Windsor Youth Centre seeks funding

by Shaneka Williams

The Windsor Youth Centre is looking for further funding to keep the centre open for at-risk teens.

The Windsor Youth Centre, a non-profit organization located at 1321 Wyandotte St. E.,  is a drop-in centre for homeless youth between the ages of 16 and 24. According to their website, it’s estimated that there are 50-100 teens in Windsor living on the street, or bouncing from one house to another. The centre offers free hot meals, laundry services, toiletries and other basic necessities six nights a week.

The Windsor Youth Centre’s mission is to serve the basic and immediate needs of homeless and at-risk youth in a safe and friendly atmosphere with the aim to foster positive change and growth. Since opening in October 2011 the center has grown rapidly.

“We see anywhere between 40-60 youth per night. Right now we’re doing a little more than 1,200 meals per month,” said George Bozanich, a volunteer at the centre. “Each month we’ve been open, it’s been busier as more and more people find out about the place. Not only youth, but other agencies find out and are able to refer their youth here.”

The organization was originally given start-up money from the United Church of Canada, but is now solely operating on donations and volunteers.

Tamara Kowalska is a founding member of the centre and chair of the board. She said they have no core or reliable funding and the only money they receive is what people donate.

“Two years ago, I was living in Windsor, a city that had no resources for homeless youth, and I don’t want to live in a world that can’t provide for it most vulnerable citizens,” said Kowalska

“I personally believe that every society should decide that youth are a priority and provide for them. Unfortunately it’s falling on the shoulders of private citizens.”

Kowalska said many of the teens who are regular drop-ins at the centre have become their own family. She said they feel a sense of ownership and belonging.

Ahmod, who did not want to provide his last name, is a teen who frequently comes to the center.

“The people I have met here give me hope. Anything you need they are willing to do for you,” said Ahmod. “I don’t know what I would have done many nights if the youth centre wasn’t open.”

Kowalska believes another centre similar to the WYC will open in the city within the next five years.

St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Tecumseh will be showing a documentary titled What is Home? March 7. The documentary provides audiences a better understanding of the centre’s significance within the community through profiling several teens who use the centre frequently.

If anyone wants to donate to the Windsor Youth Centre, they can visit their website at www.WindsorYouthCentre.org or visit the centre at 1321 Wyandotte St. E.