Remembering Those Who Lost Their Lives
Thousands of homeless individuals who passed away this year without having a place to call home will be memorialized on Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day. Communities across the United States will observe this day with prayers, candlelight vigils, moments of silence, and the reading of names. This event, established in 1990, takes place on December 21st, the first day of winter and the longest night of the year.
A National Gathering for Remembrance
To commemorate this solemn occasion, a national gathering titled “One Life, Too Many. Another Year, Too Long” will be held in Washington. The event will also be accessible via Zoom, allowing people to participate from afar. Other gatherings will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio; Wilmington, Delaware; and San Diego. In Phoenix, a ceremony will honor the 758 homeless people who have already lost their lives in Maricopa County, Arizona this year. This number already sets a record, representing a 42% increase in deaths compared to the previous year.
The Harsh Reality of Homelessness
Lisa Glow, the CEO of Central Arizona Shelter Services, emphasizes the urgent need for sufficient housing and services to prevent further tragedy. She states, “Without sufficient housing and services, people will continue to die on the streets.” DeBorah Gilbert White, the public education director for the National Coalition for the Homeless, highlights the importance of learning about the individuals who have passed away, as it challenges stereotypes. White points out that homeless people are not limited to a certain age group – even older individuals in their 60s are dying on the streets, often due to chronic conditions like diabetes. Lack of necessary resources, such as refrigeration for medication, further exacerbates the health challenges faced by homeless individuals.
An Alarming Increase in Homelessness
The Annual Homeless Assessment Report from the Department of Housing and Urban Development reveals a troubling trend. The report shows that approximately 653,100 people in the United States are experiencing homelessness, reflecting a 12% increase from the previous year. This is the highest number since reporting began in 2007. Etel Haxhiaj, a spokesperson for the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council, explains that many homeless individuals living in encampments do not have access to medical treatment, leading to worsening health conditions.
Fighting for Better Tracking and Support
The National Healthcare for the Homeless Council supports the Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day events as a means to advocate for improved tracking of homeless deaths. Maricopa County is among the few jurisdictions in the United States that actively engage in this tracking. Drug and alcohol abuse are significant contributing factors to many deaths, often being the primary cause. Common causes of death among homeless individuals include cardiovascular events like strokes and heart attacks, as well as traffic injuries.
Remembering Lives Lost
The deaths of homeless individuals often go unnoticed due to their estrangement from family and society. However, the passing of Roosevelt White III, a well-known figure in the downtown Phoenix tent city, drew attention. Over 60 people, including White’s family members, attended his funeral. White, who suffered from diabetes and methamphetamine intoxication, left a lasting impact on those who knew him. Megan Kepler, who volunteered alongside White, remembers him as a man full of kindness and joy. She hopes that others will recognize that he was not just a statistic, but a valued and loved human being.