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The True Cost of Housing is Not Measured in Rent

The following essay by McGaw YMCA President and CEO Monique Parsons was published in the Evanston RoundTable on July 6, 2026. A young man in his twenties moves to Evanston to start a career. He knows no one and has little savings, but he has a chance to build a life. A father going through a divorce wants to stay close to his children but cannot afford a second home while helping support the first. A transit worker struggles to keep up with rising costs despite working full time. A man loses his job, then his health, then his savings, and eventually his home. Different stories. Different circumstances. The same challenge: finding a stable place to live. When we talk about housing, we often focus on rent prices, zoning decisions, or development proposals. Those conversations matter. But they can obscure a larger truth: the cost of housing is not measured […]

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Improving Your Y: Annual Maintenance & Amenity Closures

McGaw YMCA’s Annual Maintenance & Amenities Closures begin August 2. During this time, certain amenities at the Y will be temporarily unavailable as we complete important repairs and improvements designed to enhance your member experience and ensure the continued care of our facilities. Alternative Pool & Fitness Options. While the pools are closed for maintenance, members are welcome to swim at the North Suburban YMCA in Northbrook. During the Fitness Center closure, members may work out at Northwestern’s Henry Crown Sports Pavilion. View Details for Access Click on the name of each location to view complete closure details. This schedule will be updated as projects progress. All completion dates are anticipated and subject to change. View as Calendar(opens in new tab)

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Reciprocity for Members During Pool & Fitness Center Closures

McGaw YMCA’s Annual Maintenance & Amenities Closures begin August 2. During this time, certain amenities at the Y will be temporarily unavailable as we complete important repairs and improvements. Thanks to the generosity of our community partner, Northwestern University, McGaw YMCA members are welcome to use the Norris Aquatics Center pool and the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, located at 2311 Campus Drive during these closures. Pool Reciprocity – Update Due to recent storm-related damage, Northwestern University’s pools are no longer available for McGaw YMCA member use during our annual pool closure. Members should not plan to use Northwestern’s pools as an alternative option while our pools are closed. As an alternative, members can use the North Suburban YMCA in Northbrook from August 8-14 and 24-30. From August 8-14 and 24-30, McGaw Y members are invited to use the North Suburban YMCA pool at no charge as part of their YMCA

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