Northeast Community YMCA in Roebuck cuts ribbon on affordable housing + healthcare

Nearly two years after its groundbreaking, the YMCA of Greater Birmingham is unveiling the newly renovated and expanded Northeast Community YMCA in Roebuck. 

But this isn’t just any YMCA. 

“The Northeast YMCA became part of the Roebuck community in 1965 when Roebuck was a thriving Birmingham suburb and a destination for shopping, dining, and other family-based activities. Today, Roebuck has fallen into a state of violent crime and economic depression, ranking near the bottom of Birmingham’s 99 recognized neighborhoods in several life-altering categories.”

YMCA of Greater Birmingham, Roebuck Revitalization

To solve these crises, the YMCA and its community partners — including Habitat for Humanity, Christ Health Center and Impact Family Counseling — came together to create an innovative community hub. 

The Regions Foundation, a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank, was the largest among many other donors that made the Roebuck Revitalization Project possible. Other donors include EBSCO Industries, the Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, the Community Foundation of Greater Alabama and Protective Life Corporation.

The Northeast Community YMCA addresses critical community needs, such as:

• Affordable housing
• Quality education
• Accessible healthcare

The new space will not only serve to provide vital community and fitness spaces like any other YMCA, but also:

• A health clinic
• Housing in a well-lit and walkable community
• Mental health services 
• Early learning pre-K classrooms
• Academic development programming for kids and teens
• Playgrounds
• Community gardens

Together with its community partners, the YMCA plans on a holistic approach to improving the quality of life long-term for the people of Roebuck.

Habitat for Humanity is building 22 homes to offer families with lower incomes a path to homeownership. 

These houses will begin construction in the next few months — the foundational work necessary to begin building is currently underway.

The Christ Health Center clinic will offer healthcare centered around children and their families. It will also provide access to diagnostic equipment, dental care and a pharmacy. 

Impact Family Counseling will provide onsite services to address the counseling and mental health needs of families in the Roebuck Community.

“When we work together, we don’t just add up our efforts — we multiply what’s possible. The Northeast Community YMCA shows what happens when partners unite around a shared vision — stronger families, healthier neighbors, and a community where everyone belongs.”

Chad Zaucha, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Birmingham

Other amenities include activities for seniors, community gardens, age-specific playgrounds, a multi-purpose sports field, splash pad and more.

“We know that when we invest in places, we’re investing in the people. And this Y is the place that the people across this community deserve: a space for the first-class programs [the YMCA] already runs. But now, also, a beautiful place to gather as neighbors – to see your doctor, to find mental health care, to grow, to live with new homes for families. A safe place to garden, grow and play.” 

 Marta Self, executive director at the Regions Foundation

Is the Northeast Community YMCA officially open?

As of Aug. 15, 2025, members of the community can stop by Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to learn more and tour the new building.

Once the renovations started, Northeast Community YMCA programs such as after-school care, summer day camp and pre-K were temporarily moved to nearby locations and churches to ensure there was no service interruption. All programs will be transitioned back to the YMCA in Roebuck in the coming months.

Community groups or people who would like to utilize the community space can stop by during the current hours of operation to learn more. The schedule and structure for these circumstances are still being formulated.

Current members can use the fitness space — including the walking track and EGYM — starting now. Anyone who wants to become a member can stop by to get started. Northeast-only memberships or all-branch memberships are available.

The number listed on search engines like Google, (205) 833-7616, is currently routed to the Downtown YMCA Youth Center. Their staff are able to answer questions about Northeast or direct callers to the appropriate resources.

Christ Health Pediatrics is fully operational and open to the public.

Do you plan to use any of the services at the Northeast Community YMCA? Let us know by tagging us on Instagram + Facebook @bhamnow!