Today, CHAS Health and communities across the nation honor those who have died while experiencing homelessness by hosting a homeless memorial during the year. This annual tradition brings together local community partners and those committed to ending homelessness to raise awareness of the struggles and humanity of those in our community without a home.
Individual names were placed on the fence outside the downtown CHAS Health Denny Murphy Clinic, as visual representation of the 200 members of our homeless community who have died this year. Individual names were placed on the fence outside of the Lewis & Clark Health Center in Lewiston as a visual representation of the 25 members of our homeless community who have died this year.
Communities across the nation hold similar memorial events on or near the winter solstice, the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, to bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness and to remember those who have died while living without a permanent home. Studies from countries worldwide have confirmed a relationship between a lack of housing and increased mortality rates.
In an effort to assist those without a home in staying warm this winter, CHAS Health employees have donated more than $7,500 to support members of our homeless community through our employee Winter Giving Drive.
If you would like to support members of our homeless community, you can donate online to the CHAS Health Foundation and select “Health Equity Program.”
Please help us spread the word by sharing the Homeless Memorial 2024 video.
