INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis community is remembering those who died over the last year without a home in Marion County.
It's part of National Homeless Persons' Remembrance Day.
The names of 123 people were read at a memorial service held at Roberts Park United Methodist Church Thursday. A candle was lit in remembrance of each person and an additional candle was lit in honor of those whose names are unknown.
"It was important for me to be able to be standing with her for the ceremony today," said Kelly Godzeski, who attended in memory of Whitney Knoy, a former client.
Godzeski said Knoy struggled with addiction, but "was able to find employment, get housing and restart her life," but died a short time later.
The memorial was held on the winter solstice, which is the longest night of the year.
"To be able to show compassion and show compassion for the need to find housing for everybody," Godzeski said.
Advocates have organized the event every year, not only to honor those lives that have been lost, but also to bring attention to the housing crisis. They say there are far too many people who don’t have safe and affordable housing and they are calling on the community to come together to find a solution.
"Death is a part of life, but to at least have people die with dignity in their home means so much," said Chelsea Haring-Cozzi, executive director of Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention.
In 2022, 196 people were remembered at this service.