Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day

The National Coalition for the Homeless, the National Consumer Advisory Board and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council encourage communities to host public events on December 21 remembering your neighbors who have died homeless in the past year.

Links to many resources are below, including the 2011 National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day Organizing Manual, to give you ideas about activities you may want to plan in your own community.

Please fill out the following if you are planning or interested in planning a Homeless Persons Memorial Day event: Local Event Information for National Homeless Persons Memorial Day 2011.

2011 Homeless Persons Memorial Day Events

Arizona

Tempe: We are planning a free concert, collection of items for our homeless neighbors, and a candlelight vigil.  For more information, contact Jenny Norton at Jenny@Starwest.us.  We remember our friend Sandy this year.

 

California

Concord: Project HOPE’s 7th Annual Homeless Memorial was held Friday, November 18, 2011 from 10:00am – 1:00pm at the Concord United Methodist Church on West Street. The Memorial was planned and hosted by the community-based nonprofit, Anka Behavioral Health, Inc. to remember the lives of the 45 men and women who experienced homelessness and passed away this year.
This past year in Contra Costa County, 6,376 people used homeless services from July of 2010 to June 2011. Of these numbers, 37% are children or youth, 15% are over the age of 55, and 5.7% are veterans.
Address: 1645 West Street, Concord, CA
Contact: 925.825.4700

 

Pasadena: All Saints Pasadena (132 N. Euclid Avenue) is planning a Homeless Memorial Service on Dec. 16, 2011 at 6:00 PM. We are planning a service following the traditional order of service used for Episcopalian memorials and plan to change some of the readings to include materials from Islam and Judaism. In addition there will be original poetry read by authors who are homeless. A reception featuring food donated by local restaurants and information tables staffed by local homeless organizations will follow the service. Local press has ben invited. The service is intended to allow a sacred space in which the community may gather to give honor to the lives of those who have died on the streets, embrace and recognize them as members of the human family and finally to commend their souls to a loving, forgiving, inclusive God. We have a list of 53 names. Contact Catherine Swanson, (626) 583-2750 or cswanson@allsaints-pas.org for more information or visit the website at http://www.allsaints-pas.org/calendar/2011/12/16/eid-209194766/psrc-serviceu/

 

San Diego: The San Diego Rescue Mission’s 10th annual candlelight vigil for the homeless [took] place Sunday, November 6.  Sixty-one people in the procession will carry a pair of shoes representing the 54 male and 7 female homeless individuals who died on the streets of San Diego County in the last year. For more, read: http://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/out-about/2011/nov/02/candlelight-memorial-vigil-for-the-homeless/

 

San Francisco: Please join us and San Francisco Network Ministries on December 21, 5:30 p.m., in Civic Center Plaza (corner of Polk St & McAllister St.) for an interfaith memorial for our family members, friends, and community members who have passed away while homeless in 2011.  This is not a protest, but a memorial service. All are welcome.  If you have loved ones or acquaintances who have passed away while homeless in 2011, please send their names to Reverend Glenda Hope, so that we may read their names among those we memorialize.  http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=6286

 

San Jose (Santa Clara County): On December 15, 2011 61 neighbors who died without housing were remembered.  Their names are listed and more information is provided here: http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_19556513?source=rss

 

Santa Monica:  St. Monica Catholic Community and the Westside Shelter & Hunger Coalition
Events: Interfaith Celebration of Life: Remembering homeless community members who have passed away during the past year was held on Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Address: Christine Reed Park, 1133 7th Street, Santa Monica, California. (Corner of Lincoln Blvd. and California St.)  Contact: Christine, Christine@stmonica.net. 310-314-0071

 

Ventura: The Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura will be holding its annual memorial service for the homeless who have died during the last year. The event will be held at Plaza Park in Ventura on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 3 p.m., sponsored by the church’s Lift Up Your Voice project. Music and refreshments will be provided. http://www.vcreporter.com/cms/story/detail/in_brief/9408/

 

Colorado

Denver: The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless will be hosting the 15th annual Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigil on Tuesday, December 20 from 5:30 to 6:15 on the steps of the Denver City and County Building.  Contact Meg Costello if you’d like more information: mcostello@coloradocoalition.org.

http://www.coloradocoalition.org//media/news_releases/vigiladvisory.aspx

 

Grand Junction: Pastor Gary Haddock, fourth from right, leads a group of about two dozen people in a prayer Sunday at Hawthorne Park during the 14th annual service in memory of homeless people who have died in Grand Junction.  Read more: http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/service_a_reminder_of_homeless

 

Connecticut

Stamford: http://blogs.thehour.com/newshound/?p=6487

 

District of Columbia

Washington: 67 People to Be Remembered at Washington, DC Memorial Day at the local observance of National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day at 6 p.m. on Wed., Dec. 21st at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1313 New York Ave., NW.  Take the Metro to McPherson Square.  Walk two blocks south from the 14th St. exit.  Service begins outside at 6 p.m.  Free dinner inside at 7 p.m.

