A place for every memory
Talented Scout builds new candleholders for Memorial
For 37 years, Simpson Housing Services and its partners host the Minnesota Homeless Memorial March and Service. It’s a time to remember friends and neighbors who lost their lives while homeless or having experienced homelessness.
Together, we attempt to make sense of what is, in many ways, a senseless kind of loss – as well as convey whatever comfort, significance, and purpose we can through the pain. We march together. We read the names of people we miss. We share stories. There’s gorgeous music; for the last few years, musicians from the Minnesota Orchestra have provided accompaniment.
And there are candles. One for every life. Candles are never re-used. Carla Gainey, Simpson Executive Director from 1987-1997, was adamant that new candles be purchased every year. Her reasoning: “Everyone should have their own candle.” To this day, we follow her example.
But as we prepared for the 37th annual memorial this year, we realized the candleholders weren’t up to the task.
“Our previous candleholders weren’t large enough,” Simpson Director of Volunteer Engagement Christina Giese says. At 136 slots, it wasn’t big enough to hold a candle for every person being remembered. We had to supplement with additional glass votives in order to include everybody.
Trying to negotiate limited space is one of the last things people want to think about during what’s supposed to be a solemn and sacred occasion.
As luck would have it, Matthew, a high school sophomore from Edina, decided to do something for Simpson as part of his Eagle Scout project. He knew he wanted to design and build something useful – he’s pretty sure he wants to be an architect or a designer someday — and Christina had just the thing: more spacious candleholders for the memorial service.
“I just think it’s a really cool organization, and I was thinking this idea would be very special and very helpful to a lot of people,” he says.
He got started on his project in January, designing and constructing a set of seamless, elegant, tiered displays made of dark, glossy wood. He took great care to hide the joints and screws as he assembled his final product, which can hold over 250 candles. They were done and delivered to Simpson’s shelter in October.
“I’ve been impressed with [Matthew] since the very beginning of the project,” Christina says. Right away, he knew why this mattered, and he stuck with it until the work was complete. The design, she says, is “beautiful” and “dignified,” and it’ll be used for many years to come.
“It did seem a little daunting in the beginning,” Matthew admits. “But just remember it will be worth it in the end, no matter how long it takes. Even if it helps just one person, it’s worth it.”
Matthew intends to attend the memorial for the first time this year. We invite you to take part as well. The evening includes an in-person march and a virtual service, and it will take place on Thursday, December 16.
Learn more here.