WRYM'S FEBRUARY 2026 NETLETTER

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.

SEE MORE 2025 STATS

---

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ROUGH NIGHT OUT

---

CN Supports Youth Independence Program at WRYM

The Windsor Residence for Young Men (WRYM) is pleased to announce that we have received a $5,000 contribution from Canadian National Railway Company (CN) through their community giving program.

This funding will directly support one full semester of curriculum delivery within WRYM’s Youth Independence Program (YIP). The program focuses on helping young men build the practical skills needed for long-term stability, including budgeting, employment readiness, housing preparation, communication, and independent living skills.

Investments like this allow WRYM to continue providing structured, skills-based programming that helps young men move beyond homelessness and toward independence with confidence and support.

We are grateful to CN for their commitment to strengthening communities and for supporting youth in Windsor-Essex as they work toward brighter futures.

Click below to check out the list of lessons we offer our residents!

YIP LESSON PLAN