Speakers include: DC City Council Member Michael A. Brown; Neil Donovan, Executive Director, National Coalition for the Homeless; Shaun Donovan, Secretary, U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development; Rev. Ashley Goff, Church of the Pilgrims; Rev. Tara Spuhler McCabe, New York Avenue Presbyterian Church; Father Evelio Menjivar, Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle; David Pirtle, Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau; Barbara Poppe, Executive Director, U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness; Steve Thomas, Faces of Homelessness Speakers’ Bureau, National Coalition for the Homeless; 
Music by: Bob Ballard. Hearts of Fire Project (CA); Church of the Epiphany Welcome Table Choir (Voices of the Streets)

Co-sponsors: National Coalition for the Homeless (DC); National Consumer Advisory Board (TN); National Health Care for the Homeless Council (TN); Coalition of Housing & Homeless Organizations (DC); SOME (So Others Might Eat) (DC); Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless (DC).  For more information, contact: info@nationalhomeless.org;   202-462-4822 x234

 

Florida

Ft. Lauderdale: Our Homeless Memorial was on December 15th. It was collaboration between the Task Force Ending Homelessness and our local Health Care for the Homeless Advisory Board (Carol Hall is a member), Henderson Behavioral Health and HOPE South Florida. We had the Memorial Service and a dinner. Approximately 90 came to the Memorial and an additional 75 came to the dinner. 29 of our neighbors were remembered this year.

 

Key West: Florida Keys Outreach Coalition for the Homeless invites everyone to join with FKOC, Monroe County Social Services, and SHAL members this December 21st at 3pm to pay our respects to over a dozen individuals who have died homeless in Key West and Monroe County over this past year. Ushers will be on hand at the main gate of the cemetery by the Sexton’s office to direct you to the vault. Address: PO Box 4767, Key West, FL 33041, Contact: (305) 293-0641

 

Lake City: Our homeless coalition is planning our 4th homeless vigil in Columbia County, FL and our 2nd event in Suwannee County, FL on December 21. You can contact unitedway@bellsouth.net for more information or if you would like to participate.

 

Melbourne: Daily Bread, Salvation Army, Brevard County Continuum of Care
Events: Eight different denomination clergy praying memorial prayers, readings from Old and New Testament, Benediction, Reading of names of those passed, taps and wreath laying ceremony.
Address: Daily Bread, 815 East Fee Ave., Melbourne, Florida 32901
Names of Homeless that have passed away in the past year: Richard Person, Henry J. Caron, Donna Parkins, Rob Shenarts, Joanne Sheafer, Carol Irby, Heidi Wheelden, Joni Preston, Bobby Spires, Camdon Powers, James Fitchett, David Brezec, Tony Keaton, Toni Jo Sarate, Wilbur Frye. For more, contact: John Farrell, (321) 723-1060, john@dailybreadinc.org

 

Orlando (Central Florida): The Homeless Services Network of Central Florida will hold a candlelight memorial on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. in the chapel at First Presbyterian Church, 106 East Church Street, Orlando to commemorate the lives of our homeless neighbors who died in Central Florida during the past year. For many of the individuals who will be honored, this ceremony will be their only memorial tribute. The Homeless Services Network of Central Florida will hold a candlelight memorial on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. in the chapel at First Presbyterian Church, 106 East Church Street, Orlando to commemorate the lives of our homeless neighbors who died in Central Florida during the past year. For many of the individuals who will be honored, this ceremony will be their only memorial tribute. This is the tenth annual vigil to be held in Central Florida.
Address: First Presbyterian Church of Orlando (FPCO) Chapel at Corner of Magnolia and Church Streets, 106 East Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801. Contact: (407) 893-0133 x107

 

Pinellas Park: Pinellas County Coalition for the Homeless (PCCH), Celebrate Outreach
Events: More than fifty people who died while experiencing homelessness in
Pinellas County will be remembered in memorial services to be held on
Sunday, December 18th at 4:00 p.m. in three locations around the county. The community is invited to participate in these services, and attendees are encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food items and new warm clothing items (jackets, knit caps, gloves, tube socks, etc.).
This year, the hour-long memorial services in Pinellas County will feature Scripture readings, music by local choral groups, eulogies on the theme “A Celebration of Life,” and candlelight remembrances of the deceased. Proclamations from local governments will be presented at the memorial services. Free hot meals will be served after each service to provide opportunities for homeless consumers, service providers, advocates, community leaders and others to share a meal together in celebration of the lives of those who once walked among us. “Ditty” bags containing personal care products and warm clothing will be distributed to homeless people attending the services.

The primary service will be held on Sunday, December 18th at 4:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 401 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg. Gregory “G.W.” Rolle, a homeless advocate and publisher of St. Petersburg Homeless Image (a street newspaper covering homeless and related issues), will eulogize those who died while experiencing homelessness in Pinellas County. Other services will be held in Clearwater and Tarpon Springs.
Address: Trinity Lutheran Church, 401 Fifth St. N., St. Petersburg, 33781
Names of Homeless that have passed away in the past year: Angel Wade, Angel, Bill, Bruce Morse, Carlos Veras, Charles Jobe, Cleveland Burnham, Clinton Burns, Dag Anderson, Danny Rivera, Denver Grosse, Douglas Quick, Eddie Thompson, Eugene Murphy, Francis Barnacz, Fred Murray, Gary Floding, Jaime Martinez, James Delgado, James Powell, James Lennon, Jason Brooks, Jean Meyers, Jeffrey Kinzle, John Martin, Jr., John, Kevin Holda, Lloyd, Michael Ivy, Michael Sanders, Misty Jones, Randall King, Robert Wilson, Robin Scratchard, Ronald Holmes, Rose Jordan, Shannon Mulford, Shelly Thomas, Ted Lenox, Teri Dawson, Thomas Sustacek, Thomas Byerly, Timothy Yandle, Tom DeHass, Tracy Adams, Unknown Man 01, Unknown Man 02, Unknown Man 03, Unknown Man 04, Unknown Woman 01, Unknown Woman 02, Victor Manuel Juarez
Contact: George Bolden, 727-424-1325, webmaster@celebrateoutreach.org

 

Tallahassee: Homeless Persons Memorial Service, Wednesday, December 21, 6-7pm
Park Street Chain of Parks: E. Peck Green Park, (Park Avenue between Bronough & Duval)
Come join us on the first day of winter and the longest night of the year to honor those who have passed away while homeless. We remember 16 of our neighbors this year.
For more info: 576-5566 or info@bigbendhc.org.

