Help Us Improve WRYM's Netletter

We want to ensure our Netletter remains a meaningful way to keep our community informed about the work we are doing and the impact your support makes possible.  As we look to improve and refine our communications, we would greatly value your feedback.

We have created a short survey to better understand what you enjoy about the Netletter, what you would like to see more of, and how we can make it even more useful and engaging for our readers.

Your feedback will help guide how we share updates, stories, and opportunities to stay involved with WRYM in the future.  The survey only takes a few minutes to complete, and every response will help us make the Netletter better for our community.

Please take a moment to complete the survey below.

Community Comes Together for “Rough Night Out”

We extend our sincere thanks to the many students, staff, and community supporters who recently participated in our “Rough Night Out” fundraiser at St. Clair College, an overnight event designed to raise awareness about youth homelessness in Windsor-Essex.

Participants spent a winter night outdoors while taking part in activities and discussions aimed at building a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by young people experiencing homelessness.  Through their commitment and the generosity of supporters, the event raised over $9,300 in support of The Windsor Residence for Young Men.

Funds raised will help support WRYM’s housing and community programs, which assist young men in building stability, developing life skills, and working toward long-term independence.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved for their compassion and commitment to supporting youth in our community.

To read the full story, click below.

A Key to a Fresh Start

When Marcus (name changed for privacy) arrived at the Windsor Residence for Young Men at 22 years old, he had been bouncing between couches and temporary places to stay for months.  Without stable housing, even simple things, like keeping a job, maintaining routines, planning for the future, felt nearly impossible.  He came to WRYM feeling worn down and uncertain about what his next step could be.

Over time, Marcus began rebuilding stability.  With support from staff, he focused on strengthening his daily routines, managing his finances, and navigating the responsibilities that come with independent living. Just as importantly, he had a consistent place to sleep, a safe environment, and people who believed in his ability to move forward.

Marcus worked hard to maintain steady routines and began setting realistic goals for himself.  After months of working and planning, he recently achieved a major milestone: securing a room for rent in the community - a crucial step that brings him closer to long-term housing stability.

While it may seem like a small step to some, having his own space means Marcus now has the stability to keep building momentum in his life.

At WRYM, moments like this remind us why our work matters.  Every young person who finds stable housing represents another step toward breaking the cycle of homelessness, and another future filled with possibility.

Check out our website below to learn more about what we do and how you can help us with our mission.

Family Day: The Importance of Belonging

Family Day is an opportunity to reflect on the people and relationships that provide support, stability, and a sense of belonging. For many, family represents safety and encouragement. For many of the young men served at The Windsor Residence for Young Men (WRYM), however, family relationships have often been complicated by trauma, conflict, or loss.

Last year, 77% of WRYM residents identified as having experienced family violence or abuse, highlighting the difficult circumstances that often contribute to youth homelessness. These experiences can leave young people without the support systems many others rely on during critical stages of development.

At WRYM, our work extends beyond providing housing. We focus on rebuilding stability, teaching life skills, and creating an environment where young men can experience consistency, accountability, and community. The impact of this work is reflected in our outcomes. Last year, 92% of residents were able to end their experience of homelessness through WRYM’s programs and supports, moving forward into stable housing, employment, education, and/or other positive next steps.

​Family Day reminds us that family can also be something rebuilt through connection, mentorship, and community. We are grateful to our staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters who help make this possible every day. Together, we continue working to ensure that no young man has to face homelessness alone.

Rough Night Out 2026 – There is Still Time!

The Windsor Residence for Young Men (WRYM) is preparing to host Rough Night Out (RNO) 2026, our annual overnight fundraiser supporting young men experiencing homelessness in Windsor-Essex.

Taking place on February 20, 2026, from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. at St. Clair College, Rough Night Out challenges participants to spend one night “roughing it out” in solidarity with youth facing housing insecurity. Funds raised directly support WRYM’s transitional housing, life-skills development, and aftercare programs.

We are grateful to the Community and Justice Services Social Club and the Police Foundations Social Club for their partnership in helping bring students and the community together around this important cause. The evening will include food, games, prizes, and opportunities to learn more about youth homelessness and WRYM’s impact.

This is the final email announcement ahead of the event. Participation requires a minimum $25 entry fee or fundraising pledges. For those unable to attend, community members can still make an impact by sponsoring a team or pledging a participant. WRYM’s Executive Director, Jason Weinberg, will also be participating for his 9th consecutive year, should any supporters be looking to pledge members of the WRYM team.

Together, we can ensure no young man has to face homelessness alone.

 Register, pledge one of our brave participants, or learn more by clicking the link below.

Our 2025 Impact - See What You Helped Make Possible

Every year, we take time to reflect on what your support makes possible, not just in dollars raised, but in lives stabilized, futures rebuilt, and young men supported through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

In 2025, the impact of Windsor Residence for Young Men was both meaningful and measurable. Thanks to our community of supporters, 92% of the young men we served successfully moved off the street, a level of impact we’ve sustained year over year; and, our team provided thousands of individual supports to young men both during their stay and long after they moved on, helping ensure stability doesn’t end at discharge

Behind those numbers are real people. These are young men navigating housing instability, mental health challenges, disrupted family relationships, and the transition to adulthood without a safety net. Your support allowed us to be there consistently, not just in moments of crisis, but through the long work of rebuilding stability.

