Who We Are
Our History
Since 1875, the William A. Hunton YMCA has offered programs and services to underserved youth and their families living in and around South Hampton Roads Communities. We are the oldest independent YMCA in continuous operation and the second oldest YMCA in the USA.
In 1888, William A. Hunton (1863-1916) was hired by the Norfolk YMCA as the first full-time paid director of a black YMCA. In 1890, he was appointed by the national office to head the newly formed “Colored Men’s Department,” becoming the first African American secretary employed by the International Committee of the YMCA.
Hunton worked among the soldiers in the Army camps during the Spanish-American War and in developing Student YMCAs on black campuses throughout the South. He helped communities meet Julius Rosenwald’s challenge grant to build YMCAs for African-American communities, and then helped recruit and train the staff and volunteers to lead those associations.
At one time in our organization’s history, we were the only facility (of our kind) in this area, that allowed open access to anyone regardless of their ethnic, cultural, or economic status. We are now one of only four (4) remaining Heritage YMCAs in the country. Heritage YMCAs are those that were established to serve minorities and the poor at a time when they were denied access to mainstream YMCAs.
The Hunton Y was part of the Central YMCA network from 1934-1960 when it negotiated its independence, which it has retained ever since. Originally located in the predominantly Black-owned Church Street Business district, The Hunton Y held residence at 812 Wood Street from the 1940s through the 1970s. In 1979, it relocated to, 1139 Charlotte Street, in the heart of St. Paul’s Quadrant and now is at a temporary location of 5520 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, VA 23509. As the neighborhood undergoes redevelopment, we are working with the City of Norfolk on securing a new location for our YMCA, but one that will continue to serve the St. Paul’s community.
Most of our clients live in the adjacent Tidewater Garden Public Housing Community. Due to the economic challenges faced by many of our members, we do not charge fees for the recreational and educational services we provide.
Over the years, we have served as an important civic and social meeting space for our community. We have hosted civic league meetings and proms. The William A. Hunton YMCA was the first site for Norfolk State University’s classrooms. Our legacy is one of providing childcare, educational programs, life skills, health and wellness, substance abuse prevention, and recreational programs to families spanning children, parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents. We continuously address the needs of underserved populations by collaborating with and providing meeting space or community groups and organizations offering free services to low-income residents.
The William A. Hunton YMCA is a safe haven for the underserved, at-risk youth, adults, and senior citizens living in volatile environments.
We are proud to be a part of the South Hampton Roads community and the YMCA’s global movement. We have had a positive impact on the lives of thousands of South Hampton Roads residents and generations of South Hampton Roads’ low-income families.
You can read more about our story by following the links to the articles listed below: