The global YMCA movement was founded to be a safe and affordable housing option for men moving from rural to urban areas. Since 1885, the YMCA in Evanston has provided rooms and beds for hotel, short-term and eventually long-term Single Room Occupancy (SRO) dormitory design housing with wrap-around services.

The McGaw YMCA’s Men’s Residence program at 1000 Grove Street has helped transform the lives of hundreds of men each year by providing safe bridge housing with case management and referral services that address job searching, aging, social security, chronic illness, and maintaining physical and mental health. Residents work together alongside staff to create a deep sense of community as they build a path towards personal stability. The McGaw Y Men’s Residence remains the largest provider of safe, affordable and accessible bridge housing for men age 18 and older in Evanston and one of the few remaining single room occupancy options in the Chicago area.

Built in 1930, the McGaw Y Men’s Residence is scheduled for a long overdue transformation. The residence space in our historic 1000 Grove Street building will be renovated to provide comfortable, functional, safe and modern living spaces that speak to each resident’s dignity and privacy. The transformation will include a new lobby for our resident men along with additional program areas and shared community spaces where residents can come together, connect, and unwind. Equity and public health, with an emphasis on safety and improved quality of life, are driving this project.

Architectural renderings and floorplans for the project can be viewed here: Men’s Residence Renovation Project & Rendering.

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Become a Y Supporter

Y Supporters are a diverse collection of individuals who support the mission and vision of McGaw YMCA. Our Y Supporters help to publicly amplify McGaw Y’s work and are critical in realizing the YMCA’s vision of becoming a place of belonging for all people at every stage of life.

As a Y Supporter for the Men’s Residence Renovation Project, you will help convey a powerful message of support for our Men’s Residence program and renovation plans. Together, we can change the way we address affordable housing, public health, and community wellness in Evanston.

Interested in joining us? Please provide your contact information in the form below and we will be in touch with more information about how you can get engaged.

I Want To Be a Y Supporter

Every Contribution, at Every Level, Makes a Difference.

$12.6 million in donations are needed to fund temporary relocation, renovation, furnishings and extended maintenance into the future. With your support, we can help provide community-based bridge housing solutions and empowering wrap-around services to men facing housing insecurity and homelessness in Evanston. Your contribution can make an impact now and for generations to come.

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Campaign Updates

City Council approves $3 million ARPA allocation to McGaw YMCA men’s residence renovation - Published by The Daily Northwestern on June 14th, 2022 City Council voted 6-1 to approve a $3 million allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funding to support the renovation of The McGaw YMCA’s Men’s Residence on Monday. “Our goal is to continue to support a key constituency of our residents in our city as we […]

A Look Inside: New Model Room for Men’s Residence - EVANSTON, ILLINOIS (MAY 9, 2022) — McGaw YMCA revealed a new model room for the Men’s Residence Renovation Project. McGaw Y Board Chair Janine Hill and President/CEO Monique Parsons welcomed guests to tour the new room along with special guest Jonathan Nieuwsma, Council Member for the 4th Ward where the YMCA is located. The […]

Become a Y Supporter! | Men’s Residence Renovation Project - The McGaw YMCA Men’s Residence in our historic 1000 Grove Street building is scheduled for a long overdue transformation. Learn more about the renovation plans here. We invite you to become a Y Supporter for our Men’s Residence Renovation Project. Our Y Supporters are a diverse collection of individuals who support the mission and vision of […]

McGaw Y Shares Plans for Men’s Residence Renovation Project - EVANSTON, ILLINOIS (FEBRUARY 4, 2022) – The McGaw YMCA announced today plans to renovate and modernize its Men’s Residence facilities. The YMCA is currently completing the design development phase of this plan and seeking leadership gifts to fund the project. Equity and public health, with an emphasis on safety and improved quality of life, are […]

AT HOME AT 1000 GROVE: BUILDING A SUPPORTIVE HOUSING COMMUNITY IN THE HEART OF EVANSTON - MISSION MOMENT IN-DEPTH FEATURE For many of the McGaw YMCA residents, the Men’s Residence program in the Y’s historic building isn’t just a place to live – it is truly home. The Men’s Residence program at McGaw has offered a supportive housing community for men in the heart of Evanston for more than six […]

Contact Us

Recognition opportunities are available including the entrance, lobby communal space and SRO units. For more information about the campaign and how to give, contact Jodi Wickersheimer, Chief Development Officer, at jodiw@mcgawymca.org or by calling 847-475-7400 extension 237.