A ceremony to honor the 54 people who died while experiencing homelessness in Rhode Island last year
Each name was read aloud and a candle was lit in their memory.
The Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness held its annual Homeless Memorial service at Mathewson Street United Methodist Church on Thursday, honoring those who have tragically passed while experiencing homelessness in Rhode Island throughout the last year. The memorial provides those who experienced homelessness with these individuals and worked directly with these individuals the opportunity to honor their lives.
Here’s the video:
The annual event was free and open to the public, people experiencing homelessness, Street Outreach personnel, key partners, advocates, friends and family of the departed, and concerned community supporters. This year, the ceremony honored each of the 54 individuals lost by reading their name aloud, stating, “We remember you,” having a moment of silence, and lighting a candle in their honor.
David Eisenberger recited his poem, and beautiful flowers were distributed to any family or friends present. Music was provided by the Tenderloin Opera Company based at Mathewson Street Church which aims to tell the story of homelessness in Rhode Island through writing, music, and performance.
Kimberly Simmons, the Executive Director for the Coalition provided opening remarks:
“The Homeless Memorial is a way to remember and honor the lives of those who have experienced homelessness and have passed away. It serves as a reminder of the struggles and challenges faced by those without stable housing, and it calls for action to address the issue of homelessness in our communities. Let this memorial also serve as a gathering place for community members to come together...
“It's important to have this quiet and respectful space to grieve and pay tribute to our friends, family, and neighbors today reminds us that homelessness can lead to a multitude of health issues, including malnutrition, exposure to extreme weather conditions, a lack of access to proper medical care and limited access to food and clean water, and the constant fear of violence and theft. I had a conversation this morning with Angelo, a person who explained to me that he's suffering from cancer but having no treatment. That shouldn't happen in the United States. That shouldn't happen in Rhode Island. This is the awful thing that folks are facing on a day-to-day basis. We also know that this experience leads to social isolation and stigma, making it difficult for them to access support without a stable and safe living environment. Those who are homeless are at risk of developing chronic illnesses and disorders in a shortened lifespan.
“The stress and trauma of living on the streets contributes to higher mortality rates. The reality is the average life of a homeless individual is shortened to 50 years. The homeless are often viewed with stereotypes and negative perceptions even though they are individuals facing difficult life circumstances and challenges. Many view them as lazy drug addicts or even a threat to society. This negative perception can lead to discrimination, making it difficult for those who are homeless to find employment and access to resources.
“It's important to recognize the diversity and complexity of homelessness and to treat those who are experiencing homelessness with empathy and compassion. Remember, homelessness is the result of systemic issues and personal circumstances rather than people's personal flaws, characteristics, or errors they've made in their lives.
“I ask that you treat all of us because I, too, am a person with lived experience, with respect and understanding before making assumptions, passing us with disgust, or acting like we're invisible and unworthy of being cared about. Let today's memorial serve to remind each of us how close we could all be to being unhoused and struggling to exist to live each day. May the positive memories of that special friend or acquaintance be the reason enough for all of us in this room and beyond to work together to end homelessness.”
The National Alliance to End Homelessness remarked at a Homeless Persons Memorial held in recent years that “(homeless persons) deserve the respect of being remembered and honored as individuals — people who lived full and complicated lives, who were ill-served by systems of care that still have large, gaping holes of injustice.”
On the night of January 24, 2024, 2,442 people were experiencing homelessness according to Rhode Island’s Annual Point In Time Count conducted by the Coalition. See here for more on that report.
Following the memorial service, a free luncheon reception was held for all who attended. Volunteers from the church, the Coalition, and the MAE Organization served meals and facilitated a donation distribution of warm clothing, blankets, and hygiene supplies. Kevin Simon, Director of Outreach and Communications for the church, was instrumental in collecting donations prior to the event to prepare for the colder months ahead. Project Weber/Renew graciously supplied harm reduction supplies, such as Narcan (naloxone) and safe testing kits.
About Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness:
Formerly the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless, the Coalition works collaboratively with advocates, providers, and faith-based organizations to create and advance lasting solutions to prevent and end homelessness. Notably, the Coalition, alongside advocates and constituents, lobbied and successfully passed the country’s first Homeless Bill of Rights in June 2012 (bill S-2052). Day-to-day, the Coalition runs lead on RI’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and the shelter and permanent housing placement end of the Coordinated Entry System (CES), which includes operating the call center (available 365 days), holds legal clinics, facilitates and leads training sessions, serves as the lead for youth homelessness systems, and, most recently, leads the Pay for Success (PFS) initiative - PFS Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Pilot Program.