During the COVID-19 pandemic, YWCAs are on the front line serving more than 16,500 women, families and children across the nation.

Our local YWCAs are already feeling the impact of new guidelines, policies and regulations stemming from COVID-19. Our goal is to ensure that our local YWCAs can continue to deliver critical assistance as quickly as possible, including safe and sterile testing sites, child care support, meals to children and families, and care and housing for homeless and elderly individuals. And, we are already planning ahead so we can adapt our services and be ready to respond to the needs of our communities as they emerge and rebuild after the coronavirus pandemic subsides.

Currently, there are more than  200 YWCAs serving 45 states and the District of Columbia, doing our best to continue attending to the needs of women and their families in the areas of domestic violence, child care and housing
— but we need your help.

Donate to the Emergency Fund

Your donation will help YWCA remain on the front lines of response and recovery in communities across the country, meeting the needs of the most vulnerable children, women and their families

Our Impact During COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of domestic violence have increased significantly, as many victims are being required to stay home with their assaulters. To take action against this recent increase in domestic and sexual violence, YWCA is working tirelessly to provide safe and secure housing, crisis hotlines, counseling, court assistance and other protective programs. Learn More

Due to emergency school closures throughout the United States, many women, children and their families have been adversely affected by the lack of affordable child care. Access to child care and early education is not only crucial for women’s successful participation in the workforce, but also for promoting child development and school readiness.

During this time, it is especially important to remember that “staying at home” is a privilege that is not available to everyone. We envision a future where we not only overcome racial and gender disparities but also reduce institutional and societal barriers to help women in transition access sustainable housing solutions.

YWCA’s COVID-19 Legislative Priorities and Statements

• Nonprofits Applaud #Relief4Charities in American Rescue Plan Act
• Nonprofits Applaud Expanded Relief in American Rescue Plan Act, Call for Further #Relief4Charities
• Letter to Congressional Leadership RE: 2021 COVID-19 Relief for Charitable Nonprofits
• Nonprofits Welcome Coronavirus Relief Legislation, Call for Additional Relief in 2021
• Cover letter to Transition
• Updated Nonprofit Community Letter
• Coalition of Nonprofits Calls on Congress to Act Quickly to Pass Bipartisan Coronavirus Relief Legislation
• YWCA USA Legislative Priorities (August 2020)
• June Survey Results

YWCA in the News Addressing COVID-19

• Interview with Insider – YWCA CEO Alejandra Y. Castillo spoke w/ Insider about how the novel Coronavirus pandemic affects the safety of those experiencing domestic violence.
• Organize Your Butterflies Podcast – As the country navigates the best management of novel Coronavirus, Alejandra Castillo, CEO of YWCA USA, chats with Dr. Meg Doherty.
• Insider.Com – Being neighborly may help domestic abuse victims who are in danger during the coronavirus pandemic
• The Ms. Q&A: Alejandra Y. Castillo on Combating Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 Epidemic

View All News

COVID-19 Resources

YWCA USA will continue to update this page with information regarding the prevention and spread of COVID-19 as new information becomes available. For more information on COVID-19 and how you can keep you and your loved ones safe, please refer to the World Health Organization and/or the Centers for Disease Control. Please note that YWCA does not recommend or endorse any particular source, and references above are meant as suggestions.