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Monday, December 21st, is the longest day of the year and the first day of winter. On this day, homeless advocates, people currently experiencing homelessness, homeless services providers, and others in our community will gather virtually to remember those who died in the homeless community in 2020.
“Winter is a dangerous and difficult time for people who are unhoused in our community, especially during a pandemic when so many daytime locations are closed” says Christopher Knestrick, executive director of the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. “We are focusing on keeping people sheltered and alive this winter, and we are relieved to have additional options to shelter people this season thanks to hotels and alternative shelter space during COVID-19.”
Ohio legislators designated December 21st as Ohio Homeless Memorial Day in 2009. For over 30 years, The Northeast Ohio Coalition For The Homeless has brought the Cleveland community together to remember people experiencing homelessness who have passed away.
The Homeless Memorial will take place at noon on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020, on Zoom (register here) and Facebook Live (@clehomeless). We will remember our friends and family with prayers and by reading each name. Remarks will be made from Community West Foundation, the Director of the Office of Homeless Services, and Senator Sherrod Brown’s office to honor those who have passed in 2020.
NEOCH asks all to attend this important event for our community virtually. The reading of names will take place outside in the near west side to provide in-person access to our unsheltered friends in the area.