education, resources, and advocacy
education, resources, and advocacy
Honoring the Lives Lost: Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day 2024
This Saturday, December 21, is National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day—a date marking the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. As darkness extends its reach, we pause to remember those who tragically died while experiencing homelessness in 2024. This day is not just about mourning but about transforming our grief into a mission for justice and change.
The Scope of the Crisis in Texas
In Texas, accurately tracking the number of people who die while homeless is nearly impossible. However, from what we know, the numbers are heart-wrenching. Our six largest metro areas report between 150 and 200 deaths each year, covering only 10 counties. The reality across the state’s other 244 counties remains largely unseen, but we know this issue reaches every corner of our state.
Too many of our neighbors are dying on our streets and in shelters, often from preventable causes. The median age of death is just over 58 years—nearly two decades younger than the average life expectancy in the U.S. Of every 100 of these lost lives, 68 are men, 32 are women, and many passed away without the dignity of family, funerals, or remembrance.
The Darkness We Must Confront
The significance of this memorial on the longest night is profound. It reminds us of the vulnerability of living without shelter, exposed to the cold, fear, and isolation. But the darkness is not just physical—it symbolizes our collective failure to prioritize housing, compassion, and justice.
Increasingly, homelessness is met with stigma and hostility. People experiencing homelessness are too often seen as “other” or “not normal.” This harmful perception fuels policy decisions that criminalize homelessness rather than addressing its root causes: a severe lack of affordable housing and comprehensive support services.
A Call to Action: From Mourning to Mission
If these lives lost move you—and they should—there is a way to help. This December 21, honor their memory by taking action:
- Volunteer or Donate: Connect with local homeless service providers to offer your time or resources.
- Advocate: Join THN and our partners to educate policymakers. Push for policies that prevent and end homelessness instead of those that punish people for being unhoused.
- Raise Awareness: Challenge stigmas and speak up when you hear misinformation or hateful rhetoric. Every voice matters in creating a culture of compassion.
Remember Them This December 21
On the longest night, let’s illuminate the path forward. Let’s remember those we’ve lost, reflect on the urgency of this crisis, and commit to making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. Together, we can transform darkness into a beacon of hope and action.
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