Candlelight vigil to remember 7 unhoused people who died in 2023

This week, communities across Ottawa County will pause to recognize Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day on Dec. 21.

Each year, on the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, nonprofits that support unhoused individuals recognize those in their communities who died in the last year while experiencing homelessness.

Community Action House invites community members to join them from 12 to 12:04 p.m. on Dec. 21 in remembering neighbors who died while experiencing homelessness in 2023. 

The Action House Outreach Team worked with seven unhoused neighbors who passed away in 2023. But there may also be others in the community not connected with the team who died while experiencing homelessness over the past year, CAH noted. 

Later that evening, from 5-7 p.m., the nonprofit will host an open-house style memorial outside at its Food Club & Opportunity Hub, at 739 Paw Paw Dr, in Holland. The gathering will include candle lighting, interfaith prayer, and a time to remember those who died. All community members are invited to join.

A time of remembrance

“We envision a community where all our neighbors have what they need to thrive and no one faces challenges alone,”  says Scott Rumpsa, Community Action House CEO. “Dec. 21 is a stark reminder that this vision is not yet reality.”

“We have big long-term goals to more fully realize this vision, in partnership with our community. But at moments like this, it is right to sit together in mourning for the loss of these neighbors, to sit with this present reality, and to feel deep discomfort with the struggle and danger that exists for far too many as we head into another winter.”
 
Last year, the Action House Outreach team worked alongside partners such as First United Methodist Church, Good Samaritan, and Gateway Mission to transition 86 unhoused people into safe, stable housing. 

In November, the profits helped celebrate 11 “homeless to housed” success stories. 

But, heading into winter, the growing cost of essentials and a lack of affordable housing means that more people are turning to them for support. The team currently is working with 258 unhoused individuals.

Those who would like to help those experiencing being unhoused may collect items from Community Action House’s winter gear list or purchase items from the outreach team’s Amazon wishlist by visiting communityactionhouse.org/streetoutreach.

Community Action House is a locally founded and funded nonprofit that provides families and individuals with food, clothing, shelter and the opportunity to build skills needed to achieve a stable and prosperous life. 

Founded in 1969, it serves Ottawa and Allegan counties. It offers programs that include Food Club, Community Kitchen, resource navigation, financial wellness and homeownership, and homeless outreach efforts.