Family Homelessness on the Rise; NEOCH Remembers those who Passed Away
The 26th Annual Homeless Memorial Day took place on December 21, 2012 at St. Malachi Social Hall 2459 West 25th St. at 7:00 p.m. at the Hunger Center . This year the candlelight vigil featured State Representative Nickie Antonio who has a long relationship with homeless people. Media are welcome to attend and photograph the memorial/vigil. This last year we have seen a sharp increase in families who have become homeless. We have seen a sharp increase in the number of families that have become homeless this year, and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District has reported 2,400 homeless children who attended school this last semester. NEOCH read the names of those who passed away during 2012 at the Candlelight Vigil.
Joining with other cities throughout the state and country, the Cleveland vigil included a memorial service from three local Christian pastors. In 2008, Ohio legislators designated December 21 as Ohio Homeless Memorial Day. Every big city in Ohio has a similar vigil to remember those who have passed away over the previous year. We have seen a sharp increase over the last four years in families and both of the big shelters in Cleveland are seeing issues of overflow. Locally, we have seen tightening budgets at the same time the need for shelter, food and services has increased dramatically. We will read the names of those who passed away and had some experience with homelessness.
Copyright Cleveland Street Chronicle Cleveland, Ohio January 2013