The YWCA of Brooklyn has been a neighborhood landmark for over 120 years providing a home for women fleeing domestic abuse, the homeless, the working poor and those in need of a safe, affordable place to stay. over the years, the YWCA of Brooklyn has established low-income housing, developed programming for victims of domestic abuse, provided a child development program, and award-winning breast cancer screening and education programs.

Despite its rich history, by 2005, this haven on atlantic avenue and 3rd avenue was mired in debt and the 80-year-old building was in serious disrepair. There was pressure to sell the building - prime real estate - to commercial developers to convert into luxury apartments. Howver, that would have left homeless the 218 women currently living at the ywca of brooklyn and it also would have forced the ywca to close its critical health and leadership services provided throughout the borough.

With New York City ranked the least affordable housing market for low-income people, homelessness at an all-time high, and rising real estate prices, the YWCA of Brooklyn was determined to continue supporting the Brooklyn community. Under a new strategic plan, the YWCA built 84 new affordable studio apartments, refurbished the existing 218 single room units and recently opened a community center dedicated to social justice initiatives specifically focusing on gender and race. The YWCA og Brooklyn is now the largest provider of affordable housing in downtown Brooklyn, with over 300 units for low-income and homeless women.

The recent renovation also allows the ywca to continue to build on its legacy of providing critical services for those most in need. All YWCA community programs are provided free of cost, with the exepction of housing, and are open to all.

The YWCA of Brooklyn is a nonsectarian, nonprofit organization and receives no financial support from its affiliation with the YWCA USA.