CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- $3.7 million in new federal funding means a YMCA on Chicago’s far north side can not only reopen, but reimagine itself.
The earmark comes two years after the High Ridge YMCA closed due to financial challenges amid the pandemic.
Chief strategy officer and general counsel of the YMCA of Metro Chicago Swathi Staley credits Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky for the funds who she calls an amazing partner.
The money will help the non-profit fix the roof and upgrade the HVAC on the building that has stood at Touhy and Western for more than 70 years.
Staley is excited by the idea of a new iteration. That may mean bringing in outside groups to offer programs the Y currently does not.
"It's not just about the Y. It's about the sense of community that the Y creates," she said.
Leaders plan to start discussing programming and capital changes with residents and partners soon but also must consider that the facility is currently housing migrants.
"The hope will be that as we transition away from this emergency activation that we're able to start activating on the plan for an updated High Ridge."
Staley isn’t sure how long the space will serve as a shelter for asylum seekers brought to Chicago from southern states, but she said planning can begin during the emergency humanitarian crisis.
When the building closed in January of 2021, Representative Schakowsky shared her disappointment.
The Democrat has a long history with the Y - having brought her dog Pippi there for obedience training.
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