Hurricane Ian, Florida
Hurricane Ian struck Florida in late September 2022, leaving unprecedented flooding and destruction across the state in its wake. Many Y sustained significant damage and are without power. Ys that are operational have become safe havens for people who are stranded and homeless—a place where families and individuals alike can find electricity, a hot shower and a comforting environment.
Learn more and donate to help Ys serve those who were impacted.
Hurricane Fiona, Puerto Rico
In September 2022 Hurricane Fiona recently struck Puerto Rico, causing massive devastation while the island was still recovering from Hurricane Maria in 2017, a series of earthquakes in 2019 and 2020 and the ongoing pandemic. Ys in Ponce and San Juan are responding to vital community needs. Learn how you can support their ongoing efforts.
Flooding, Eastern Kentucky
In late July 2022, Eastern Kentucky was hit with devastating floods. At least 25 people have died, and many are still unaccounted for.
The Pikeville Area Family YMCA located in Pikeville, Kentucky has opened its doors to those who need shower facilities or a place to cool off. They are collecting donations of clean towels, personal hygiene products, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies. Your donation will help them to continue providing these critical services.
Tornado, Andover, Kansas
On, April 29, 2022 the Andover YMCA was directly hit by an EF-3 tornado. While employees were able to keep members safe during the storm, the tornado damaged the building significantly, causing the need to close and rebuild. Neighboring Ys throughout the Wichita area have opened their doors to 135 Andover YMCA employees and their members in the meantime.
Learn more and donate to help the Greater Wichita YMCA secure temporary space for summer camps and child care services and to help with rebuilding efforts.
Russian Invasion, Ukraine
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Russian Invasion, Ukraine
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a military attack on Ukraine. The YMCA World Service Campaign is working in coordination with YMCA Ukraine, YMCA Europe and the World YMCA to help people and communities who are impacted by the conflict. Please consider donating to provide emergency support to YMCA Ukraine.
Wildfires, Colorado
On Dec 28, 2021, fast-moving fires ripped through miles of Boulder County, Colorado, destroying more than 1,000 homes and businesses and forcing tens of thousands of households to evacuate. In those early moments, the YMCA of Northern Colorado opened its Lafayette YMCA branch as a Red Cross Shelter, welcoming more than 300 adults, children and seniors and about 45 pets.
For more than a week, the Y housed evacuees from Louisville and Superior, collected truckloads of donated supplies and food, handed out heaters and water, and provided space and support for other organizations serving displaced families and individuals. The Y continues to offer free childcare at the local Disaster Assistance Center and provides financial assistance for afterschool care and preschool to families who lost everything in the fire.
To support the YMCA of Northern Colorado’s emergency response and relief efforts, donate and add “disaster relief” in the comments.
Tornadoes, Kentucky
On December 11 and 12, 2021 a tornado outbreak devastated communities across multiple states in the Midwest and the South. Kentucky was hit especially hard, with dozens of lives lost.
The following Ys are supporting their communities as they recover and rebuild. Please consider helping their efforts.
Mayfield Graves YMCA in Mayfield serves one of the communities hardest hit by the tornadoes. The Y has been distributing food and supplies to residents and offering use of the showers along with free toiletries. They are also participating in an initiative called “Project Save Christmas” to collect essential items for kids and teens.
Hopkins County Family YMCA in Madisonville is working with community partners and response agencies to transport essential materials and is offering use of their showers to anyone who has been impacted. They are also organizing an initiative called “Make Christmas Happen” to ensure that local children still receive gifts this holiday season.
Hopkinsville Christian County YMCA in Hopkinsville is offering takeaway meals, serving lunch and dinner and mobile food distribution.The facilities are also open for anyone to use showers, computer and charging stations.
Earthquake, YMCA d'Haiti
On August 14, 2021, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck just off the coast of Haiti's southern peninsula. As of August 25, the death toll has reached 2,189, with 12,200 injured. In addition to the damaged schools, churches and clinics in the area, it is estimated that 37,300 homes have been destroyed, leaving thousands of families without adequate shelter and food.
YMCA d'Haiti operates centers in the affected region in the communities of Les Cayes and Camp-Perrin. The YMCA has leveraged its presence to provide food and basic medical supplies to families. With your support, YMCA d'Haiti can reach more people who have been affected by the earthquake's devastation.
COVID-19 Emergency Services
The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic are unprecedented and Ys are responding in a variety of ways to meet community needs.
Amid school closures and economic uncertainty, a rapidly increasing number of people are facing food insecurity. In response, hundreds of Ys nationwide are providing free grab-and-go meals to help address this serious issue.
FIND Y-AFFILIATED FOOD DISTRIBUTION SITES
With COVID-19-related school closures and the urgency for essential workers to report to work, there is a critical need for safe child care options across the country. In response, the Y—one of the nation’s largest and most trusted providers of child care services—is offering emergency child care at more than 1,000 sites for families of medical personnel, essential employees and first responders.
Global COVID-19 Response
Across the world, YMCAs are responding to the COVID-19 humanitarian crisis with hope and resilience. There is an urgent need to address the following:
- Growing disparities, including advocating for free and equitable vaccine access for all
- Access to food, shelter, education, mental health support, employment and more
- Community outreach
- Hosting vaccination centers
- Support for YMCA Staff affected by COVID-19
Support Ys as they respond to these critical needs globally through donating to YMCA World Service.
India experienced a second wave of COVID-19 cases that overwhelmed hospitals and health services. As of May 4, 2021, India surpassed 20 million cases with over 350,000 reported cases per day, and 3,500 deaths in 24 hours. YMCA Madurai is responding by:
- Distributing food and hygiene items and health education campaigns
- Distributing face masks made by women in their YMCA entrepreneurship program
- Making home visits to program participants, including young people with hearing impairment and mental disabilities and participants in YMCA tutoring programs
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Social Responsibility
Our communities have unique needs for which the Y provides innovative solutions. Via initiatives like advocacy, social services and volunteerism, our commitment to serving and inspiring others to serve thrives.
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Community Programs
The Y provides community programs that are tailored to the needs of the community. In times of disaster, the Y offers programs like camps and child care while a community gets back on their feet.
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Togetherhood Resources
The Y's Togetherhood™ program invites volunteers of all kinds to work on a project designed for a particular community. This is a great way for volunteers to build relationships, improve their well-being and discover a sense of purpose.