DAVENPORT, Iowa — On this year's winter solstice — the longest night of the year — around 50 people came together to remember those who have passed while experiencing homelessness, along with those who are currently or formerly unhoused.
The memorial started an hour after sunset at 5:42 p.m. outside of Zion Luthern Church in Davenport. Put on by the QC Shelter and Transitional Housing Council, people from throughout the Quad Cities area came together to sing songs, pray and call for the end of homelessness in the community. Bagged dinners were also available for those in need.
"My heart grew like the Grinch's," Laura Rodriguez said, who is the program coordinator for the Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition Quad Cities. "To see such a big community come out to this space — even though it is a little cold and it is dark — really touched my heart."
People from numerous community-based organizations spoke at the event. One representative from St. Anthony Catholic Church unveiled a new plaque dedicated to those in the community who have died while experiencing homelessness. It will hang in the church's McAnthony Window, which provides food and resources to the unhoused population.
In addition to the songs, speeches and prayers, attendees lit candles as the names of those who have died were read, each name followed by one ring of the church bell.
"I think it's our responsibility as a community to come forward and care for those who cannot care for themselves," Rodriguez said. She works out of The Center Love in Action, located in Davenport, and said she sees at least 40 people a day come through the building, adding that many deal with hidden disabilities or never had certain things modeled for them. "When I see those things, I think we should all step up for our neighbors. I don't think it's okay to walk by somebody suffering...what will it say of humanity if we just let people die? Whose life has meaning if we let people die?"
Homeless Persons' Memorial Day is a national day of remembrance and takes place every year on the winter solstice. Having a memorial on the longest night of the year symbolizes the many cold nights those who are unhoused have to navigate.
"If you've ever been outside for too long, maybe locked out of your house, you'll understand the concept. If you are not prepared for the cold, it is biting," Rodriguez said. She added that many without a source of light walk in complete darkness where there are broken streetlights or none at all. "People are running from place to place, always walking all night because they're often told to move along and not sleep somewhere...I think letting the public experience the longest night of the year out in the cold is just the least we can do."
More information on the Iowa Harm Reduction Quad Cities can be found on their Facebook page, along with upcoming events for those looking to help.
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