 

Tampa: Tampa Homeless Coalition
Events: Christmas came a little early last night in Joe Chillura Park. Homeless men and women gathered to receive clothing collected by students on our campuses and sleeping bags provided through donations of individuals and corporations. A committed set of volunteers quietly sorted them into piles along a fifty-foot section of concrete retaining wall. “Remember,” they whispered quietly, “Children’s sizes to the left.” The staff of the Tampa Homeless Coalition of Hillsborough County gathered there, with about 150 individuals from all walks of life, to participate in the Homeless Memorial Day service, for the known 58 individuals who died during the past year on our city’s streets.
Address: E Kennedy Blvd and N Morgan St, Downtown Tampa, Tampa, FL, 33655
Contact: Synod House at 813-876-7660, \n info@fbsynod.org

 

West Palm Beach: National Homeless Persons Memorial Day will be recognized in West Palm Beach, Florida on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 5:30pm. The evening service will take place at Currie Park. This event will be sponsored by The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County and affiliated community partners. We believe this to be the first organized Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day in Palm Beach County to be publicized and open to all. On this day of winter solstice, individuals who have died homeless this year (13), or died experiencing the struggles of homelessness over the last few years (50) will be memorialized. With the community, we recommit to them to end homelessness.

Program highlights include: A prelude and recessional by the Palm Beach Drumming Circle, the sharing of the premature end to one homeless man’s life, as told by his friend, a formerly homeless individual, the reading of names, bell tolling, a live musical selection, a moment of silence, and a water lantern release. Each lantern will be filled with sentiment cards composed at the beginning of the service containing messages for the departed. Advocate and County Commissioner Priscilla Taylor will also share words in honor. Blankets, gently used coats, non-perishable food and toiletry items will be available for immediate distribution to those in need after the conclusion of the memorial service. Donations of the same gathered that night will be the main source of supply.

We must keep the less fortunate in the thoughts of the community during this season of celebration. For more information on how you can help this holiday season and beyond, please contact The Homeless Coalition at 561-355-HOME (4663) or homelesscoalitionpbc@gmail.com

For more information, or to submit names of personally known departed homeless, please contact Yolanda Kennedy at 561-355-HOME (4663) or ykennedy@pbcgov.org. To volunteer for this event, or any upcoming events sponsored by The Homeless Coalition, please contact Michelle Howell at 561-355-HOME (4663) or mhowell1@pbcgov.org.

Georgia

Atlanta:  A Candlelight Vigil will be held on December 21st to remember those who died homeless in our Atlanta community.
Time: December 21, 5:30 p.m.
Location: 424 Decatur Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30312

We will call the names and light a candle in memory of 31 persons this year.

 

Marietta: The candlelight vigil will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at MUST Ministries’ Elizabeth Inn Campus, 55 Elizabeth Church Rd. in Marietta, and the memorial service will follow. The winter solstice is the national day to remember people who have died in homelessness because it is the longest night of the year.

This is the first time MUST Ministries has hosted a vigil during the national awareness effort. Read more: The Marietta Daily Journal – MUST Ministries to host vigil to remember homeless

 

Idaho

Boise: Interfaith Sanctuary, Corpus Christi Day Shelter, Mosaic Street Ministries, and El-Ada Community Action Partnership, and Occupy Boise
Events: For the 6th year, Boise will join with community groups and individuals in more than 150 cities across the United States on December 21st, the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, to commemorate the lives of homeless members of our community who died on our streets or in our emergency shelters from illness or conditions directly related to their homelessness. Individuals who were formerly homeless and homeless advocates who died in 2011 will also be remembered.
The Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day will begin with a Vigil Walk to Interfaith Sanctuary leaving from the old Ada County Courthouse at 6 pm. An Interfaith Service will be held outdoors at Interfaith Sanctuary beginning at 7 pm*. Hospitality will be provided at Corpus Christi Day Shelter immediately following the ceremony.
Address: 200 W Front St, Boise, ID
Contact: Jayne Sorrels, Executive Director, Interfaith Sanctuary

 

 

Illinois

Belleville:  St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern
Events: Those who attend the Interfaith Homeless Memorial Service in Belleville will take a pledge to work collectively to prevent future homeless-related deaths in St. Clair County.
The memorial will begin at 6 p.m. in the parking lot of St. Paul United Church of Christ, 115 W. B St. Those attending are asked to bring their own candles.
Refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony inside the church.
Address: St. Paul United Church of Christ, 115 W. B St, Belleville
Names of Homeless that have passed away in the past year:
Contact: For more information, call Jesse Arms at 719-1154 or Marcena Gunter 314-609-9229.
Read more: http://www.bnd.com/2011/11/13/1939707/memorial-service-will-honor-homeless.html#ixzz1fs0Qiqvh

 

 

