The Young Men’s and Young Women’s Christian Associations started in the late nineteenth century linked to the urban-settlement house movement. Aiding in the process of assimilating immigrants and African Americans and teaching uplift, the Ys propagated a form of muscular Christianity. Hence, basketball was invented at the YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts, to keep urban youth off the streets in winter.

Jewish communities followed suit creating Hebrew Associations, often nicknamed the Jewish Ys.

With rapid suburbanization following the Second World War, the YMCAs lost their settlementhouse character. Many relocated to the suburbs, downplayed their Christian emphasis and became swimming and exercise clubs for the middle class. Membership dwindled until the last two decades of the twentieth century, when the growing exercise fad and the growing demand for childcare from two-income families led to a resurgence in growth.

The YWCAs (a separate organization), however, kept their missionary impulse and remained in the cities, providing housing and support for urban women. Because of this they have suffered financially and in many cities are being forced to close down.