The smell of barbecue and the sounds of live rock filledthe University of Ottawa campus May 14.

From afar, the lawn in front of U of O’s Tabaret Hall may have resembled the scene of another wild party. But this time the revelers were student volunteers and several hundred homeless Ottawa residents.

Project Homeless Connect Ottawa was a collaboration between U of O, Carleton University, Algonquin College and La Cité Collégiale, aimed at providing Ottawa’s homeless with essential services.

“Help for the homeless, above all, comes through better access to basic goods and services,” said the organizers in a statement.  

Students from Algonquin College and U of O provided first aid, pet care, bike and wheelchair repair and clothing and shoe repair, and everyone received a personal care kit.

Service Canada was on hand to help employees get social insurance numbers. In addition, Dr. Harry Prizant offered free eye exams.

The Free Store was packed until closing. One woman said she had lost 80 pounds due to illness and was thrilled with her clothing finds.

Dozens of volunteers milled between the booths and  made sure those in need were being helped.

Volunteer Jessica Wa Kumbu and her friends signed up because Tabaret Hall “is right near our work, and we want to help,” she said.

“The more you’re exposed to [homelessness], the more you realize something needs to be done about it,” said volunteer Victoria Miron, a fourth-year student at U of O.

Numerous stereotypes were challenged at the event. Homelessness does not definitively mean living on the street; many attendees said they used shelters like the Ottawa Mission, or friends’ couches.

“It’s hard living at the Mission,” said Keith (first name only) , a recovering alcoholic. “But it’s better than nothing.”
Nor are all homeless unemployed; several participants said they held various jobs.

Many participants had come for specific services. One newly employed man said he needed the soles of his boots repaired because  the boots were “eating a pair of socks a day.” 

His friend recently enrolled at Everest College and  said he wanted information on assistance with the $13,000 annual tuition.

U of O psychology students noted participants’ concerns on their event assessments. Event director Julie Cafley said there would “absolutely” be a second, event next year and there was room for improvement.
Donny (first name only) said he has been homeless for 20 years and came to Project Homeless Connect to learn about housing options. He  said he was disappointed  there was no housing help present.

Other services  requested for next year included massages, a barber shop and legal counsel.

Service Canada employee Daniel Lalonde said he was surprised the event lacked a community liaison officer, as there is often conflict between the homeless and other groups.

Organizers said United Way’s Leadership Table on Homelessness approached U of O president Allan Rock last year with the idea of bringing Project Homeless Connect to Ottawa.

The project already operates in over 200 cities across North America and Australia.

“We are going to continue to support community partnerships that contribute to this effort,”the organizers said in a statement.

“Together, we can really help change things.”