Chicago:  Join us as the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and the Ignatian Spirituality Project host a Memorial Service for Those Who Died Homeless. The Memorial will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. at Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 West Adams Street. The service will name those who died homeless in Chicago in the past year, and will feature music by the Hope, Harmony & Healing choir
Address: 70 E. Lake St., Suite 700, 60601
Contact: Ed Shurna, 312-641-4140, eshurna@aol.com or Tim McCabe, Development Officer for the Ignatian Spirituality Project, 312.226.9184 or tim@ispretreats.org

http://www.chicagohomeless.org/homeless-memorial/

http://www.jesuits-chgdet.org/ignatian-spirituality-project-host-homeless-persons-memorial/

 

Palatine: Journeys from PADS to HOPE will hold its annual Homeless Memorial Service to honor the area’s homeless who have died during the past year. The event will take place on Thursday, December 22, 2011 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am at Journeys from PADS to HOPE, 1140 E. Northwest Highway in Palatine.  Speakers will include staff and community members and volunteers. Homeless men and women and their families will participate in the readings. The media, elected officials, civic leaders, and community leaders are urged to attend. No registration required.
Address: 1140 East Northwest Highway, 60074
Contact: Sarah Martino, 847-963-9163 x16, s.martino@padstohope.orgRead more http://triblocal.com/palatine/community/stories/2011/11/memorial-service-to-honor-the-homeless/

 

Indiana

Evansville: Aurora: Giving Light to the Homeless
Events: In conjunction with the National Coalition for the Homeless, Aurora sponsored Evansville’s first public memorial service in 2000 to recognize individuals who have died while being homeless. The recognition is normally held on or near the first day of winter. Names have been collected locally dating back to 1990. A total of 70+ names are currently memorialized.
Remember with us our community members who have died while homeless during this past year and the years before.
Address: Trinity United Methodist Church, 216 SE Third St., Evansville
Contact: 812.428.3246 or info@auroraevansville.org

 

Fort Wayne: Fort Wayne Area Planning Council on Homelessness
Events: Memorial Walk and Service on Dec 21, 6 pm to include walk from rescue mission to local park, hold a short memorial service including mayor’s proclamation, comments from local pastor, etc., return to mission for refreshments
Address: 334 Berry, 46802
Contact: Marcy Yoder, 260-469-4011, marcyy@uwacin.org

 

Indianapolis: Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention of Greater Indianapolis
Events: Memorial Service and Luncheon, CHIP honors those who have experienced homelessness and passed away in the past year at its annual National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service. All members of the community are invited to attend the memorial service, held on the first day of winter at 11:00am in the Christ Church Cathedral at 125 Monument Circle.  Following the service on December 21, CHIP will host a complimentary luncheon for our homeless and formerly homeless neighbors as well as the service providers who work with them on a daily basis.
Address: Christ Church Cathedral at 125 Monument Circle.
Contact: Jen Hunt, Development Director
317.630.0853 ext. 208, jhunt@chipindy.org

Read more: http://www.indystar.com/article/20111215/LOCAL18/111215017/Tribute-homeless?odyssey=nav|head

 

Kokomo: Events: 2011 CAM Candlelight Service for Kokomo’s Fourteenth Observance of the
National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day We lit candles and remembered 15 people – 9 Clients, 6 Volunteers and Supporters of CAM, Inc.  Of the 9 CAM Clients, the adults ranged from 46-74.  One was a Veteran.  Struggling with poverty, depression, and homelessness is a tough road to follow.
Address: 210 N. Market Kokomo, IN, 46903
Contact: Rev. Ruth Lawson, Executive Director, 765 434-0687, caminc1993@sbcglobal.net

 

Iowa

Davenport: The memorial service, which will be held in the parking lot of Community Health Care, 500 West River Drive, in Davenport, will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December, 21. The service will involve music from local choir Hersong, speakers about the experience of homelessness, and a moment of silence. After the half-hour service, a vigil will be held until 12:00 p.m., as a visual reminder to keep those less fortunate in the thoughts of the community during this season of celebration. Event organizers will be accepting donations of winter clothing and blankets throughout the morning.  Read more: http://www.qconline.com/archives/qco/display.php?id=573706

 

Kansas

Wichita: Advocates to End Chronic Homelessness.
Events: Memorial service Wednesday December 21, 2011 at 7:30 PM at Grace United Methodist Church, 944 S. Topeka St., Wichita, KS, 67202
Names of Homeless that have passed away in the past year:
Contact: http://www.aechwichita.com/index.php?s=contact

 

Maine

Lewiston: Lewiston/Auburn Alliance for Services to the Homeless (LAASH)
Events: Lewiston/Auburn Community Invited to Vigil, December 12, 2011
The Lewiston/Auburn Alliance for Services to the Homeless (LAASH) invites the L-A community to join their annual candlelight vigil to remember homeless people during the holiday season from 4:30 to 5:30 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 in downtown Lewiston.  For ten years, LAASH has held this event.

Please meet at 4:30 pm in the courtyard of the Trinity Jubilee Center (at Trinity Episcopal Church – courtyard entrance is on Spruce near the corner with Bates).  After a few words and lighting of candles, vigil participants will walk several blocks down Bates Street past the St. Mary’s Nutrition Center to Main Street. The procession will turn right on Main and continue up Sabattus Street to the courtyard of Calvary United Methodist Church (in the triangle between Sabattus, College, and Bartlett) where the event will conclude with hot chocolate and refreshments donated by Hurricane’s and the Bread Shack.

