DAVENPORT, IOWA (November 27, 2023) — On December 21, one hour after sunset, at 5:42PM, the public is invited to gather for a memorial service at Zion Lutheran Church, 1216 W 8th St, Davenport, Iowa, to honor those community members that we have lost while experiencing homelessness or who have experienced homelessness in the past. Names will be read, followed by the tolling of a bell. CHC Community Impact Team will sponsor sack lunches that will be available for pick up at the Memorial on a first-come/first-serve basis. Homeless Person’s Memorial Day, an annual event, is commemorated in over 150 cities and counties across the United States, and will build on themes of Remembrance, Hope, and Healing. This memorial will also serve as a Call to Action to end homelessness in our community.
The QC Shelter and Transitional Housing Council invites the public, especially people experiencing homelessness, advocates, activists, volunteers, and staff from local shelters and service providers, faith-based organizations, health-care providers, educators, area first-responders, concerned neighbors, city representatives, local media staff, and elected officials.
Studies across the United States have confirmed relationships between a lack of housing and increased mortality rates. The average life expectancy in the US is 78 years, while our neighbors experiencing homelessness can expect to live to be fifty years old. This memorial focuses attention to a collective recommitment of efforts to prevent unnecessary deaths amongst our unsheltered neighbors; not just during the holiday season, but year-round.
