YMCA of the Palouse to close in August due to lack of funds

The YMCA of the Palouse announced in a news release Tuesday it will close its doors effective Aug. 31.

The decision was made ultimately due to a lack of funds to operate.

Financial strain has been an issue at the Pullman youth center for a number of years, according to the news release, because of an increase in operating costs and minimum wage.

The organization said in the news release its Board of Directors conducted an extensive review into its operations and finances in hopes of finding an alternative, but found no solutions.

The YMCA will continue its summer camp until Aug. 23, but it will not operate any after-school care for the 2024-2025 school year, according to the news release. It will continue to engage with the community to address the need for affordable child care in the area.

“We’ve faced many challenges over our 130 years in Pullman, but this is by far the toughest,” Katie Van Wyngarden, a member of the Board of Directors, said in the news release. “We are deeply grateful for everyone who has been a part of our journey. Our community’s resilience and togetherness have always been our greatest assets. Even as we close, we believe in Pullman’s bright future and the continued spirit of giving and support.”

Pearce can be reached at epearce@dnews.com