At least 15 homeless people with local connections who died this year will be remembered Friday evening at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Franklin St. Friends of the Carpenter, Outsiders Inn and Council for the Homeless are hosting the gathering, which starts at 5:45 p.m.
Individuals and representatives from the faith community will commemorate the lives of people who died on the streets or in emergency shelters. Communities across the country are holding similar memorials for the homeless on or near Dec. 21, the first day of winter and longest night of the year.
“This memorial serves as both a solemn occasion for honoring the lives of those who have passed away this year and a stark reminder of the sheer injustice of homelessness. On this evening, we have the unique opportunity to stand in communion with many others across the country and recommit ourselves to refuse to accept homelessness as a problem that can’t be solved,” Friends of the Carpenter Executive Director Tom Iberle said in a news release. “This memorial is a time to gather together and recall the terrible price that is paid when we, as a community, fall short. It is our continued call to action.”
For special accommodations, call Friends of the Carpenter at 360-750-4752 or email outsidersinnorg@gmail.com before the memorial. American Sign Language services will be provided.
