Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day 2024

Written By Annetta Crecelius

National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day occurs each year on the longest night of the year, the winter solstice. This particular date reminds us that no one should be experiencing homelessness - not ever, and especially not during these cold and unforgiving winter months. 

Community Art Project

Local shelters, housing organizations, schools, churches, and community members have personalized wooden house decorations centered around this year’s theme, “Home is…”. Submissions explore what having a place to call “home” means to each contributor, highlighting the importance of ensuring everyone in our community has a safe, stable place to call home. 

We hope that this year’s virtual art gallery can serve as a heartfelt reminder of our unhoused neighbors while also bringing awareness to the ongoing work to address homelessness in Chester County and beyond. 

“Home Is…” submissions:

Click on the images below to read more about
the inspiration behind each piece of artwork.

"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Visit our Partners Directory to learn about opportunities to volunteer at https://endhomelessnesschesco
Harm reduction, Housing First, and other initiatives are working—but funding remains a critical barrier. Together, we can build a better system. Read the full article at https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2024/09/op-ed-camden-coalition-homelessne
James’ journey shows the transformative power of housing and support. “Having somewhere that you can call home… gives it back to you, your humanity.” Read James’ full story at https://pathwaystohousingpa.org/james or b
Housing First has been proven to reduce homelessness, increase stability, and improve quality of life for individuals. It’s a compassionate and effective solution that works. Visit https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/Housing-First-Research.p
Poverty is a major driver of homelessness, and addressing one requires addressing the other. Our Housing Solutions Partners work every day to break this cycle. Donate to support their work at https://endhomelessnesschesco.org/partners-directory or b
Housing First doesn’t mean “housing only.” It’s a proven approach that combines stable housing with supportive services to address the root causes of homelessness. Learn more about the myths and facts at https://endhomelessne
Mind-body wellness starts with a place to call home. Housing First provides stability that allows individuals to focus on physical, emotional, and mental health. Begin the new year with a commitment to wellness for all. Visit our blog post, Home is&
As we welcome 2025, we invite you to recommit to our shared mission of ending homelessness in Chester County. Together, we can ensure that everyone has a safe, stable place to call home. #HappyNewYear #EndHomelessness #HousingForAll
The Housing First approach is about more than shelter—it’s about creating a culture of support where everyone has the chance to thrive. Ending homelessness requires not just housing but the belief that everyone deserves a life of dignity
Funders Together is driving systemic change by advancing housing justice nationwide. Let’s support their vision of a world where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. Click the link in our bio on IG or learn more by visiting https://
Ending homelessness requires investments in housing solutions that work. It’s a challenge we can meet if we prioritize housing as the cornerstone of thriving communities. Read more about how homelessness is solvable with sufficient investment
As we celebrate the winter season, let’s take a moment to reflect on the importance of home and community. If you’re curious about Festivus traditions, you can learn more about this quirky holiday. Click the link in our bio on IG or lear
Today, we honor those who have lost their lives while experiencing homelessness. Visit our virtual "Home Is..." community art gallery to reflect on the importance of home and join us in recommitting to ending homelessness in Chester County.
This Homeless Persons' Memorial Day, the “Home is…” art project encourages members across our community to reflect on just what home means to them. Decorations express each creator’s unique vision, and submitted pieces will
This Homeless Persons' Memorial Day, the “Home is…” art project encourages members across our community to reflect on just what home means to them. Decorations express each creator’s unique vision, and submitted pieces will

In Remembrance

This year, we honor the five individuals in Chester County who lost their lives while experiencing homelessness in 2024.

  • Benjamin W. | 56 years old

  • Denise D. | 31 years old

  • J. H. | 58 years old

  • Louis G. | 67 years old

  • Arthur S. | 80 years old

How You Can Help

Since 1990, this day has served as a poignant reminder of the individuals we have lost while experiencing homelessness. This year, we unite to make an impactful statement: we cannot let this be the start of another year of growing homelessness in Chester County.

We know there are many causes of homelessness. You can help support everyone in Chester County with safe, affordable housing.

Learn more about how you can also volunteer or donate to the cause of ending homelessness in our community. 

Annetta Crecelius
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