Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day

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 21 remembering your 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).

2020 marks the 30th Annual Homeless Persons' Memorial Day. The pandemic and the upcoming expiration of eviction moratoria and unemployment benefits is threatening a winter of exploding homelessness. While we remember those we have lost this year, we cannot let this be the start of another 30 years of growing homelessness.

Anyone can coordinate an event including advocates, service providers, organizations, homeless and formerly homeless individuals/families, religious leaders, city representatives, students, and concerned citizens. We encourage those holding events this year to either do virtual memorials, or to ensure appropriate social distancing at events. Download the official organizing manual to see how you can participate.

National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day is recognized in various communities across the country. Every year, hundreds of communities hold Memorial Day events on or around December 21 to honor those who died while homeless. To host an event in your community please view our organizing manual. 

Make plans to attend the national Virtual Memorial on Monday, December 21, at 4 pm EST/3 pm CT/1 pm PST. Click here to register!

We encourage local and statewide organizations to hold memorials for those who have died while homeless in their communities. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is advised that events be held either virtually, or in outdoor locations where attendees can be appropriately socially distanced.

You and your community can memorialize those that have passed by holding a:

• Candlelight/Silent march
• Vigil
• Graveside service
• Play/Performance
• Special religious service
• Public policy advocacy event

• Determining how many homeless persons have died during the previous year in your community. There is no official tracking of homeless deaths in most communities, so start now to collect the names of those who die. Work with people who are homeless, service providers, and public officials to compile as complete a list as possible.
• Remembering your friends, family members, and neighbors by sharing their story through Bloggers Unite 
• Obtaining a proclamation from your local and/or state governmental body. You will find sample proclamations in our Organizing Manual.
• Letting us know in advance the logistics for your event. This allows us to alert the national media of events happening locally.
• Tweeting about your event with #HomelessMemorial. Once the event is over, let us know how it went, list of names read, how many attended and any media coverage. As sponsors with over twenty years of experience, please let us know if we can provide any additional information, help or advice.

Useful Materials:

• *Coming Soon* Homeless Mortality Tool Kit
• Resources from the National Health Care for the Homeless Council
• Archived Webinar on how to organize Memorial Day events
• Homeless Persons' Memorial Day Organizing Manual