Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA Fire and Recovery
16-08-2024
Hear from Staff About the Fire and Recovery
The fire is out, the residents are safe, and the Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA is now open to members and excited to welcome back our community. While we continue to work to reopen the fourth and fifth floor residences, all the men are in accommodations within or outside of the YMCA. Since the fire on July 22, the YMCA and the Men’s Residence have received an outpouring of support. Thanks to generous donations, we have provided food, clothing, hygiene products, and mental health support to our residents. Over $164,000 has been raised, which is providing immediate and meaningful support to residents to replace personal belongings and help them start anew during this challenging time.
The Last Man Out of the Building
It was just before 12:30 in the afternoon on Monday, July 22. Jason was relaxing in his room with his headphones on listening to music. As the fire alarm began to ring, he did nothing.
After the Fire: Change is Not a Bad Thing
Scott lived on the fifth floor of the YMCA Men’s Residence at the Downtown Hamilton Family YMCA for eight years. He was heading to the washroom in the early afternoon on Monday, July 22 when he saw a small amount of smoke.
Community Update
In the aftermath of the YMCA fire, our community faces significant challenges. The YMCA is committed to supporting those affected through a comprehensive crisis response.
The Long Walk Home
In just ONE MONTH, Kelly Frapporti-Tobin and 9 community members and YMCA staff will be walking 72km in TWO days, touching YMCA Centres in Hamilton, Burlington, and Brantford to raise money for the Men's Residence.
