Homeless Memorial Vigil
Come stand with us to honor and remember individuals who experienced homelessness this last year, those who were formerly homeless, and advocates for those people who passed away this last year. December 17th, 5:15 PM. More details below.
Honoring Those Who Have Passed
Every year we take time to remember people who passed away who experienced homelessness, formerly experienced homelessness, or were advocates for those persons.
We feel it is important to do this because these were sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and even grandparents. They may have had a harder life than any of us could imagine. They deserve to be honored and remembered.
At 5:15 PM, people will be meeting at the Chum Food Shelf (120 N 1st Ave W) to march to city hall.
At 5:30 PM, marchers will arrive at Duluth City Hall. Vigil will commence.
Welcome
John Cole, Executive Director, Chum
Honoring Song
Cedar Creek
Invocation
Babette Sandman (Elder) & Ivy Vainio, American Indian Community Housing Organization
We Carry Their Names by Carina Aleckson
Leader: Pastor John Ansell, Salem Lutheran Church
All Respond: “We carry their names”
Reading of the Names
Deb Holman, Street Outreach Coordinator, Chum
Tiffany Gunderson, Life House
Guest Speaker
Monica Nilsson – Principal, Nilsson Consulting
Has operated street outreach, shelter, and housing programs in the Twin Cities area for 30 years. She is a board member of Peace House, Mile in My Shoes, and Trellis, a housing developer and property manager of 5000 units.
Healing Song
Cedar Creek
Invitation
Patrice Critchley-Menor
Silent Night
All Sing
Gratitude Song
Cedar Creek
Prayer
Rev. Sally Maxwell, retired, St. James Episcopal Church
Refreshments
Hot Chocolate and Cookies
Thank You
Your presence at this memorial vigil is greatly appreciated. The act of honoring those who have passed is seen in gratitude by our community, and by those no longer with us. Thank you for making our community a better place.
Below are our brothers and sisters who experienced homelessness, and advocates for those persons who have passed in the last year. This year we are collecting winter gloves and coats at the vigil. They can be brought to the food shelf before the march, or to Duluth City Hall where they will also be collected.
Please Consider Supporting Chum
With your help, we can provide safety, dignity, and support to our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Our services offer a lifeline, ensuring no one has to face the hardships of homelessness alone. Your support helps keep people out of harm’s way, offering them a place to turn during their most vulnerable moments.