Don’t Miss the Boat, Cruise for a Cause Is Almost Here! 

September 26 may feel a little way off, but Cruise for a Cause is now only one month away, and the big night will be here before we know it!

To make it easier to enjoy the evening together, we are introducing a new group rate of four tickets for $500. That brings the cost down to $125 per person, saving your group $100 compared to purchasing four regular-priced tickets.

Gather your friends, family or coworkers and join us aboard Windsor Premier Cruises for a three-hour sunset cruise along the Windsor and Detroit waterfronts. The evening includes a chicken and pasta dinner, live music, a cash bar and spectacular river views. Boarding begins at 5:15 p.m., with the cruise running from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Every ticket purchased helps The Windsor Residence for Young Men provide housing, outreach and aftercare support to young people working toward safe, stable and independent futures.

The countdown is on, and space aboard is limited. Don’t wait until the ship has sailed, reserve your tickets, bring your crew and join us on September 26!

Thinking About the Future, Not Just Survival 

Before the summer began, one of our residents had the opportunity to attend his high school prom and celebrate an important chapter in his life.

For many teenagers, prom, graduation and an approaching 18th birthday are expected milestones. For a young person who has experienced homelessness and instability, reaching them can mean something much more.

When this young man first came to WRYM, much of his attention was understandably focused on getting through the immediate challenges in front of him. Today, as he approaches his 18th birthday, he is beginning to think beyond survival and consider what he wants his future to look like.

That change cannot always be captured by statistics. It can be seen in a young person making plans, setting goals and beginning to believe that a different future is possible.
At WRYM, we are proud to celebrate every step forward. Attending prom, completing high school and preparing for adulthood are not the end of his journey, but they are meaningful signs of how far he has come.

This is what stability can create: the space for a young person to stop worrying only about today and begin imagining tomorrow.

We regularly share resident milestones, organizational updates and more stories from WRYM on our Facebook page. Follow along to see the impact your support helps make possible.

Cruise for a Cause Sets Sail This September 

This fall, The Windsor Residence for Young Men is trading the fairway for the Detroit River with the launch of Cruise for a Cause, taking place Saturday, September 26 aboard Windsor Premier Cruises.

Due to circumstances outside our control, we are unable to move forward with our annual golf tournament this year. Rather than miss the opportunity to gather with our supporters and raise essential funds for young people experiencing homelessness, we are creating an entirely new experience, and we hope you will join us on board.

Guests will enjoy a three-hour sunset cruise featuring a chicken and pasta dinner, live music entertainment, a cash bar and spectacular views of the Windsor and Detroit waterfronts. Boarding begins at 5:15 p.m., with the cruise running from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

We are already seeing strong community support. Motor City Community Credit Union has joined us as our Entertainment Sponsor, while Unifor Local 195 and RMP Advisors have come aboard as Crew Sponsors. We are grateful for their early commitment.

There are still several ways for businesses and community partners to be part of the evening, including our exclusive Anchor Sponsorship, two Deck Sponsorships and additional Crew Sponsorships. Each sponsorship offers valuable recognition while directly supporting WRYM’s housing, outreach and aftercare programs.

Early Bird tickets are $125 until August 15, after which the price increases to $150. Space aboard the cruise is limited, so we encourage supporters to reserve their tickets early.

Come enjoy an unforgettable evening on the river while helping young people move beyond homelessness and toward safe, stable and independent futures.

Success Story: More Than a Set of Keys

Marcus’s name and identifying details have been changed to protect his privacy.

When Marcus arrived at WRYM, nearly everything he owned fit into two bags.

He had been moving between unstable places, never knowing how long he could stay or what would happen next. School had been interrupted, important identification was missing, and the idea of having a home of his own felt impossibly far away.

At first, Marcus’s goals were simple: get through the day, eat a proper meal and finally sleep somewhere he felt safe.

Over time, those goals began to grow.

With support from WRYM staff, Marcus replaced his identification, opened a bank account, built a resume and began applying for work. He learned how to budget, plan meals and manage the responsibilities that come with living independently. There were setbacks and frustrating days, but there were also people beside him who continued to believe that his future could be different.

Eventually, Marcus found employment and began saving. Then came the moment he had been working toward: a rental unit of his own.

Receiving the keys was about much more than opening a door. For the first time in a long time, Marcus knew where he would be sleeping that night, the next night and the night after that. He had a space that belonged to him and the confidence that he had earned his way there.

His relationship with WRYM did not end when he moved out. Through aftercare, staff remained available as Marcus adjusted to rent, groceries, work and the everyday challenges of maintaining his independence.

Today, Marcus is safely housed and building a life on his own terms.

His journey is a reminder that young people experiencing homelessness do not lack potential. Sometimes, they simply need safety, consistency and someone willing to keep showing up until they are ready to take the next step.