Ottawa students spend 24 hours on the street in support of homelessness

OTTAWA , Oct. 21 /CNW/ - For the fourth consecutive year students from the Community and Justice Services program at La Cité collégiale will spend 24 hours on the street in an effort to boost their understanding of the issue of homelessness and to raise funds for the Salvation Army's Housing Response Team.

Approximately 25 students are expected to participate in this year's event which will be held at DunDonald Park (Somerset and Lyon). Beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22 , the students will spend 24 hours in the park and experience homelessness first hand.

"This event is an excellent way for these students to learn first-hand about the complex issues surrounding homelessness" said Michael Maidment, spokesperson for The Salvation Army. "I certainly commend these students for their commitment to increasing awareness about homelessness in Ottawa and their efforts to raise funds to help people directly affected by this issue."

Media are invited to drop in at any time during the 24 hour event.

    
    WHEN:   Thursday, October 22, at 5:00 p.m. to Friday, October 23,
            at 5:00 p.m.

    WHERE:  DunDonald Park, Somerset & Lyon
    

About the Salvation Army's Housing Response Team:

The Salvation Army's Housing Response Team, which receives funding from the City of Ottawa , works to find permanent housing for homeless families and individuals using the "housing first" strategy. Clients are placed in appropriate housing and connected with resource and support services within the community.

News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca.

For further information: For La Cité collégiale: Danielle Paris, Coordinator - La Cité collégiale, Community and Justice Services Program, Phone: [phone], ext. 2504, Cell: [phone]; For The Salvation Army: Michael Maidment, Area Director, Public Relations, Cell: [phone]