Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service

Each year since 1990, on or near the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, the National Coalition for the Homeless has sponsored National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day to bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness and to remember those who have paid the ultimate price for our nation’s failure to address the lack of safe, affordable housing in our country. Each year we continue to hold this sacred time of remembrance and honor for all who have passed without stable housing and look toward the day when everyone will have a place to call home.

This free, public event honors community members who died while unstably housed in 2025. Candles will be carried, and names will be read in remembrance – often the only commemoration these individuals receive. The service is a time of reflection, mourning, and renewed commitment to advocate for housing and healthcare access so that all may live with dignity.