National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day

National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day“ This day of tribute should serve to remind us all how precious each life is and that we can work collectively to end homelessness,” said Kelly King Horne, Executive Director of Homeward.

Since 1990, there has been a national day of remembrance on the first day of winter, the longest night of the year, for homeless individuals who have lost their lives while still negotiating the turbulent waters of homelessness.

During 2009 those who have lost their lives:

Christopher Campbell
Mark Cromartie
Earl John Glauner
Joseph McCray
Perney Robinson
Patricia Summers
Timothy Spain
George Wall
Stephanie Williams

Stephanie Williams, Written by Teresa Major, The Flagler Home
Stephanie Williams scuffled into my office at Flagler Home in July of 2008. Walking was difficult for her due to worn out hips and knees, but she didn’t let it stop her. She was on a mission to make a better life for herself and her family and nothing was going to get in her way. Read More.

Patricia Summers, Transcribed from Ken Roth, The Freedom House
“I saw that she really had some potential, that she could make it, she was very intelligent.”

Patricia first came to the Freedom House seven to eight years ago, with many substance abuse issues. “I saw that she really had some potential, that she could make it, she was very intelligent,” says Ken Roth from Freedom House. Patricia spent a year at Shaun’s Place transitional housing, lived there for a year, and then connected with a local church, residing in permanent housing that they managed. “Patricia was heavily involved with Alcoholics Anonymous; she sponsored individuals and acted as a spokes person for AA.” She was diagnosed with brain cancer last spring and passed in the second week of October. “For Patricia to be that stable for that long, permanent housing, owning a car, her kids, her active level in AA, those were her major accomplishment.”

Wondering what you can do on National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day?
Here is a list of 10 things that you can do to help prevent and end homelessness in Greater Richmond:
Ten Things You Can Do

Press Release for National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day
Day of Remembrance Recognizes Homeless Area Residents Who Died This Year

South Carolina Homeless Man Found Dead in Tent, Died from Cold, TheSunnews.com - 1/6/2010