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CJS 24 Hours of Homelessness 2026
0% complete
$1,380 raised of
19 donations
What if you had to spend 24 hours on the street with nothing?
On October 16th to 17th, second-year Community and Justice Services (CJS) students from Algonquin College are stepping outside their comfort zone to participate in the annual CJS 24 Hours of Homelessness event. For a full 24 hours, these students will brave the elements outdoors at Minto Park on Elgin Street, relying on basic items like cardboard boxes and tarps for shelter while staying off their phones and unplugging from daily comforts.
While 24 hours can never fully capture the daily reality of living on the street, this experience gives our future frontline community workers a vital glimpse into the challenges, isolation, and obstacles faced by individuals experiencing homelessness in Ottawa. Our goal is to build deep empathy, raise public awareness, and generate crucial funding for local services.
Where Your Donation Goes
Every dollar raised directly impacts our community:
- Operation Come Home (65% of proceeds): Supports Ottawa’s homeless and at-risk youth by providing daily drop-in resource centre access, hot meals, basic necessities, crisis support, housing navigation, and employment programs.
- CJS Emergency Student Bursary (30% of proceeds): Assists Algonquin College CJS students who are facing financial hardship so they can stay in school and complete their education.
- Class Fund (5%): Covers minor incidental costs such as cards for a grieving student and gifts for special guests.
Over the history of this initiative, CJS students have raised more than $70,000 for community partners and student support. With your help, we can continue making a tangible difference for Ottawa’s most vulnerable youth.
How You Can Help:
- Donate: Any contribution—from spare change to larger pledges—makes a meaningful difference.
- Share: Please share this GoFundMe link with your friends, family, and social networks to help spread the word.
- Visit Us: Stop by Minto Park during the event (from 12:00 PM on October 16 to 12:00 PM on October 17) to drop off cash donations or show your support.
Thank you for supporting CJS students and helping us end youth homelessness in Ottawa!