YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit to Close Two YMCA Branches

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is permanently closing two YMCA branches effective May 15, 2020: the Lakeshore Family YMCA and the Livonia Family YMCA.

“As we navigate the COVID-19 international health crisis, we must reimagine how to best serve metropolitan Detroiters,” said Helene Weir, President & CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. “This means our YMCA has made the very difficult decision to permanently close two of our branches.”

Weir said that after extensive research and evaluation, it was clear that the two branches were not financially sustainable and have been operating as deficit operations for nearly a decade. She explained that Livonia has lost $1.2 million and Lakeshore $630,000 over the past 10 years.  Weir said that compounded by our current health crisis, the YMCA no longer can sustain these operations. On April 28, 2020, the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit Executive Committee passed a motion to permanently close both branches including the Lakeshore Child Care effective May 15th. 

“Livonia has served the community for 60 years and now needs $5 million in deferred capital improvements,” stated Weir. “Lakeshore is a rental property and both branches do not have a large enough membership base to make them viable.”

Weir said that as soon as the Y reopens, Lakeshore and Livonia members will receive a free membership for the remainder of 2020 to use at any of its eight other locations in Auburn Hills, Birmingham, Detroit, Downriver, Farmington, Macomb, Milford, and Royal Oak. Here are the specific  YMCA Locations. 

She said it is the YMCA’s intention to continue to provide a safe and nurturing day camp at the Livonia location for the summer of 2020 when the state permits day camp operation. “We will continue food distribution at the Livonia and Lakeshore YMCA locations to ensure any child in those communities can receive up to 16 healthy meals each week,” continued Weir. Here is the food distribution schedule. To learn more about how the YMCA is supporting Metro Detroiters during this pandemic, please see YMCA COVID-19 Community Impact.

Weir said decisions are being made daily as the Y develops a sustainable revitalization plan. Prior to the pandemic, the YMCA served over 70,000 men, women, and children annually. “We are hopeful that our YMCA can stabilize and recuperate from losses compounded by COVID-19 and its residual fallouts,” Weir stated.  “Our sole aim is to have a financially strong YMCA able to meet growing community needs. All our decision making reflects our core values: caring, honesty, inclusion, respect, and responsibility.” 

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