All YMCA of Metropolitan Washington facilities closed on Monday, March 16th, 2020. Our plan is to reopen the thoroughly cleaned and refurbished facilities as soon as it is permitted by government officials and it is safe to do so. Updates will be posted on this page and on social media. The Y will also send emails with updates to members. If you have questions, please call your local branch or email the YMCA at [email protected].

YMCA branches and program centers are now supporting critical community needs:

• Free meals are being provided to children at our YMCA branches and program centers.
• Free groceries and food donations are being collected and provided to anyone in need. To learn more, please click here.
• We are exploring ways to offer childcare support to essential service providers, such as community First Responders and hospital employees.
• In partnership with the Red Cross, our staff and facilities are supporting blood drives across the Metropolitan Washington area.

How you can help: we appreciate the messages that we have received from so many people in our community who have asked how they can help the YMCA at this time.

• If you are a member, the best way to help the YMCA is to continue paying your monthly membership dues.  The fees we receive during this time will be recorded as a charitable contribution and will help our organization to continue to serve the community during this time through meal programs, food distribution, child care for first responders, supporting isolated seniors, and working with local governments to provide emergency support.  To learn more, please read our letter to members.
• Anyone can help the Y by making a tax-deductible donation, which will support the efforts previously mentioned and allow us to continue our community-building work during and after this crisis.  Please click the “donate” button below to donate. At this link, you will find an option to support the Acts of Kindness/COVID-19 Fund, which supports our ability to continue paying part-time hourly staff through your kind and generous donations. Thank you for standing with us. 

Hello Advocates,

A few minutes ago, all YMCA Advocates Action Network members received an alert asking them to contact their members of Congress and ask them to continue supporting the nonprofit sector in the next phase of coronavirus response.

Y-USA and our nonprofit partners are asking Congress to make the following changes to the CARES Act to support the nonprofit sector:

• Expressly providing $60 Billion for nonprofits. Congress can address this by infusing additional funds into the Small Business Administration 7(a) Payroll Protection Program and Industry Stabilization loans for the dedicated purpose of supporting nonprofits. In addition, addressing the 500 employee cap on PPP would allow more nonprofits to qualify.
• Expanding the Universal Charitable Deduction included in the CARES Act by increasing the $300 limit on charitable donations, allowing donations made this year to be deducted on 2019 tax forms and by extending the deduction past 2020.
• Providing additional emergency funding to help states waive requirements that self-insured nonprofits repay state Unemployment Insurance trust funds for claims arising from Coronavirus-related reasons. The CARES Act provided 50% funding for this purpose, but the remaining 50% liability is devastating in this climate.

The Save Organizations that Serve America Act (SOS America Act, H.R. 6408), introduced by Representatives Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) at the end of March, addresses the provisions in the CARES Act that could be enhanced to support the nation’s nonprofits. We’d like to see the provisions in the SOS America Act included in the next stimulus relief package.

Please share the campaign link (do not forward the alert because that can cause glitches) with your networks and encourage them to participate today: https://ymca.quorum.us/campaign/25583/

Please also post on social media. We have a Quorum campaign page to help individuals tweet: https://ymca.quorum.us/campaign/25509/

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (if tissues are not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow). It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
• In your home and at work, frequently clean door handles and high-touch areas (while wearing protective rubber gloves) with disinfecting wipes. Also, remember to frequently clean all portable electronic devices.
• When you are at the Y, use a disinfectant wipe to clean equipment before and after each use.
• When you are sick, stay home. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Stay informed through trusted sources, such as the WHO and CDC.