Vigil participants are invited to bring non-perishable and canned food to the event, which will be collected at both Trinity and Calvary. Participants may join the vigil at any point along the procession route; a warm indoor space will be available to gather when the vigil concludes at Calvary. Staff from New Beginnings will provide van service back to the Jubilee Center or the Park Street garage as needed.
Address: c/o New Beginnings, 436 Main Street, 04240
Contact: Bob Rowe, 207-795-4077, browe@newbeginmaine.org

 

Maryland

Baltimore: The memorial service will begin at 5:30 p.m. on December 21st at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor’s Amphitheater (the corner of Pratt and Light Streets) to recognize more than 70 men and women who died in 2011 and who, in life, lacked a regular place to stay.  The service is organized by members of SHARP, a coalition of homeless service providers and advocates working toStop Homelessness and Reduce Poverty.  For additional information, contact Adam Schneider at 410-215-8319 or schneider@hchmd.org.  Read more: http://www.examiner.com/homelessness-in-baltimore/baltimore-city-council-deems-december-21st-official-homeless-memorial-day

 

Bel Air: Those who live in Harford County without homes will once again be remembered this year during the fifth annual Homeless Persons Memorial Day. The event will feature a vigil taking place at 5 p.m. on Dec. 21 at Bel Air Methodist Church at 21 Linwood Ave. It is being sponsored by the Sharing Hope Foundation and the Harford County Health Department to remember those who may have died alone this year.  Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/harford/news/ph-ag-homeless-memorial-1209-20111208,0,7698589.story

 

Massachusetts

Arlington: First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Youth Group
Events: National Homeless Persons Memorial Day Vigil December 21, 7:00 pm
As part of their year-long social action project “Homes and Homelessness”, the high school youth group from the congregation will hold a worship service for all members of the community in honor of those men, women, and children who have lost their lives due to homelessness and in recognition of those who live with the burden of homelessness everyday.
Address: 630 Massachusetts Ave, 02476
Contact: Marcie, 781-648-3799 x13, youthadvisor@firstparish.info

 

Hyannis:  We will host a press conference during the daytime at the Calvary Baptist Church and will have a memorial service in the evening at the Hyannis Federated Church.  We will have two formally homeless folks sharing during the service – one will share his personal story of his homeless journey of over 10 years and the other will share a poem he wrote.  We will be remembering 9 folks who have passed during the past year with a Buddhist chant for the deceased followed by a reading of the names and candle lighting.  We will have a lot of music and a portion of the ceremony will take place outside on the Village Green. If you require any further information please feel free to contact Karen Graveline at gravelinek@vinfen.org.

 

Worcester: The Consumer Advisory Board at Community Health Link plans the event in Worcester with support from other agencies in the community. The memorial service will take place on December 21st and will start at Community Health Link, followed by a short walk by candlelight to Mt. Sinai Church. Prior to the event CAB members will distribute flyers designed by a CAB member throughout the city and invitations will go out to politicians, agencies, and media in the area. Once at the church, consumers will read names, followed by words given by several different clergymen. There will be music provided and a light snack.  For more information, contact ncab@nhchc.org

 

Michigan

Detroit: On December 21,2011 there will be a formal program held at St. Paul’s Cathedral located at 4800 Woodward, Detroit, MI at 1:00 P.M. The participants will include organizations that provide meals, social services, other community partners and local professional musicians.
Following the lighting of candles in honor of those who made their transition in our area we will leave the sanctuary and gather in the auditorium for a holiday meal of turkey and traditional sides donated by Dorsey Schools and prepared by their culinary arts students. During the meal entertainers will provide holiday music and the Health Center’s employees will host.
As our special guests depart back to their shelters, rehabilitation centers, warming centers and elsewhere Health Center staff and other community partners will supply them with gifts intended to make dealing with the winter less daunting.

 

Minnesota

Minneapolis: 27th Annual MN Homeless Memorial March and Service on 12/15/2011 from 5:00 – 9:00 PM at 3rd Avenue South & 5th Street South, Minneapolis.  March will proceed south from Hennepin County Government Center to the Simpson United Methodist Church 2740 1st Avenue South. A service of remembrance and meal will be served.  Shuttles leave for the event from Kmart at Lake Street and 1st Avenue at 4:20 sharp.  130 lives will be remembered.

http://www.youthmovingforward.org/27th-annual-mn-homeless-memorial-march-and-service

http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/23815-1

 

Red Lake: On Tuesday, December 20, 2011 Red Lake will host the 8th Annual Homeless Memorial at Mishkwaa-ga-mii-wii-zaaga’iganiing Giiwishiiwigamig (the Red Lake Homeless Shelter).  Our community will memorialize those whose lives were shortened by being without housing starting at 11:00 AM.  For more details, call (218) 679-3228.

