A call for funding from a Windsor non-profit has resulted in a significant financial boost.
The Windsor Residence for Young Men (WRYM) got a good start in its January appeal for funding by accepting a $13,000 pledge from a former client who has benefited from the services provided by the WRYM and has since gone on to a career.
The residence's Dave Freeman was both taken aback and grateful for the news, considering a recent fundraising drive by the WRYM fell short of expectations.
"This young man had nothing," said Freeman, the chair of donor development. "He was on the street with no shelter, family or income. And yet, once in the Transitional Housing Program, he saw a future for himself. He worked, paid for a university education, and is now building a successful professional career. He wants to help others do the same."
Freeman said the donor is extraordinarily grateful for the push the resident gave him to get on his feet, and the donor wants to remain anonymous.
The program is geared toward homeless males aged 16 to 24, providing shelter, individual counselling, and life skills training to help them eventually support themselves or return to their own homes. According to the 2019 statistics provided by the WRYM, there is an average 95 per cent success rate over the past three years. Freeman said the program is unique in the region.
"This is the only supportive transitional housing program for young men in Windsor," said Freeman. "It’s not an emergency shelter, drop-in centre or subsidized housing. It is an essential community program that diverts young men with potential from the streets at the earliest possible age. Overall, WRYM is a lifeline to about 20 per cent of the local homeless population."
Freeman pointed out that the WRYM receives very little in terms of government funding at any level, and when it first began in 2012, attitudes toward vulnerable boys and young men were very different.
"Many people did not want to recognize that young men could be vulnerable victims, that some demoralized victims can also become perpetrators, and that early intervention can benefit the entire community," said Freeman. "Three agencies were providing good and essential transitional housing services for women, but there was nothing for young men."
Since the WRYM supports itself through community donations, Freeman said they are always close to folding since all funds go into the facilities and programs. It is support such as the one from the anonymous former client that allows them to look ahead.
"Every year, we risk the collapse of transitional housing services for homeless young men in our community," said Freeman. "We are doing our best to raise awareness of what WRYM does among elected officials and government funding and program administrators, while also continuing to appeal to citizens."
Complete information about the WRYM can be found on its official website.