Hunton YMCA
Honoring Legacy and Transforming Lives
In 1888, William A. Hunton became the first full-time director of a historically black YMCA. Then, in 1890, he became the first African American secretary of the International Committee of the YMCA. The Hunton YMCA in Norfolk honors this legacy.
The Hunton YMCA has a long history dating back to 1888 and honors the legacy of William A. Hunton, the first director of a historically black YMCA. Now a new Hunton Y is planned for Norfolk’s St. Paul community.
The Hunton Y is proud to be one of the only four remaining Heritage YMCAs in the country, a designation for YMCAs that historically allowed open access to anyone regardless of ethnicity, culture, or economic status. Civic league meetings, social events, and even Norfolk State University classes have been hosted by Hunton Y.
Today, the Hunton Y has become a haven for underserved youth, families, and senior citizens. By allowing members of the community to use the Y’s recreational and educational resources free of charge, the facility helps reduce economic strain on residents of South Hampton Roads. The Hunton Y provides preschool, educational programs, recreation, health and wellness courses, life skills, and substance abuse prevention, among other services. A core part of the Hunton Y is to provide services to those in need, including:
- Child Development Center
- Preschool
- After-school transportation and programs
- Schools Out Camp for winter, spring, and summer breaks
 | Tonja Williams, Hunton Y CEO |
The Hunton Y’s hallmark is its commitment to providing free recreation and education to financially constrained individuals in the community. However, the organization’s business model has struggled to keep pace with operating costs, leading to multiple relocations. Today, the Hunton Y is temporarily located on Tidewater Drive in Norfolk.
The City of Norfolk has worked closely with the Hunton YMCA to secure a new permanent location within Norfolk’s St. Paul's community. After a long wait, the city has officially transferred land for its future location at 1045 E. Brambleton Ave, and city leaders hope to break ground this fall. Tonja Williams, CEO of the Hunton Y, speaks to the monumental nature of this latest development. “It was a milestone to be able to sign the deed on this beautiful land, which will be the future site of the William A. Hunton YMCA.”
A basketball court will be a central feature of the new Hunton Y as it welcomes young people to the new facility.
The future of the Hunton YMCA is bright, and Tonja hopes to expand the organization beyond its current capacities. Previously, the Hunton Y focused on childcare, but their new space can include a park, recreation center, library, pool, and wellness center for the wider community to enjoy.
Hunton YMCA Building Renderings
For more than 150 years, the Hunton YMCA has consistently addressed the needs of low-income communities in South Hampton Roads. Generations of underserved families have been positively impacted by the Hunton Y and the YMCA’s global movement. Now, with the new expansion set to be completed in 2027, more lives can be touched by the soul of the William A. Hunton YMCA.
"The Hunton future is bright because of the ongoing support of Dan Bainster, Board Chair, amazing, committed members of the board, and generous donations from foundations that believe in the project and the well-being of the children and families we serve," Tonja says.
“TowneBank is honored to support the Hunton Y and its mission,” says Kathy Ferebee, executive vice president and commercial lender at the TowneBank location in downtown Norfolk. “The Hunton Y has positively impacted generations of families throughout our community, and it is exciting to see this vision for a new permanent home become a reality. This investment in the future will create even more opportunities for Hampton Roads to thrive. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Hunton Y as they continue to expand their reach and transform lives.”
For more information, visit YMCAHunton.org.