 

Nebraska

Omaha: Our Continuum of Care encompasses three counties and two cities (Omaha and Council Bluffs). Given the diverse make up of our system of care, the local Homeless Memorial Day committee decided to support agencies in their observance of the day. Approximately four different services are going to take place on the 21st, which will include reflection and a reading of the names. Members of the community are encouraged to attend a service at one or more of the following locations:
Open Door Mission, Contact: Charity Watts cwatts@opendoormission.org
Siena Francis House, Contact: Sr. Stephanie Matcha ssmatcha@sienafrancis.org
Stephen Center, Contact: Maggie Nocita 402-731-0238
Pottawattamie County Homeless Link, Contact: Joanie Spitznagle jspitznagle@heartlandfamilyservice.org

 

Nevada

Las Vegas: Straight from the Streets Events: Homeless Memorial Candlelight Vigil at HELP of Southern Nevada, 1640 E. Flamingo Road, near Maryland Parkway
Names of Homeless that have passed away in the past year: Elgin Anthony Alcorn, Renato B. Alvarez, Johnny Lee Armstead, John Attakai, Vincent Michael Bartlett, Leo Daniel Baskas Jr., Robert Allen Bernson, Buddy R. Bigelow, Steven Copenheaver, Charles Cushing, James Albert Daneau, Luke Emde Davis, Jimmy R. Dykes, Jodi Ann Fruitt, Julian Diaz Garcia, Richard Garcia, Jimmy Lee Getts, Marcus Wayne Goodman, Robert Gowan, Wayne Green, James Haughey, John Hicks, Patrick Huff, Erick Charles Jordan, Howard David Kierstead, Joseph Klein, Peter A. Losby, Hubert Lee Newson, Metodi Nicolov, Leopaldo Armando Nunez, Michael Glynn Osborne, Jeffery Chandler Patt, Keith David Perkins, Drew Lamont Reading, Jesse L. Reeves, Daniel Edwin Rushwam, William Oscar Rye, Salvadore Vincent Scialabba, Gregory John Shaheen, Djafar Sho a ahari, David Sidden, Jeffrey Terrell, Peter Kraig Thompson, Namc Phuc Vo, Sharon Lee Wagner, Daniel Walker, Sheryl A. Ward, Bert Stanley Williamson, Jimmy Wilson, Robert Jomo Wilson
Contact: Linda Lera-Randle El, Elusivebtrfli@aol.com

 

 

New Hampshire

Lebanon: Tri-County CAP Homeless Programs Candlelight Vigil at 57 Mechanic St. #g0-1
Names of Homeless that have passed away in the past year: Ray Sanville and Tom Hurd
Contact: Joie Finley Morrism, 603-443-6150, tccapjoie@gmail.com

 

Nashua: This year, the winter solstice will also mark Homeless Memorial Day in Nashua.  A service will be held 5 p.m. Wednesday outside the Church of the Good Shepherd, 214 Main St. The service will remember “our homeless neighbors who have died,” organizers say. All are invited to attend. For more information, contact Eileen Brady at the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter, 889-7770. Read more: http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/943485-196/nashuas-departed-homeless-to-be-remembered-at.html

 

New Jersey

Atlantic City: New Jersey Advocacy Network to End Homelessness
Events: Homeless Person’s Memorial & Candlelight Vigil
Address: 2009 Bacharach Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ
Contact: kathyschmookler@acrescuemission.org, (609)345-5517

 

Camden: Project H.O.P.E.
Events: Remembrance Event
Address: Bergen-Lanning Health Center
439 Clinton Street, Camden, NJ 08103
Contact: Josh Meyers, myersj@projecthopecamden.org, 856-541-6092, ext. 226

 

Edison:
Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Middlesex County Office of Human Services, Middlesex County, Human Services Advisory Council, Middlesex County Housing Continuum of Care Committee, Township of Edison, Catholic Charities Dioceses of Metuchen, Making It Possible to End Homelessness,
I Info Line of Middlesex County, Coming Home of Middlesex County, Elijah’s Promise, and The Jewish Renaissance Foundation.
Events: Join us on Wednesday, December 21 at 5pm for a brief memorial event in
Remembrance of those who have died in the past year from causes directly
Related to homelessness. As the economy weakens, increased numbers of people have become homeless and many more are at risk.
Address: Edison Municipal Complex, 100 Municipal Boulevard, Edison, NJ 08817

 

Hackensack: Bergen County Housing, Health, and Human Services Center
Events: Homeless Memorial Service, 5:30PM to 6:30PM
Address: 120 S River Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Contact: 201-336-6475

 

Jersey City:  The homeless memorial will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at the Church of the Incarnation at 68 Storms Ave. in Jersey City. For more information about the service or ways to donate, please call (201) 209-9301, ext. 300.
Read more: Hudson Reporter – Mean streets Interfaith service planned for those lost to homelessness Dec 21

 

Middlesex County: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Metuchen and Making It Possible to End Homelessness are sponsoring a “Time of Remembrance,” scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Edison Municipal Complex, 100 Municipal Boulevard, Edison. A candlelight tribute will be held to emphasize the impact this particular day represents.  For more, read: http://njtoday.net/2011/12/13/county-plans-homeless-memorial-day-event/

 

New York

Jamestown: The Homeless Coalition of Chautauqua County will host the Longest Night: Memorial for Homeless Persons on Dec. 21 at St. Susan’s Kitchen in the Gateway Center, located on 31 Water St. This year’s event is dedicated to Cecilia Janson, a resident of YWCA Jamestown’s Transitional Housing, who died without any family by her side. Read more: http://www.observertoday.com/page/content.detail/id/566253/Memorial-for-Homeless-Persons-planned.html?nav=5053

 

New York: Picture the Homeless
Events: Join us for our annual Interfaith Memorial Service for all of our homeless brothers and sisters who have passed away this year- some whose names we know, many whose names we don’t – but none are forgotten. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the service. Metro Cards provided for PTH members.
Address: Judson memorial Church, 55 Washington Square, So., NYC
Contact: 646-314-6423

 

