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On December 21, we honor and remember those who are experiencing homelessness on National Homeless Persons' Remembrance Day. This day was first established in 1990 by the National Coalition for the Homeless to bring awareness to the challenges faced by individuals without a home. It's also a time to reflect on the progress made towards ending homelessness and to take action in supporting those in need. Despite its somber origins, this day is also a reminder of the resilience and strength shown by homeless individuals and communities, as well as the importance of showing compassion and extending a helping hand. So let's come together on this day to stand in solidarity with those facing homelessness and work towards creating a brighter future for all.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of the Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Coalition for the Homeless first established National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day to recognize individuals experiencing homelessness.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Nationwide Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Other cities across the U.S also began observing this day, drawing national attention to the issue of homelessness.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Advocacy Efforts Increase</div><div class='timeline-text'>The turn of the century sees increased advocacy efforts, including increased educational campaigns and policy initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Focus on Homeless Veterans</div><div class='timeline-text'>Special attention is given to homeless veterans, with the VA and other organizations ramping up efforts to address this issue.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>COVID-19 and Homelessness</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbates the issue of homelessness, highlighting the need for safer housing solutions and support systems.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a homeless shelter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day volunteering at a local homeless shelter to honor those who have passed away and bring awareness to the issue of homelessness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a donation drive</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends, family, or coworkers to organize a donation drive for essential items such as toiletries, socks, and warm clothing to donate to a homeless shelter or organization.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a memorial service</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check with your local government or organizations to see if there is a memorial service being held in honor of National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day. Attend and pay your respects to those who have lost their lives while experiencing homelessness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself and others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn more about the issue of homelessness and share your knowledge with others. This can help raise awareness and understanding about the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write letters to local government officials</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day as an opportunity to write letters to local government officials advocating for more resources and support for the homeless population in your community.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness for homelessness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Homeless Persons' Remembrance Day brings attention to the issue of homelessness and encourages people to take action. By acknowledging and remembering those who have passed away while experiencing homelessness, we can create a dialogue about the underlying causes and work towards finding solutions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honours those who have died while experiencing homelessness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This day is an opportunity to honor and remember those who have lost their lives due to homelessness. It humanizes the issue and reminds us that every person has value and deserves dignity, regardless of their housing situation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It offers support for homeless individuals</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By participating in events or activities related to National Homeless Persons' Remembrance Day, we can also show our support for current homeless individuals. This can inspire others to get involved in helping their local communities and supporting organizations that provide resources and assistance to those in need.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Homelessness is Often a Result of Several Converging Issues</h3><p class='facts-content'>Homelessness is not typically caused by one single factor, but instead by a combination of issues including a lack of affordable housing, job loss, mental health issues, substance misuse and domestic abuse, among others.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Homeless Individuals Are Employed</h3><p class='facts-content'>Contrary to stigma, many individuals experiencing homelessness are employed. However, wages often do not cover the cost of housing, particularly in areas with high living costs.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Youth Homelessness is a Significant Issue</h3><p class='facts-content'>Approximately one third of the homeless population consists of children and young adults under 25. Youths may be particularly vulnerable due to disruptions in their education and lack of life experiences and skills.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Veterans Experience Homelessness</h3><p class='facts-content'>Approximately 11% of the adult homeless population are veterans, with difficulty adjusting to civilian life and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being contributing factors.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Homeless Individuals Have a Shorter Average Lifespan</h3><p class='facts-content'>Individuals experiencing homelessness have a shorter lifespan compared to the general population. This is due to a range of health conditions, lack of access to healthcare, and exposure to harsh conditions.</p></div></div>
National Homeless Persons' Remembrance Day is celebrated on December 21 every year. In 2024, National Homeless Persons' Remembrance Day will occur on a Saturday.
2023
Dec 21
Thursday
2024
Dec 21
Saturday
2025
Dec 21
Sunday
2026
Dec 21
Monday
2027
Dec 21
Tuesday
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