The Windsor Residence for Young Men. (Photo courtesy of  The Windsor Residence for Young Men)The Windsor Residence for Young Men. (Photo courtesy of The Windsor Residence for Young Men)
Windsor

WRYM launches matching funds campaign promoting citizenship

A non-profit agency that provides services to young men experiencing homelessness has begun a matching-funds campaign to celebrate Canada Day.

The Windsor Residence for Young Men (WRYM) has begun its "Invest in Citizenship" campaign. Until July 2, any donation made to the WRYM marked "citizenship", will be eligible for matching funds. The money will come from $20,000 brought together by private citizens.

"We assist youth experiencing homelessness to give them stability, help them overcome challenges, and lead productive lives," said WRYM Executive Director Jason Weinberg in a media release. "With every youth that we help exit homelessness, our community is strengthened, and we create citizens that can contribute to Windsor-Essex.”

WRYM Founder Greg Goulin put up $10,000 of the matching funds.

"WRYM’s program was founded and remains designed to produce productive citizens from impressionable but homeless young men who might otherwise become broken adults draining on our community resources, involved in crime, addictions, violence [domestic, chauvinistic and otherwise], and dependent on social assistance," said Goulin. "By modelling a healthy family, sometimes the only family these youth have ever known, WRYM helps each resident find a sense of community and learn the importance of active citizenship."

The residence is geared toward people aged 16 to 24 who identify as males. The WRYM's mission is to provide transitional shelter, aftercare, and outreach services for young men who are either homeless or in danger of becoming homeless.

Donations will be matched until the total amount is reached or July 2, whichever comes first.

To learn more about the matching funds campaign or the WRYM's programs, visit the official website.

Read More Local Stories