The following press release announces the 35th Annual Minnesota Memorial March and Service on December 19, 2019.
Please join us tonight for the 35th Annual Homeless Memorial March. Details below.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Steve Horsfield, Executive Director, Simpson Housing Services
612-455-0841 (office) or 612-363-8287 (cell)
Rhonda Otteson, Executive Director, Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless
651-645-7332 (office) or 320-220-2816 (cell)
WHO: We are pleased to welcome Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho to join us at the Homeless Memorial March and Service, along with individuals and families experiencing homelessness, advocates, and leadership.
Tonight: Homeless Memorial March and Service Remembers 190 Individuals Who Passed Away in 2019
Minneapolis — Tonight the Homeless Memorial March and Service (Thursday, December 19, 2019) will bring together hundreds of community members to remember 103 homeless individuals, 69 formerly homeless folks, and 18 advocates who passed away over the past year. Of the individuals remembered, the average death age of homeless Minnesotans is 42.4. The average death age of formerly homeless individuals is 50.
“This is the 35th anniversary of our sacred event, where we raise up the ongoing crisis of homelessness and the most dire of impacts on human lives. This is a humbling task, as our service may be the only formal remembrance for many. We also remember our colleagues in this work, those advocates who were committed to safe and stable housing for everyone in our community.”
The silent march and vigil begins at the Hennepin County Government Center, continues on Nicollet Ave. to the memorial service at the Plymouth Congregational Church at 6:00pm.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT: 35th Annual Minnesota Homeless Memorial March & Service — Commemoration for homeless friends and advocates who passed away over the year. Names of the deceased are painted on signs and carried during a march and silent vigil from the Hennepin Co. Gov’t Center to Plymouth Congregational Church (details below). The names are then read during the service, which is attended by hundreds and provides dignity for people who died while experiencing homelessness. More background here.
WHEN: Tonight, Thursday, December 19, 2019 | 5:00 pm (silent march begins) and 6:00 pm (memorial service)
WHERE: Silent march begins at Hennepin County Government Center, continues on Nicollet Ave. to Plymouth Congregational Church | 1900 Nicollet Avenue, S Minneapolis (Please note: this is a different location than in previous years)
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