The Need
WRYM provides supportive, transitional housing for young men 16-24 years of age who are homeless, or are at risk of becoming homeless, or who are living in an unacceptable environment without appropriate adult support. WRYM is the only such supportive housing for young men in Windsor-Essex County.
Local studies recommend safe, affordable, youth-specific housing that teaches life-skills while addressing issues unique to homeless youth. These issues include higher school drop out rates, literacy, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, poverty, and mental health. WRYM provides a safe and encouraging environment where young men can learn independent living skills, improve their education and seek employment.
Local studies recommend safe, affordable, youth-specific housing that teaches life-skills while addressing issues unique to homeless youth. These issues include higher school drop out rates, literacy, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, poverty, and mental health. WRYM provides a safe and encouraging environment where young men can learn independent living skills, improve their education and seek employment.
"Before coming to WRYM, I was in a horrible state. I was homeless, lost and depressed.
I did not know where my life was going."
There are approximately 65,000 homeless youth across Canada:
- up to 80% are the "hidden homeless," couch surfing vs sleeping on the streets
- 33% experience mental health challenges
- suicide among homeless people is 40 times the national average
- average life expectancy for a homeless youth is 39
- homeless youth are 127 times more likely to die of preventable causes
- the mortality rate for homeless youth is 8 times the national youth rate
- 1/3 of homeless youth have been raped or beaten as a child
- 37% of sexual abuse victims under 21 are male
- 63% grew up in a family with housing challenges
- 68% come from foster care and shelters
- 40% of runaways stay on the street
- 62% have dropped out of school due to lack of support
- 73% are unemployed
- 71% have been involved with the criminal justice system
- 41% experience substance abuse - 37% witnessed it growing up
- males 15-24 experience the highest rates of victimization
- they are also the most active in crimes against property and of minor violence
“I was fed, showered and had a bed to sleep in and a roof over my head and I was grateful for this. At this moment of that day, I felt I actually had a second chance at life. I had a sense of hope.”
