Homeless Persons' Annual Memorial Day Vigil

National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day takes place annually on the longest night of the year, the winter solstice, with commemorations held in communities across the country.

Studies have confirmed relationship between a lack of housing and increased mortality rates. This consistency has no borders. People experiencing homelessness are 3 to 4 times more likely to die than the general population. On average, people with housing in the U.S. can expect to live to age 79. Our long term homeless neighbors can expect to live to about the age of 50. Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day focuses attention on those lost, makes space for community grief, and offers an opportunity to commit to preventing further unnecessary deaths of our unhoused neighbors.

Join us for this commemoration honoring the lives of those in Acadiana who have died this year while unhoused. Contribute the names and memories of your loved ones, and learn about local resources.

Many thanks to First Presbyterian Church of Lafayette for generously hosting this event.

Please light a candle and join us. Please note that this event is OUTDOORS and NO SEATING is provided, so please dress accordingly, and feel free to bring chairs and blankets.