WRYM's June 2020 Netletter

The COVID Challenge –A No Panic Pandemic!
COVID-19 has changed much of normal life for all of us over the past three months - but, the Windsor Residence for Young Men has never considered itself "normal." While “sheltering in place”, we have continued to assist our guys throughout the pandemic with significant success. Nine homeless male youth have participated in our Transitional Housing Program alone, and  six have been housed! Although "normal" schools are closed, classes around here continue! All of our residents have been participating in our Youth Independence Program to earn a high school credit, and many are nearing graduation. Finding employment is challenging in many ways during these times; but, two of our guys were able to find jobs; and, one has been working hard to keep his job in the midst of the chaos we are all experiencing.

​Thank you for giving these vulnerable youth an opportunity to "shelter-in place," where they can be safe and supported. We would not have been able to change the lives of these young men without your help and the tireless effort of our staff.

Though some things have changed, WRYM has adapted to a “new normal”. Now, we are even prepared to “isolate in place” if required.

​The best protection against COVID-19 is a home
In this blog, Built for Zero Canada Improvement Advisor Amanda DiFalco urges communities to use this crisis to accelerate efforts to end homelessness. She says, "As communities rush to protect homeless people from a global pandemic, they are putting in place critical emergency responses. Shelters and hotels can provide a measure of short-term protection, but they are all at best a stop-gap measure. People experiencing homelessness are at dramatically elevated risk from COVID-19 because they have no home to stay in. In this blog, Amanda DiFalco urges communities to use this crisis to accelerate efforts to end homelessness.

​For the rest of Amanda DiFalco's comments, visit the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness website.

​Gregory D. Goulin, LSM, JD (ret.)
Executive Director, (pro bono)