SALISBURY — With about 25 percent of Rowan homes without power today, Rowan County’s three YMCAs are welcoming people who have lost power to use Y  showers.

Here is a message from Jamie Morgan, CEO of the Rowan County YMCA:

Without Power? Come to the Y to Shower.

The remnants of Hurricane Michael caused over 17,000 homes and businesses to be without power. When disaster strikes, the Y is there to offer support to those affected. At the Y, strengthening communities is our cause. If you are without power, please visit any of the three YMCA’s in Rowan County to take a shower, charge your phone, catch up on news, or just to hang out with the lights on. We are here for you! Everyone is welcome!

After the devastating ice storm in December 2002, Rowan County’s Emergency Service Department determined that to fully serve Rowan County citizens when a disaster strikes, a facility that could provide shelter, heat/cooling and water was needed.

With the help of Novant Health Rowan Regional Medical Center and Phillip Morris Employee Community Fund, two generators were installed at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA in Salisbury that are capable of powering the facility for use as a Red Cross Emergency shelter.

Additionally, both the Saleeby-Fisher YMCA-East Rowan branch and the J. Fred Corriher, Jr. YMCA-South Rowan branch are wired for generators. If Rowan experiences a widespread extended outage, the Red Cross can bring in units to power up those facilities to serve as additional Red Cross Emergency shelters.

Through support provided by the Rowan County United Way Community Chest Fund, dollars were donated to purchase diesel fuel for the 2,000-gallon generator belly tank.

Your United Way has been instrumental in helping the Y keep fuel for emergency situations. Rowan County United Way kicked off its campaign last month and needs community donations so they can continue to be there for the partner agencies that serve Rowan County. Please do not hesitate to give when asked by one of their many dedicated volunteers.

— Jamie Morgan, CEO of the YMCA of Rowan County