The National Coalition for the Homeless, the National Consumer Advisory Board, and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council encourage communities to host public events on or near December 21st to remember their neighbors who have died homeless in the past year.
National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day takes place each year on the longest night of the year, the winter solstice (usually December 21st). The first Annual Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day was commemorated in 1990. While we remember those we have lost this year, we cannot let this be the start of another year of growing homelessness.
How to Get Involved
Each year, hundreds of communities come together on or around December 21 to honor those who have died while experiencing homelessness. If you’d like to organize an event in your community, The National Coalition for the Homeless has created a comprehensive Organizing Manual to guide you through the process.
Anyone can take the lead—advocates, service providers, individuals or families with lived experience, religious leaders, city officials, students, and concerned citizens alike. This year, consider hosting either a virtual memorial or an in-person event that follows proper safety measures.
Here’s how your community can participate and pay tribute: