YMCA of South Hampton Roads Opens Doors to Families/Individuals Displaced by Florence

YMCA of South Hampton Roads Opens Doors to Families/Individuals Displaced by Florence

Hampton Roads, September 19, 2018 – With a cause to strengthen community, the Y operates on a daily basis with a common goal: to meet the community where they are and provide them with resources to thrive, all in a safe and supportive environment. For this very reason, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads opens its doors to residents of North Carolina and areas affected by Hurricane Florence who have found temporary shelter in South Hampton Roads, Northeastern North Carolina or the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The Y would like to provide these individuals and families with their facility resources, and though lodging is not available at the Y, there are services such as exercise classes, shower facilities, social connection, and programs that keep children busy and productive.

When reports came in on Monday to YMCA of South Hampton Roads leadership that locations were starting to receive families who have evacuated from North Carolina, seeking shower facilities and somewhere to spend their time, the call was an easy one to make. “We are a community service organization at our core”, says Billy George, Chief Executive Officer for the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, “and our number one priority is the well-being and support that we are blessed to be able to provide to those in need throughout our community, especially to those who have found themselves in our area under such unfortunate circumstances as these”. 
George says that the YMCA of South Hampton Roads has facilities, staff and programming to make sure families and individuals are staying connected and their spirits lifted through this hardship. When asked how long this offer would be extended to those displaced, the Y wants their temporary neighbors to know that as long as there is a need for it, the Y will be there to support them.

The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is currently in communication with YMCA locations in North Carolina directly impacted by Florence to assess what specific needs exist in their communities that the Y locally can assist with, and hopes to collect supplies and goods at South Hampton Roads YMCA locations from those in the community that wish to lend their help to those in need. 

If you are a resident of an area that has been impacted by Hurricane Florence and would like to come to a YMCA of South Hampton Roads center, location information can be found at ymcashr.org. The only requirement for your visit will be a valid photo ID, and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.


ABOUT THE YMCA OF SOUTH HAMPTON ROADS


The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is a nonprofit, community-based health and human services organization that serves over 250,000 children and families throughout Coastal Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina. More than 30% of those families receive financial assistance through the Open Doors program, whose funding is made available by the generosity of donors, helping them achieve their full potential in spirit, mind and body. The Y’s doors are open to people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and incomes.