Each year, students in the Community and Justice Services program at Algonquin College spend 24 hours outdoors in downtown Ottawa to raise awareness about homelessness and to support Operation Come Home, a local employment, education, and support centre for homeless and at-risk youth.

For one full day and night, our students experience—on a small scale—what it means to go without basic needs many of us take for granted: food, shelter, warmth, and comfort. This event is more than a fundraiser—it is a powerful learning experience. It helps future frontline workers in community and justice services develop the compassion, awareness, and insight they will carry into their careers supporting people impacted by poverty, homelessness, addiction, and the criminal justice system.

Funds raised will go to Operation Come Home’s vital programs—like housing, employment, and education initiatives that prevent youth from becoming homeless adults. A portion will also support emergency bursaries for our students, many of whom face financial barriers themselves.

Homelessness is not a distant issue—it exists right here in our nation’s capital. By donating, you are not only supporting vulnerable youth but also helping to shape the next generation of caring, informed, and justice-focused community workers.

Please give what you can, share widely, and stand with us as we spend 24 hours for change!