Homeless Persons Memorial Day: The Longest Night of the Year

December 21, Winter Solstice - The wet sky over Salvation Army's Berberian Shelter did not dampen the spirit of the occasion as people from all walks of life gathered to remember those who died on the streets in 2009. Wonderful entertainment flowed all evening from Downey High School's Knightengales, Nick McClellan, and Joseph Hamilton. The shelter buzzed as folks hustled through intake and got settled while volunteers prepared for the distribution of blankets, clothing and shoes, and from CHS volunteers, bags that included things like toothbrushes, razors, and deodorant. Off the Streets folks handed out almost 100 blankets collected during the blanket drive, some plastic bags, and United Way 2-1-1 reference cards. Harm reduction materials about Amphetamines and Hepatitis C were also available.

It was so wonderful seeing these young people interact with others in this way without any hesitation! They really jumped right in and in turn walked away from this experience, I believe, seeing through new eyes. Pretty cool. And although some of our young people were not able to attend the event, their hard work collecting and preparing the blankets beforehand is just as important! This was truly a team effort! By the end of the distribution, many people were provided with much needed support resources. You just don't know how important the simple things are until you don't have them.

After music and refreshments, the candlelight vigil quietly memorialized those who died on the streets this year. The names of those known to have passed scrolled projecting on the shelter's wall, while a last minute volunteer played her flute softly and two students read the names aloud. The event closed with a stirring rendition of "Temporary Home" performed by Samantha Meroney. Just beautiful.

This is the 4th year of the HPMD with this group, but the first time being held at Salvation Army. Organizers and volunteers plan to meet regularly throughout 2010 to tighten up the logistics for next year at this location. This year's event was sponsored by Behavioral Health & Recovery Services and Golden Valley Health Center. If you would like to get involved, donate items, or sit on the planning committee contact Kimberlee Hamilton at khamilto@stancounty.com.