LTHC Homeless Services and the Salvation Army put on a memorial dedicated to the people experiencing homelessness who have died. 15 people experiencing homeless in Tippecanoe County have died this year.
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — "Today is the National Homeless Persons Memorial Day," said President and CEO of LTHC, Jennifer Layton.Â
The longest night of the year.
"The winter solstice so every year on December 21st, this is commemorated nationally," said Layton.Â
LTHC Homeless Services and the Salvation Army put on a memorial dedicated to the people experiencing homelessness who have died. Layton says 15 people experiencing homeless in Tippecanoe County have died this year.
"People that have experienced homelessness are dying at a rate of 20 times sooner than those that are housed because the impact of homelessness on their health is insurmountable," said Layton.Â
People joined in prayer and in kind words in remembrance of their lost ones. Director of Social Services at Salvation Army, Briton Weise, says it's important for people to be exposed to what's happening.
"It's something a lot of people don't think about. It's something a lot of people I think need to be reminded of, just how harsh conditions can be. Just how much compassion is needed," said Weise.
Weise was happy to see the amount of people who showed up to support this cause.
"There were a lot of people out here that are giving their times, their lives to these issues, but there's always more to do," said Weise.
