Accommodations
The YWCA of Mount Desert Island is the huge brick building on Mount Desert Street with the warm, friendly interior. This building has been home to thousands of women and girls in the past 100 years who have sought affordable accommodations here on MDI. Our doors are open to all women.
The YWCA located on Route 3, at 36 Mount Desert Street in Bar Harbor, is within walking distance of the ocean, harbor, stores, restaurants and places of employment, some of which are open year round. Single rooms (one bed), double rooms (two twin beds) and the solarium (seven bed dorm open in the summer only) are offered at low rates by the night or by the week. The facility includes a large community kitchen, community TV room and shared bathrooms (no private baths).
Accommodations for the summer season 2019 will be offered by lottery. The lottery will open on December 1st, 2018 and run through February 2019. If you want to stay at the YWCA for the summer 2019 season, you will need to fill out the form. If your name is drawn on March 1, 2019 you will be assigned a time to contact the YWCA to reserve a space. This process is to ensure that all have an equal chance for a space.
Children’s Programs
YWCA MDI offers children’s programs throughout the year to foster a sense of community in Mount Desert Island and Hancock County. We are well known for our Children’s Christmas Bazaar, Valentine Tea, and Spring Fling Easter egg hunt.
In January, on the night before Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday celebration, we invite girls for a sleep-over with a program that includes arts activities focused on social justice and participation in the MLK March and Reception the next day.
We continue to add programs to enrich girls’ lives and foster a healthy body image.
Community Programs
The Community programs we offer are designed to inform, uplift, and support all residents of Mount Desert Island and Hancock County. We present strong and empowering women as role models, through movies, discussions and support groups.
- Amazing Women Talks and Discussions
- Domestic Violence Awareness Walk
- Sponsorship of Carol Dyer Memorial Luminary Evening
- Women’s Support Groups
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday March and Reception
Each year YWCA Mount Desert Island hosts the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday March through the town of Bar Harbor to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy of peace and social justice. Participants of all ages are encouraged to bring banners and signs. The march concludes at the YWCA with a reception and light refreshments, closing remarks, and resources for community education and dialogue about Dr. King’s work. Participation in this event is open to the public with a special invitation to the young people of Hancock County and Mount Desert Island.