Formerly called: 'Young Men's Christian Association'. This is a welfare movement with branches all over the World, that began in London in 1844. YMCA Cape Town was established in 1865, as a Christian “home away from home”. This was a residence in Cape Town, for young men living there. With a vision to proclaim the Christian gospel according to the Holy Scriptures, help the youth develop in spirit, mind and body, and uplift communities in the Greater Cape Metropolitan Area. Its first meeting was held at Green Market Square.