WRYM'S JULY 2026 NETLETTER

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.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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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.

CHECK OUT OUR 2025 STATS!

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Safe Housing Matters in Every Season

When people think about homelessness and extreme weather, winter often comes to mind first. Recent heat warnings and periods of poor air quality are important reminders that not having a safe place to stay can be dangerous at any time of year.

For a young person experiencing homelessness, escaping extreme heat or wildfire smoke is not always as simple as going indoors. Access to air conditioning, clean air, drinking water, meals, transportation and a safe place to sleep can quickly become urgent concerns.

At WRYM, youth have more than a roof over their heads. They have a climate-controlled home, regular meals and staff available around the clock to help them stay safe and move toward stability. Through our community outreach and aftercare programs, we also remain connected with young people who have moved into housing or are still trying to find a safe place to call home.

The conditions outside may change with the seasons, but the need for safety, stability and support remains constant. Whether facing freezing temperatures, extreme heat or unhealthy air, every young person deserves a secure place to breathe, rest and begin building their future.

AIR QUALITY INDEX AND PROTECTING YOUR HEALTH

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We Did It: The Match Was Met! 

Thanks to an incredible response from our community, WRYM’s Invest in Citizenship campaign raised $15,140, surpassing our $15,000 community fundraising goal and unlocking the full matching pledge.

Together, the campaign generated $30,140 to support youth experiencing homelessness in Windsor-Essex.

Every donation played a role in reaching this milestone. These funds will help provide safe housing, meals, guidance, and practical support as young people work toward education, employment, stable housing, and greater independence.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated, shared the campaign and encouraged others to participate. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the generous donors who provided the matching pledge and inspired the community to make every contribution go twice as far.

The campaign was called Invest in Citizenship because when young people are given safety, stability and consistent support, they are better positioned to build productive futures and contribute to the community around them.

Earlier in the campaign, AM800 helped share this effort with listeners across Windsor-Essex. You can still revisit their coverage to learn more about the campaign and why this support matters by clicking the button below.

Thank you for helping us meet the match, exceed our goal and invest in brighter futures for local youth.

READ THE AM800 STORY