food.”

Pluto Richards, who is in charge of construction at the site, said workers are waiting for permits they need to finish remaining renovations.

“We should start sometime soon,” he said. “The town inspector will hopefully come sometime this week, then we’ll start after that.”

Richards anticipates that the construction will cost an additional $25,000 to $35,000. He said center supporters are looking for donations to help pay for further add-ons and renovations.

As they prepare for the move, center leaders are also considering how to pay for the future.

The Carrboro ArtsCenter will host a Celebrate Human Rights! Conference March 18th to raise money for the move and to keep programs up and running.

Sarah Jacobson, who is helping run the conference, says proceeds will be given to the center and its projects.

Once construction begins, Blau said she will push for a day laborers center to serve men who wait for work daily at the corner of Davie and Jones Ferry Roads.

She said that a permit for the day laborers’ center will take longer, but the center could eventually ensure that men are paid for their work.

“Human Rights is such an ambitious umbrella term,” Blau said. “The right to housing, health care, food, inclusion, culture and more is so important. We will take on whatever is thrown at us.”

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