WRYM's 2021 Holiday Netletter

Vindication

Despite initial opposition, WRYM’s program was a decade ahead of its time. The original Housing First model is now acknowledged not to have been one size fitting all and would have inappropriately placed our guys, homeless youth, at an adult shelter, like the Downtown Mission, (but not so for our at risk female youth for which there were 3 specialized places of refuge). I highly recommend you spend a few minutes reading the attached article from the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, also known as The Homeless Hub, at York University. (You might even notice that the schematic explanations used in the article look an awful lot like the ones we devised years ago and still use today).

Some Thoughts on Holiday Gifts

With regard to your requests for items that “our guys” may need, might I offer a few thoughts. First, each guy’s needs are truly meaningful, are unique; and, our counselors know them best. Second, many kind and generous folks make similar requests each year with the result that, in addition to duplication, the guys invariably end up with more “stuff” than they have ever received, (more than my own ever did and they lacked for little). Most often this results in the really unintended negative result that after leaving us they look back and they realize that their best Holiday Season, things wise, was at WRYM, resulting in them questioning the progress they have made, for themselves and their own children.

So, may I make the following suggestion: many concerned citizens, like you, are going to their families and friends saying “We have done well. We need little. Let’s not spend on ourselves this Season and rather give to the less fortunate.” , in this case “our guys”. Consequently, more and more, we are seeing cheques coming in from families or groups of people 

organized by a person like you. Our staff then does the shopping that meets the individual needs of the guys, even if it’s as simple as the right size. Donations can also be made in the name of a friend or loved one. In fact, “tribute giving”, as it is called, is a very simple and popular option during the Season.

WRYM's annual program budget is almost $400,000. With an average of 40 residents assisted each year, the annual cost per resident is about $10,000. AND, some of our donors, individually or in groups, have taken on the responsibility of sponsoring one or even more of “our guys” each year.

Give a homeless youth breakfast, lunch, and supper for 1 day - $5.00
Give a homeless youth a 2-hour life-skill counselling and training session - $20.00
Give a homeless youth 1 day of housing, emotional support, food, and life-skill teaching - $100.00

​And from Tuesday November 30 to Sunday December 19, customers of The Home Depot at Walker and Divisions roads in Windsor (store #7228) will be asked by Home Depot employees if they wish to take part in The Orange Door Project.
With a $2 donation at the cashier or online, customers can help WRYM and formerly homeless youth as they empower themselves as full citizens. All funds raised at that store, and sponsor funds, will benefit residents of the Windsor Residence for Young Men.

​Stay safe and please share this with your friends.
Greg