Today, December 21, is #NationalHomelessPersonsMemorialDay.
This is the longest night of the year, and this day recognizes the difficulties that nighttime causes for those who have no home.
Every year, in honor of Homeless Person’s Memorial Day, IDignity and Homeless Services Network of Central Florida hold a memorial service.
At this year’s service, the names of over 70 individuals were read. The names were those of persons who passed away in 2018 on the streets of Central Florida, or in emergency shelters. For each name read, a bell was rung and a candle was lit.
The service was truly moving. Case workers, community members, and homeless individuals shared stories and memories about their deceased loved ones. Over 200 members of the Central Florida community came out to honor and remember the lives of their homeless neighbors.
It is our privilege to host this service each year. We’d like to thank Homeless Services Network of Central Florida, St. James Catholic Cathedral, and Summit Church for co-sponsoring this event with us, and for helping us to honor the lives of those who passed away in 2018 after having experienced homelessness.
