During National Volunteer Week (April 19–25), we will be shining the spotlight on a few of Dans la rue’s 129 dedicated, hard-working volunteers. Join us throughout the week as we take a closer look at the invaluable role these individuals play.
Every Tuesday, from noon to 4 p.m., Aly sits at a table at the back of the Day Centre cafeteria, where she meets with youth and answers their legal questions. She began volunteering at Dans la rue in October 2025, and it didn’t take long for these sessions to become a welcome part of her weekly routine.
An impressive background
Aly was put in touch with Dans la rue through Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC). A second-year law student enrolled in a joint-degree program at the Université de Montréal, she has her sights set on a career in criminal or healthcare law.
Applying to PBSC struck her as a great way to put her legal knowledge to good use while making her university experience more meaningful.
“It’s something I care about. It was a good opportunity to see what it’s like to be a practising lawyer and be in contact with people who have a real need for legal services.”
As someone with an academic background in health and sociology and who has been an active volunteer since the age of 16, Aly saw this as a natural next step in her career. She wasn’t particularly fazed by her first session at the Day Centre, having already worked with people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable situations.
Her innate confidence and professional demeanour are immediately apparent. She puts others at ease in a calm, non-judgmental way.
“I try to get across that this is a safe space. There’s no shame or taboos. I want them to feel comfortable.”
Providing real access to justice
Aly’s goal in this role is to serve as an initial point of contact with the law. She helps youth understand their rights, encourages them to ask questions and directs them toward the appropriate resources and individuals for support.
Most of the enquiries relate to criminal law and public law, with a particular focus on interactions with law enforcement. Her friendly approach and skill at translating legal concepts into easy-to-understand language make youth feel less alienated and more empowered, especially in situations where they are more vulnerable.
The learning goes both ways. As she supports youth, Aly is becoming more familiar with the practical ins and outs of the legal system — what resources are available, who to contact and how to approach certain matters — none of which can be learned through a textbook.
Never a dull moment
On a typical day at Dans la rue, Aly will meet with three young people. Some come on their own; others have a counsellor with them to make the first conversation less intimidating. Her warm smile, her approachability and her attentive listening skills quickly help build trust.
Some youth are hesitant to open up right away. But Aly often sees progress by the second session, when most come unaccompanied and appear more relaxed.
When situations are particularly sensitive or emotionally difficult, Aly strives to remain compassionate while still staying focused on providing legal support.
“I feel like I have the right tools to deal with this kind of situation, and I want to use them to make a difference.”
Multiple realities that often go overlooked
Although she has experience working with vulnerable populations, Aly says this is the most sustained contact she has had with this particular community. She has been struck by the diversity of backgrounds and the complexity of the situations she encounters. She has observed an overlap between homelessness and immigration, and noted the overrepresentation of trans and non-binary youth among those she supports.
Among the numerous communication challenges she has faced have been language barriers, cultural differences and mistrust of public institutions. Using interpreters, technology and her own resourcefulness, Aly has worked to establish a dialogue with Spanish- and Arab-speaking youth as well as those whose grasp of French is still developing.
In some cases, she deliberately adopts an informal approach to build a more relaxed rapport.
An impactful experience
For Aly, this volunteer experience has been deeply enriching. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, thoughtful communication and challenging societal biases. She is not afraid to speak up and reframe any discriminatory comments when she hears them.
Although her schedule will not let her continue volunteering at Dans la rue after her current term ends, she hopes to remain in touch with the organization and one day return in an official legal capacity, where she feels she can be even more useful.
“The support I’ve had is amazing. The working environment, the atmosphere, the people… everything’s been incredible.”
