ALGONQUIN COLLEGE
Algonquin College learners beg on the street to raise money and awareness for Operation Come Home

On Friday, Oct. 21, 2023, students from Algonquin College's Community and Justice Services program will take to Elgin Street for 24 hours as part of Operation Come Home's 24 Hours of Homelessness event. During this time, students will beg for money to raise funds and awareness for Ottawa's homeless population.

Roughly a dozen second-year Community and Justice Services students, alongside Professor Cat Baron, will brave the elements over a busy weekend in downtown Ottawa. The event, being held for the first time since 2015, will see funds raised for Operation Come Home in its efforts to provide support to at-risk and homeless youth.

"Algonquin College students will see the issues of poverty and homelessness up close as they walk in the shoes of their future clients," said Professor Baron. "Insight gained from this experience will make learners more compassionate, more aware and more informed as workers in community and justice service agencies."

In addition to the fundraising efforts, a key goal of the event is to draw attention to the realities faced by those who do not have access to basic needs like shelter, food and proper clothing, things that many people take for granted.

To support this worthy cause, donations can be made online or in-person directly to the students participating on the street during the event.