North Carolina

High Point: Open Door Ministries of High Point will hold a memorial dinner for the homeless community next week. The dinner is scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Showplace at 211 E. Commerce Ave. More than 500 people are expected to attend. At the dinner, people will get a warm meal and take part in a service to honor the 13 homeless people who died in High Point during the past year. Read more: http://www.news-record.com/content/2011/12/09/article/high_point_group_to_hold_homeless_memorial_dinner

 

Raleigh: South Wilmington Street Center, 1420 S. Wilmington St Raleigh 27603 at 7:00pm.  It will be a night of remembering those we lost this past year…  For more information, contact Brooks Ann at: Brooksann.mckinney@gmail.com

 

Ohio

Cincinnati: The Homeless Persons Memorial Day, Wednesday, December 21, 2011
First Lutheran Church, 1208 Race Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 from 12 noon until…
Service to include: Prayers, Lighting a candle, Open Mic, Light refreshments will be served by: The Cincinnati Consumer Advisory Board and The Homeless Congress.  Sponsored by: The Cincinnati Advisory Board, The Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition, The First Lutheran Church: Pastor Fred Cook

 

Cleveland: Coalition for the Homeless in Cleveland
Events: This year the candlelight vigil will feature State Senator Nina Turner as our guest speaker along with three religious leaders.  Media are welcome to attend and photograph the memorial/vigil. Joining with other cities throughout the state and country, the Cleveland vigil will include an inter-faith memorial service from the Jewish and Christian faith traditions.
Address: St. Patrick’s Meal Site 3610 Bridge Ave.
Contact: 216/432-0540.

 

Columbus: Columbus Coalition for the Homeless
Events: 2011 Interfaith Memorial Service
Address: 966 E. Main St. in Columbus, OH
Contact: (614) 228-1342, info@columbushomeless.org

 

Dayton: Emergency Housing Coalition (EHC)
Events: Join us at Courthouse Square at noon on Dec. 21st as we remember those who we lost in 2011 from the homeless community. It is a very moving memorial that is hosted by the Emergency Housing Coalition (EHC) and takes place in communities all around the country on this day.
Address: 125 E. First Street, Dayton, OH 45402
Names of Homeless that have passed away in the past year:
Contact: (937) 293-1945, info@homefull.org

 

Oklahoma

Tulsa: Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless
Events: On December 21, 2011, the longest night of the year, the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless will host a Memorial Service and pay homage to those homeless individuals who have lost their lives while living on the streets.  These real people with real stories often go unnoticed in their deaths.
Address: 415 West Archer St. Tulsa, OK, 74103
Names of Homeless that have passed away in the past year:
Contact: Sandra Lewis, Executive Director, slewis@tulsadaycenter.org, 918-583-5588

 

Oregon

Albany: Homeless individuals, social service providers, faith-based organizations and the public are invited to gather at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Albany City Hall, 333 Broadalbin St. S.W., for Albany’s third observance of National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day.  Donations of socks, thermal underwear, stocking caps, gloves, hooded sweatshirts and gently used coats will be collected for Albany Helping Hands and Signs of Victory shelter guests.  Read more: http://democratherald.com/news/local/albany-to-take-part-in-homeless-memorial/article_74a43e8e-25b2-11e1-8102-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz1gdTbyFW1

 

Coos Bay: Homeless Memorial Longest Day Candle Vigil 6 p.m., Coos Bay Boardwalk, Anderson Avenue and Bayshore Drive. Remember the homeless and those who have lost their lives. 541-756-2020, ext. 572.  Read more: http://theworldlink.com/lifestyles/article_18ce2114-bc72-5b7b-9803-6e7c9a72d9fe.html#ixzz1gdvPivFu

 

Grants Pass: Josephine county Homelessness Task Force
Events: Candlelight Vigil 12/21/2011 5pm Bells toll in remembrance at 5:30pm
Josephine County Courthouse
6th Street, Grants Pass OR 97526
Address: 201 NE 8th St, 97526
Contact: Kelly Wessels, COO-UCAN, 541-956-4470, kelly.wessels@ucancap.org

 

Pennsylvania

Erie: Home Team members are hosting a service on Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. in Perry Square as part of National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day.  The service will be coordinated by the Rev. Rick Crocker, executive director of the Erie City Mission, a member of the Home Team of Erie County.  Read more: http://www.goerie.com/article/20111213/NEWS02/312139963/United-Way-creates-fund-to-help-fight-homelessness-in-Erie-County

 

Philadelphia: On the shortest day of the year, hundreds of Philadelphians will gather to remember those homeless and formerly homeless Philadelphians who died in 2011 and to call for an end to homelessness.  We use this occasion to call on all Philadelphians and all Americas to wake up and recommit ourselves to ending homelessness.  Event starts at 4:30 PM on December 21st at Broad Street Ministry (outside), 315 Broad Street, Center City Philadelphia.  Warm beverages and ASL interpretation will be provided. For more information about the event:
 Contact Will O’Brien at 215-232-7272, ext. 3047 or willobrien@projecthome.org. To help someone who is homeless:
 Call the Philadelphia Homeless Outreach Hotline at 215-232-1984.  Do you know anyone who was homeless or formerly homeless who died this year?  
If so, email their name for inclusion in the memorial to Juliana Ryan at julianaryan@projecthome.org or call 215-232-7272, ext. 3043.

