Dec. 21st National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day:::Washington, DC:::

MEMORIAL AND VIGIL TO HONOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIED HOMELESS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Washington, DC- In conjunction with National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day on Wednesday, December 21st, people experiencing homelessness, local and national advocates will hold a candlelight vigil beginning at 5:00pm at McPherson Square Park located at 15th and K Street, NW.

People experiencing homelessness are three to four times more likely to die prematurely than their housed counterparts, according to a study released today by the National Health Care for the Homeless Council in observance of National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day.

Entitled “Premature Mortality in Homeless Populations: A Review of the Literature,” the study found that premature death is more highly associated with the presence of acute and chronic medical conditions than with mental illness, substance abuse, or hypothermia. Dr. James J. O’Connell conducted the comprehensive review of research on homelessness and mortality for the National Health Care for the Homeless Council.

“We are celebrating the lives and mourning the deaths of at least 15 of our homeless neighbors in Washington, D.C. metro area this year,” said Michael Stoops, Acting Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless. Stoops went on to say, “This report confirms that these local deaths are not isolated tragedies, but are part of a deadly national pattern, which we must act to end.”

“As homelessness continues to increase, so does the outrage of death on our streets. Having a permanent roof over one’s head, an adequate income and health care would greatly reduce the number who die homeless,” said Michael Stoops.

For the past 15 years, National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day has been observed on December 21st. The National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council are co-sponsoring the day to bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness and to remember our homeless friends who have paid the ultimate price for our nation's failure to end homelessness. Last year, more than 100 cities from Detroit to Seattle to Washington, DC sponsored events to honor those who died and to recommit ourselves to the task of ending homelessness.

WHEN: Wednesday, December 21st, 2005, 5:00pm-6:00pm

WHERE: McPherson Square Park at 15th and K Street, NW

WHAT: Outdoor Memorial and Vigil for 15th National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day.

*CANDLELIGHT VIGIL, POETRY and PRAYER*
Sponsors: National Coalition for the Homeless, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Coalition of Housing and Homeless Organizations (COHHO), Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless