Houston YMCA Cutting Staff After Trump Funding Blow
This comes as Harris County's Alief Family YMCA, which primarily served refugees through its New American Initiative, will close on May 30 following President Donald Trump administration's cuts to refugee program funding.
Newsweek has reached out to the White House and Alief Family YMCA via email on Sunday for comment.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), run by billionaire Elon Musk, has drawn praise and consternation for cutting federal budgets and monies since Trump took office again in January.
As of April 16, DOGE estimates it has saved approximately $155 billion for the nation, combining different components including asset sales, contract/lease cancellations and renegotiations, fraud and improper payment deletion, grant cancellations, interest savings, programmatic changes, regulatory savings, and workforce reductions.
Trump, meanwhile, signed an executive order hours after taking office that halted the nation's Refugee Admission Program.
The order, titled "Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)," went into effect on January 27, suspending the program for 90 days. The suspension allows U.S. officials to determine "whether resumption of entry of refugees into the United States under the USRAP would be in the interests of the United States."
The Houston Chronicle reported that due to Trump's executive order Houston-area organizations that support refugees, like the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, cut 120 workers in February.
According to local reports, the YMCA has been an important and beloved community resource, particularly for refugee services and youth programs in Houston that rely on federal grants.
This reduction in services comes at a time when many refugee communities in Texas are already facing increased uncertainty about their status and support systems.
Houston has historically been one of the nation's largest refugee resettlement areas, with a robust support services infrastructure that is now facing significant restructuring.
The Alief area is particularly affected as it has been home to diverse immigrant communities for decades. The YMCA facility there has provided essential services including language classes, employment assistance, youth programs, and health initiatives tailored to refugee and immigrant populations.
According to The Houston Chronicle, the YMCA of Greater Houston didn't say which positions would be cut, which locations would be affected or reveal the size of its staff across the Houston area.
President Donald Trump's "Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)" executive order reads: "The United States lacks the ability to absorb large numbers of migrants, and in particular, refugees, into its communities in a manner that does not compromise the availability of resources for Americans, that protects their safety and security, and that ensures the appropriate assimilation of refugees."
The YMCA stated in an email to The Houston Chronicle: "We recognize the impact this has on our employees and understand the challenges this may bring. While we are making adjustments, we remain committed to continuing our services and supporting the community at all our locations."
Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, whose precinct covers the Alief area, released a statement following the announcement: "The Alief Family YMCA has been a cornerstone for families, youth, and seniors-providing not just programs but a true sense of community."
She added: "Its closure is a painful reminder of how federal funding decisions can affect local lives. In Precinct 4, we've been proud to partner with the YMCA to provide a safe, engaging, and enriching environment for children and families. We remain committed to our shared vision of supporting youth development, education, and the overall well-being of the Alief community."
Linda Reyna, a spin instructor at Langham Creek Family YMCA in northwest Houston, said, per The Houston Chronicle: "For certain programs, they get federal grants, and that's very important for the kids in the community. That's gonna be a big, big blow to different age groups."
The 90-day suspension of the Refugee Admission Program is set to expire later this month. Refugee advocacy organizations are watching closely to see whether the administration will extend the suspension or implement permanent changes to the program.
The YMCA of Greater Houston is reportedly developing transition plans to ensure continuity of essential services where possible. Community leaders and local government officials are exploring alternative funding sources and partnerships to potentially preserve some programs currently offered at the Alief location.
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