The Alief Family YMCA branch of the YMCA of Greater Houston will close its doors and cease operations on May 30. Stephen Ives, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston, said the closure is happening due to federal funding cuts tied to refugee initiatives at the YMCA.
“This YMCA facility housed immigration, refugee resettlement and New American initiatives primarily, making up more than 70% of the activities in the facility,” said Ives. “While I do understand and appreciate the need for our federal government to reduce its spending, I’m certainly disappointed the YMCA must discontinue this important work and the use of our Alief YMCA.”
According to the YMCA’s website, International Services at the Y provide extensive programming to Houston’s refugee and immigrant communities. These programs assist clients to become self-sufficient through education, career services, case management, cultural orientation and immigration legal assistance.
Future Plans
In a separate statement shared by Houston City Council member Tiffany Thomas on social media, the YMCA of Greater Houston said closing the Alief Family Branch became urgent to restructure operations in order to ensure long-term financial stability. The branch served the community for more than 20 years and will continue its ongoing services until May 30.
Ives said while there’s a loss of resources for populations who used this branch’s services, the YMCA of Greater Houston is in conversation with county and city officials about how to best put the facility to use for the community moving forward.
“There will certainly be an interruption in support while we navigate this transition,” said Ives. “We’re a resilient organization in a resilient community that has navigated through many economic downturns, storms and other interruptions. I have all the confidence that in partnership with great Houston area leaders we’ll continue to have tremendous impact and provide important support to our community.”
