The coronavirus has taken a toll on a Windsor non-profit dedicated to keeping young men off the street.
According to a letter posted on the Windsor Residence for Young Men's (WRYM) official website, the organization finds itself in a financial pinch thanks to the pandemic. Despite all possible efforts to lessen the blow of the virus on the residence's pocketbook, founder Gregory Goulin says it isn't nearly enough, and the possibility has arisen that the organization may have to suspend operations.
"While the Windsor Residence for Young Men has been the beneficiary of most generous funding to cope with coronavirus, funding for our basic program has dried up," wrote Goulin. "WRYM has been remarkably COVID free while continuing to transition youth from homelessness; but, we may have to suspend our operations in a matter of weeks because our basic program is not being sufficiently funded."
The basic program at the WRYM is geared toward homeless males aged 16 to 24. Clients are provided with shelter, individual counselling, and life skills training to help them eventually support themselves or return to their own homes. According to WRYM's 2019 statistics, there is an average of 95 per cent success over the past three years.
Goulin said two programs run by the WRYM had to be put on hold because of a lack of funding. About $10,000 was eliminated for the "Kids Next Door" work program because physical distancing was a challenge in the vehicle used to transport four clients and a supervisor. The Youth Independence Program was also restricted since the classroom used was closed per the same provincial restrictions that closed publicly-funded schools.
"We could not apply to fund a program earlier which would have been prohibited from operation with no idea of when the prohibition might be lifted," wrote Goulin.
Goulin added that the community has been very generous with food donations thanks to the June 27th Miracle Food Drive, but about $1,000 per month must still be spent on perishable items like meat and dairy.
The WRYM is hoping that the community can come through with $50,000 to keep the operation moving through the pandemic.
"We understand that 'the virus' has also affected our donors, funders, and grantors in many ways, certainly slowing down the process of assessing our normal needs and their ability to provide for the same while dealing with pandemic funding," wrote Goulin. "But, we must ask you to consider that, while we seem to have built a pandemic wall around WRYM, WRYM may end up a hollow within the shell if we do not receive the program funding now that you would provide later."
A link to an online donation form can be found on the WRYM website.