A Day in the Life

Homeless Memorial Day

Thomas died last night. He passed quietly in the night at the shelter. His wife was sleeping down the street at another shelter. They both had health issues, but imagine the loneliness of dying in a homeless shelter in Cleveland away from your spouse. Imagine waking up and the guy on the lower bunk had died. The loss of housing, worldly possessions, car, and safe place is one of the hardest things in the world to endure. It is the ultimate injustice that the life of a person slips away while sleeping in a charity bed. Thomas' wife is not handling it very well.

Thomas is one of 50 people that we found passed away over the last year after experiencing homelessness. This is the largest number of people who died in the 22 year history of the annual candlelight vigil in Cleveland. We will remember those we lost at the candlelight vigil on December 21, 2008 at St. Augustine Church in Tremont. The Homeless Memorial Day is at 12:30 p.m. on West 14th across from Lincoln Park. Treasurer Jim Rokakis will say a few words, and we will light a candle to honor those who passed away. The public is welcome to join us at this important event for the community. We continue to hope that this is the last Vigil.

Peace
Brian
Posts by Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless staff and Board.