YWCA Cambridge is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Our Programs ↘

YWCA Cambridge provides direct services, empowerment programming, and advocacy to support marginalized individuals and families, especially women and girls of color, while working to challenge structural barriers to equity.

  • Housing & Shelter

    Providing affordable housing to single women and emergency shelter to families

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  • Racial & Social Justice Advocacy

    Advocating for the needs of our clients and community

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  • Youth Leadership

    We develop, nurture, and support leadership and advocacy skills for youth ages 11-18.

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  • Health & Wellness

    Check out our health & wellness programs at our Central Square location!

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2024 Community Impact ↘

YWCA Cambridge provides direct services, empowerment programming, and advocacy to support marginalized individuals and families, especially women and girls of color, while working to challenge structural barriers to equity.

  • Affordable Housing

    Tanner Residence is YWCA Cambridge’s supportive housing community in Central Square, providing 103 single-room units for women who need stable, affordable housing. Residents have access to on-site staff support and connections to services that help them maintain housing, build stability, and move toward their goals. In 2024, 131 women called Tanner Residence home and 100% of residents lived below the poverty line.

  • Homelessness Services for Families

    Renae’s Place Family Shelter provides short-term, supportive housing for families in Cambridge who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Families stay in a safe, private setting while working with staff to access resources, stabilize their situation, and move toward permanent housing. In 2024, 17 families (including 19 children) were served at Renae’s Place.

  • Youth Leadership Programs

    YWCA Cambridge’s youth leadership programs help girls and gender-expansive youth build confidence, community, and real-world leadership skills through mentorship, workshops, and hands-on experiences. Through consistent support and opportunities to lead, young people strengthen their sense of belonging and build tools they can carry into school, relationships, and their future.

614

individuals were directly served by our housing and shelter, youth leadership, and advocacy programs in 2024.

70%

of our emergency family shelter clients secured job placements in 2024.

65

local youth joined our leadership programs, including our newest programs CampOUT and Gamechangers!

Reach Out ↘

YWCA Cambridge provides direct services, empowerment programming, and advocacy to support marginalized individuals and families, especially women and girls of color, while working to challenge structural barriers to equity.

  • Help Needed

    I Need Help

    YWCA Cambridge offers 103 individual units of quality, safe, single room occupancy (SRO) housing for women who need a supportive environment where they can live and grow. If you are looking for stable housing, you can apply for YWCA housing via the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) website.

  • Volunteer

    I Want To Help

    As one of the oldest women’s organizations in the nation, YWCA is a vital resource for women, families, and youth who are rebounding from crisis and an advocate for policy changes that will support their success. In addition to programs that build self-reliance, health, and youth leadership, YWCA Cambridge offers the resources and support necessary to feel safe and empowered. Volunteers may get involved on an as-needed or regular basis.

Thank you to our generous sponsors who make our work possible year-round.

  • 2020 Cummings Foundation Grant program.

    Proud recipient of the 2020 Cummings Foundation Grant program.

  • Proud Member of Boston Women’s Workforce Council

    Proud Member of BWWC