As the winter solstice approaches, we remember those we have lost

Posted on by Vanessa Álvarez
A message from Wayne Richard, Director of Organizing
Two hands holding taper candles, transferring the flame from one candle to the other.

As we approach the longest night of the year, the winter solstice on December 21, we turn our hearts and minds to those who must seek refuge in the streets, those who experience homelessness.

Homelessness is an experience so severe that some don’t survive it. Each year for over a decade, we have gathered to memorialize those who have lost their lives while they were homeless.

Wayne Richard standing at a at a lectern in a church, surrounded by holiday greenery and with choir members in the background.
Wayne Richard speaking at the 2019 Memorial

As housed folks have struggled with the pandemic, and the way it has changed all our lives, so has it affected our Homeless Persons Memorial Service. We chose to forgo the 2021 memorial this year, as gathering in large congregate settings is still a significant risk to us all.

We believe we are turning the corner on the pandemic though, and we look forward to celebrating life with you all at the 2022 Homeless Persons Memorial event.

Wishing you a great year ahead.