According to the Government of Canada In Ontario, teens(youth 13-24) make up a significant portion of the homeless population (around12-20%), often experiencing hidden homelessness or using transitional housingmore than shelters, with reasons primarily stemming from family conflict, trauma,and mental health issues, leading to high rates of first-time homelessnessbefore age 16 and overrepresentation of Indigenous and 2SLGBTQI+ youth.Statistics show youth homelessness is undercounted but deeply impactful, withmany facing significant barriers and adverse experiences. 

The Windsor Residence for Young Men (WRYM) supportsyouth ages 16-24 as they leave homelessness behind to build new lives.  WRYM provides a supportive, functional family atmosphere, delivers individualcounselling, and teaches basic life skills.  WRYM helps youth experiencinghomelessness integrate into the community and reconnect with extended family orindependent living, as well as education and employment.  We supportactive citizenship, not dependence, and we follow up with our residents as theybecome active citizens.  We work together to end homelessness.

Selena Cosme is an aftercare and outreach worker for the organization, and shejoined me this week to tell me more about how this vitally importantorganization is working to end homelessness across Windsor-Essex and provideyoung men in our local community with a brighter future.

For more information: https://www.wrym.ca/

Email: executivedirector@wrym.ca