Hundreds of people of all ages—and quite a few of their canine companions—took to the streets of New London on a sunny spring afternoon to raise $60,870 for the New London Homeless Hospitality Center during the 18th annual Walk to End Homelessness on Sunday, April 27.

The walk is a tradition organized each year by Connecticut College in partnership with the Homeless Hospitality Center. This year, in honor of the Inauguration of President Andrea E. Chapdelaine on April 26, the College served as a presenting sponsor. The money raised will provide critical support for unhoused and housing-insecure individuals in the region.

Mikayla Aquino ’26, an English and gender, sexuality and intersectionality studies major, psychology minor and scholar in the Holleran Center for Community Action and Public Policy from Melrose Park, Illinois, said this event was a meaningful reminder of how advocacy and education intersect.

“The planning process involved learning from local organizations and community members with lived experience, which shaped the way we approached the walk, not just as a fundraiser, but as an act of solidarity,” she said, noting that the walk route was updated this year to showcase different parts of the city. “I decided to get involved because I believe that having a safe and stable home is foundational to success in every area of life, especially in education. As a future educator, I know that students cannot learn or thrive academically if their basic needs are not being met.”

First-year student Kaiden Dalby ’28, an intended chemistry major and government minor from North Smithfield, Rhode Island, said the walk was a great way for him to support an important cause and connect with Conn’s host city.

“I wanted to get out into the community and contribute in a meaningful way,” he said. “Greater awareness of this issue must be spread to help the people who are suffering and often trapped in an endless cycle of homelessness despite their best efforts to seek help or employment.”

Steven Saccoccio ’28, an undecided first-year from East Greenwich, Rhode Island, is the vice president-elect of Connecticut College Model UN. He said the club’s members wanted to get involved to reflect their commitment to addressing not just international problems, but local issues as well.

“The best part was seeing the crowd of people marching, especially down Bank Street. So many people came out to support the walk and it was great to see the community rally support around this issue,” he said.

Aquino agreed. “The sense of solidarity and compassion was really powerful, and it reminded me of the collective impact we can make when we center justice and care in our actions.”