Media

OTTAWA, May 14, 2010  —  Algonquin College, Carleton University, La Cité collégiale, Saint Paul University and the University of Ottawa, with support from the Leadership Table on Homelessness, United Way, the City of Ottawa and Ottawa shelters—Cornerstone, The Ottawa Mission, The Salvation Army Booth Centre and the Shepherds of Good Hope, joined forces today to lend a helping hand to the city’s homeless population.

In an initiative called Project Homeless Connect, the institutions pooled resources to provide one location where homeless people were connected with a variety of services such as medical care, clothing and shoe repair, eye care, pet care as well as bike and wheelchair repair. Comfort kits and clothing were distributed, and lunch was served.

“We are fully committed to addressing the complex issues and challenges that give rise to homelessness,” the presidents of each institution said in a joint statement. “We will continue to lend our support to building community partnerships dedicated to this effort. Together we can bring about significant change.”

Solving homelessness starts with making basic essentials and services more accessible. Project Homeless Connect is a special event that provides a range of services to help homeless people on the road to permanent housing and self-sufficiency. This project builds upon the success of similar events in more than 170 communities across Canada, Australia and the United States.