Windsor Residence for Young Men Rough Night Out
Every year, a group of brave supporters of Windsor Residence for Young Men (WRYM) bundle up and spend a 14-hour winter night on an industrial parking lot “sleeping rough”, as some homeless people might say – although, to tell the truth, the volunteers are well dressed for the weather, with friends and all support services at hand, and everyone goes home afterward. It’s a miserable night, nonetheless, which is meant to draw attention to the tragic circumstances of homeless young people.
WRYM Char of Donor Development Dave Freeman says, “If you are sufficiently brave, determined and wonderful in many ways – and would like join in this year’s WRYM’s Rough Night Out on an industrial parking lot at 1350 St. Luke Road – we welcome you.”
People interested in taking part in WRYM’s Rough Night Out are asked to visit WRYM’s website and download a release form and a pledge sheet.
Freeman says, “If every participant can reach out to a few friends or family members to sponsor them, that will make a difference in helping homeless young men build new lives!”
WRYM provides young men 16 – 24 years with a supportive home, individual counselling, and basic life skills. Youths with potential are diverted from the streets to reconnect with their community, education and employment. WRYM’s 2019 statistics show an average 95 percent success rate over the past three years.
Rising to a January 17 challenge by a formerly homeless youth, supporters of the Windsor Residence for Young Men (WRYM) have donated $19, 300 to match, and surpass, the $13,000 he donated to boost WRYM’s Transitional Housing Program. This is the program that has helped the anonymous young man and so many others build new lives. His generous donation kick-started WRYM’s January 2020 Urgent Funding Appeal.
WRYM’s Chair of Donor Development Dave Freeman said at the time, “WRYM depends almost entirely on community donations, and he heard that our year-end fundraising was not as successful as we had hoped. He wants to inspire others to help, and he wants to remain anonymous.”
His $13,000 example has really motivated people – as of January 28, WRYM’s January 2020 Urgent Funding Appeal has raised a total of $32,250 in urgent donations to be applied to the WRYM Transitional Housing Program.
“It took a great deal of confidence in his future to take this large amount of money from his savings and contribute to WRYM,” said volunteer Executive Director Greg Goulin today. “He can now feel confident that it was the right thing to do. Donations of well over $19,000 to match his donation says our community was very impressed.”
Despite its success and unlike many other social agencies, WRYM receives very little government funding and depends on community fundraising. It is a constant challenge. WRYM offers the only supportive transitional housing program for young men in Windsor. Unlike an emergency shelter, drop-in centre or subsidized housing, the program provides young men 16 – 24 years with a supportive home, individual counselling, and basic life skills. Youths with potential are diverted from the streets to reconnect with their community, education and employment. WRYM’s 2019 statistics show an average 95 percent success rate over the past three years. In 2019, WRYM assisted 96 clients in its Transitional Housing, Aftercare and Outreach programs. Of these, 42 young men were enrolled and successfully graduated from the Transitional Housing Program.
For more information on donating or participating in WRYM’s Rough Night Out, visit online or message WRYM on Facebook or telephone 519.981.9917.