WILMINGTON -- Newly-released photos reveal the extent of damages sustained by the Wilmington Family YMCA’s building during a fire earlier this month.
The YMCA released four pictures on Thursday morning. They show severe smoke, fire and water damage to several parts of the facility’s second floor.
Dick Jones, president and CEO at the YMCA, said he wanted to release the photos to demonstrate how much work needs to be done before the building can be re-opened.
“We are trying to keep our members and our staff and the community up-to-date as to how things are progressing,” he said.
Jones said plans are in the works to open a satellite facility within 120 days. Billed as an “Express Y,” the location is expected to house health and wellness activities.
In the meantime, several community partners have stepped up to temporarily house the YMCA’s programs. For example, B’Nai Israel Congregation on Walnut Street is hosting group exercise classes.
"People don't realize what you have until it's taken away from you,” Jones said. “I think that has resonated with folks who are touched by the ‘Y’ so they are standing up and saying, ‘I'd like to be counted, how can I help?’”
Willie Holmes, a member for the past two years, called the fire and damages "depressing," but said he had been moved by the outpouring of support.
“There's a reason for everything happening, and this is the reason. To show us that the community was for us just as much as we were for the community,” he said.
The community’s next chance to offer help will come at a Saturday fundraiser, dubbed a “Fireman’s Walk.” The event will be held at the track behind the YMCA’s building at 2710 Market Street. Jones said the event will honor the first responders who battled the fire and offer a chance for the YMCA community to be all in one place.
Event proceeds will go towards a fire relief fund. Contributions can also be made online.