Homeless Memorial March and Service Remembers 266 Individuals Who Passed Away in 2024
For 40 years, hundreds of community members have come together for the Homeless Memorial March and Service to remember people who have died while homeless. This year, the Homeless Memorial March brought together hundreds of community members to remember 119 people who have died while homeless, 124 individuals who were previously homeless, and 23 advocates who passed away in 2024. The event took place Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Plymouth Congregational Church of Minneapolis.
In December of 1984, the first official Minnesota Homeless Memorial was held, launching the collaboration between Simpson Housing Services and the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless (MCH) that exists to this day. Unidentified people began to be included in the service throughout the years, as it was presumed that these people were likely experiencing homelessness when they passed away.
“It is our job to house, support, and advocate for people experiencing homelessness,” said Steve Horsfield, Executive Director of Simpson Housing Services. “We are making progress but won’t stop until everyone has a place to call home. Tonight, we remember our friends and loved ones who died while experiencing homelessness.”
“We pause to remember the lives lost while experiencing homelessness this year,” said Matt Traynor, Interim Executive Director of Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless. “It’s our job to take this message to the Capitol in 2025: Shelter saves lives and housing ends homelessness. We will not stop until everyone in Minnesota has a place to call home.”
The march honors and commemorates families, friends, and advocates of individuals who passed away while experiencing homelessness. Names of the individuals that will be remembered are painted on signs and carried during a march and silent vigil. During the service, the names of each individual are read aloud and honored during the service. Minnetonka United Methodist Church and Plymouth Congregational Church host a complimentary community meal directly following the service. The Homeless Memorial March and Service is open to all.