 

Tennessee

Knoxville:  Lost Sheep and St. Johns Lutheran Church will host the 3rd annual Homeless Memorial Day, on Dec 21, 2001 with a candlelight walk to the church.  The service will be conducted by homeless or formally homeless neighbors. We will light a candle and chime a bell for each name read.

 

Memphis: Monday, Dec. 19, 2011 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.  Memorial prayer service and candlight vigil, dinner will be served,  Address: 360 E. H. Crump Blvd, 38126; Contact: Sharon Hill, Homeless Case Mgr, 901-261-2062, shill@mphshc.org

 

Nashville: Memorial took place on December 10, 2011.  More than 30 people were remembered.  See more: http://www.newschannel5.com/story/16298645/community-members-take-time-to-remember-homeless

 

Texas

Austin: House the Homeless: For the 19th year, we will meet on Auditorium Shores to acknowledge the men, women and children who have died on the streets of Austin during the past year. This year, newly elected City Council member Kathie Tovo will be our Keynote speaker. Dr. Reverend Sid Hall will lead us in prayer. Our lovely Sara Hickman will grace us with songs, and Armin Steege will close with Taps.
The House the Homeless Memorial Sunrise Service will start at 6:57am on Sunday November 13th and last an hour. The event will be at the Homeless Memorial at South 1st and Riverside Streets. The memorial tree, bench and plaque that comprise the memorial rest 75 yards west of the Fanny Davis Gazebo and 75 yards east of the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue. There will be breakfast food and drink. Please join us to show our respect for our fallen friends.
Address: Homeless Memorial at South 1st and Riverside Streets
Contact: http://www.housethehomeless.org/contact-us/

 

Caldwell: Rocking A organization will be hosting a 3rd annual Homeless / Indigent Memorial Program on 12/18/2011 at 2:00 pm on the Burleson, County Courthouse steps in Downtown Caldwell, Texas.
A table will be set up with blankets, socks, food packs, jackets and knit caps will be given out. Donations of same will be welcomed.  For information contact advocate@rockinga.org, Bruce Aspgren. P.O. Box 211 Caldwell, Texas 77836
979 219 2168

 

Houston: 12/21/2011 at city hall.  We will have a welcome, pray, showing of the colors, short talk about the event, reading of names, poem recital, closing
passing out food and blankets.  This event is open to all.  For more information, contact ncab@nhchc.org

 

Vermont

Brattleboro: http://www.reformer.com/localnews/ci_19470950

 

Virginia

Richmond: Homeward: A Candlelit vigil will be held on December 21st, 2012 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 815 E. Grace St. Richmond, VA 23219, at 5:00 p.m.
We’ll be reading the names of those who have passed away while homeless.
Address: 1125 Commerce Rd., 23224
Contact: James Seagraves, (804) 343-2045 ext. 18, jseagraves@homewardva.org

 

Washington

Marysville: The Snohomish County Veterans Homeless Committee and the Snohomish County NAACP are co sponsoring a National Homeless Person’s Memorial Day vigil on Dec, 21, 2011 with a special tribute to veterans. The event with be held at the Snohomish County Building Courtyard located at 3000 Rockfeller Avenue, Everett, WA at 5:30PM

 

Spokane: Spokane Mental Health Homeless Outreach Team
Events: Friday, Nov. 19: Winter Wear Pickup and Memorial Service: At noon there will be a memorial service held to remember the hungry and homeless who have passed away this last year.
Address: First Covenant Church (2nd & Browne)
Contact: 509.624.2378

 

Yakima County: Yakima Neighborhood Health Services and the Homeless Network of Yakima County will be sponsoring the 7th Annual Homeless Person’s Memorial Day Candlelight Vigil on December 21 at 5:00 PM in Millennium Plaza, 20 South Third St. The event is held outdoors every year on the longest night of the year to recognize and remember those who passed away in Yakima County with no place to call home. The service includes reading names and a brief bio about individuals who have passed, music, and culminates with donated soup, coffee and cookies. Proclamations have been sent out to surrounding towns and the Mayor of Yakima has been invited to the event to read a proclamation. Other sponsors include Keith and Keith Funeral Home, The Olive Garden and Starbucks Coffee.  For more information about the memorial, please contact Rhonda Hauff at Yakima Neighborhood Health Services at (509) 574-5552. Read more: http://www.kimatv.com/news/local/Candlelight-vigil-planned-to-honor-homeless-135139988.html

 

Wisconsin

Green Bay: Memorial Prayer Service for Homeless, When: 7 p.m. Thursday December 22, 2011 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Parish, 413 St. John St., Green Bay. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call the shelter at (920) 436-9344.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20111216/GPG0406/112160547/Green-Bay-prayer-service-to-honor-homeless

 

Kenosha: December 22nd is the 5th Annual National Homeless Person Memorial Day at Library Park

 

Wyoming

Cheyenne: Homeless Memorial Day will take place this year on December 21 at noon in front of the State Capitol Building. Recognition of those who died homeless on the streets of Cheyenne will take place with the tolling of a bell by Rev. Rick Veit, St. Marks Episcopal Church. Other speakers will include Virginia Sellner, Director, Wyoming Coalition for the Homeless, Richard McCullough, Crossroads Clinic/Community Action Homeless Outreach Program, Rabbi Harley Karz-Wagman, Mt. Sinai Synagogue. Music will include Christmas Carols and Hanukkah songs. The Wyoming Coalition for the Homeless has sponsored this event in Cheyenne since it beginning in 1990. This is the 22nd Homeless Memorial Day event for Cheyenne and the rest of the country.

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