We’ve compiled our full 2025 Statistics Report to give a deeper look at who we served, how we supported them, and why ongoing support, like aftercare, matters so much.

 Click below to check it out! ​

Why Our Work Matters - A Podcast Conversation

We’re excited to share that Windsor Residence for Young Men was recently featured on the "Let’s Have This Conversation" podcast, where we talked in depth about our mission, the community we serve, and the work we do to help young men leave homelessness behind and build new lives.

On the episode, our staff member Selena Cosme (Aftercare & Outreach Worker) discussed how our programs support youth ages 16–24 through transitional housing, life-skills coaching, counselling, and community reintegration, all aimed at helping young men move from crisis toward stability and independence.

We’re truly grateful for the opportunity to share our story, raise awareness of youth homelessness in Windsor-Essex, and highlight the importance of community support in making lasting change.

Thanks for being part of our journey, and for standing with us as we work together to end homelessness one life at a time.
​
 Check out the full conversation below by clicking on the button below 

Warm Holiday Wishes from WRYM

As we approach the end of another year, all of us at The Windsor Residence for Young Men want to share our heartfelt gratitude and warmest wishes with you.  Your support has helped change the lives of so many young men, and this season reminds us just how vital that support truly is.

For youth experiencing homelessness, the holidays can be an especially difficult time.  While many people gather with loved ones, others are searching for stability, connection, and hope.  Thanks to you, WRYM is able to offer all three:  providing safe shelter, life skills, guidance, and the sense of belonging every young person deserves.

Your generosity this season helps ensure that young men have not only a place to stay but a place to grow.  It allows them to enter the new year with confidence, support, and the tools they need to move toward independence.

Thank you for being part of their journey.  We wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and a bright, hopeful new year ahead.

WRYM in the News:  Double Your Impact This Season

Our Season of Giving campaign is gaining attention, including recent coverage from AM800 highlighting how community support is helping unlock our $30,000 matching fund.  There is still a large portion of the match available, meaning every gift made right now is doubled and goes twice as far for young men overcoming homelessness.  To date, we have raised $13,695 towards our matching fund, which means we are almost halfway there!

We are grateful  to AM800 and Biz X Magazine for shining a spotlight on this campaign and for continuing to share our work with the community.

Your support today helps provide safe shelter, life skills, and long term stability for youth who are working hard to rebuild their lives.  Thank you for helping us keep the momentum going.

Click below to read the full story and learn how you can make twice the impact.

WRYM Receives $19,000 Grant for Stronger Steps Initiative

We are excited to share that The Windsor Residence for Young Men has been awarded a $19,000 grant from the Harry E. Foster Charitable Foundation in support of our Stronger Steps initiative.  This funding will help us expand vital supports for young men who are experiencing homelessness and living with intellectual disabilities.

Stronger Steps provides individualized guidance, practical skill development, and ongoing stability planning to help youth overcome barriers and move toward independence.  Thanks to this generous contribution, we will be able to deepen our impact and continue offering tailored support that many young men rely on.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Harry E. Foster Charitable Foundation for their meaningful investment in this work and for their commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable youth in our community.

A link to learn more about the Foundation will be available below.

WRYM’s Season of Giving Returns on December 2nd - Every Dollar Matched!

As we enter the holiday season, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of WRYM’s 2025 Season of Giving Campaign, kicking off on Giving Tuesday, December 2nd!

This annual campaign is one of the most powerful times of the year for our community to come together and make a difference in the lives of young men who are working hard to rebuild their futures.  And this year, your generosity will go twice as far.

Thanks to the incredible support of Capital Power ($10,000) and Don and Maureen Gordon ($5,000), we’re starting this year’s campaign with a $15,000 Matching Fund Pool.  That means that every donation made by 11:59 p.m. on December 31st will be matched dollar-for-dollar, until the matching funds run out.
​
Your gift will help us continue to provide safe shelter, life skills, and the guidance young men need to move from homelessness to independence.  Whether it’s $25 or $250, every contribution doubles in impact, and helps us keep changing lives, one young man at a time.

 Give hope. Double your impact. Change a life.

Join us this Giving Tuesday and make your gift count twice before the end of the year.
​
Click the link below to donate!

Notice of Annual General Meeting - December 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

The Windsor Residence for Young Men (WRYM) will be holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.  The meeting will take place in WRYM’s classroom, 981 Shepherd St. E., Windsor, ON.

Our AGM is an important opportunity to:
Share highlights and outcomes from the past year
Report on our finances and governance
Celebrate the impact of our programs on young men experiencing homelessness
Look ahead to 2026 and beyond

This meeting is open to the public by RSVP.  If you would like to attend, please let our Executive Director, Jason Weinberg, know in advance by emailing [email protected] by December 3rd, 2025 so we can plan seating accordingly.

We hope you’ll join us!