"first day of winter and the longest night of the year"

[dajoki]

National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, December 21, 2008

Sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC)
http://www.nationalhomeless.org/getinvolved/projects/memorial/index.html

National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day: The Organizing Manual
click here to download in pdf format:
http://www.nationalhomeless.org/getinvolved/projects/memorial/memorial08.pdf

Each year since 1990, on or near the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) has sponsored National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day to bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness and to remember our homeless friends who have paid the ultimate price for our nation's failure to end homelessness. This year, the National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC) has joined us in co-sponsoring this event.

In an effort to maximize the impact of the day, NCH and the NHCHC have encouraged local and statewide organizations to hold memorials of their own. Last year, over 100 cities across the nation, from Detroit to Seattle to Washington, DC, sponsored events to honor those who had died and to recommit to the task of ending homelessness.

This Year, once again, NCH is encouraging groups to plan a special event on or around December 21, 2008. Some groups may decide to hold their event a day or so before the date.

Join us on the first day of Winter for a candlelight vigil to commemorate the members of our community who died homeless in 2008.

For more information, contact Michael Stoops
E-mail: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let's see if we can get this on the greatest page and keep this kicked at least until 12/21/08 to not only honor those who are gone, but to raise awareness and give thought to those who are still suffering.

[bobbolink]

1. I"ve participated in this many years.... it's always very moving. Many times it is the only

acknowledgement that some of these people will have that they lived on this earth alongside us.

I hope that DUers will seek out their local actions, and take part. It shouldn't be only shelter providers who offer witness!

[dajoki]

27. You are a GOOD person Bobbie...

always thinking of others, here is a quote from the pamphlet:

http://www.nationalhomeless.org/getinvolved/projects/memorial/memorial08.pdf
“As homelessness continues to increase, so does the outrage of death on our streets. Having a permanent roof over one’s head, an adequate income and health care would greatly reduce the number who die homeless,” said Michael Stoops, Acting Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless.

“These death rates are stunning. Life on the streets too quickly leads to death on the streets,” said John Lozier, Executive Director of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council. “Available research clearly affirms the importance of guaranteeing access to comprehensive health care and affordable housing for all Americans. These resources mean the difference between life and death for our most vulnerable friends and neighbors.”

:cry: :loveya:

[bobbolink]

38. And I"m going to say it--- How many "progressives" even CARE about all this?

The situation is desperate, and we can't even get DUers to call and write about the Block Grants.

I'm enraged beyond words.

And sick to death.

[dajoki]

45. And the time is short...

but it keeps sinking like a rock.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x4656815
Timing
Congress will be crafting an economic recovery package this week and a final bill will likely be considered when the new Congress takes office, so as early as January. It is important that Members of Congress hear from you now as they write the bill.

[bobbolink]

53. And look at all the "progressive" names that are missing.....

:cry:

[dajoki]

59. I just hope...

that they will call even if they don't respond to the posts.:shrug:

[bobbolink]

67. that's what they *say* every time this is brought up.

One can hope, although I can't see how it's so difficult to reply to a thread, especially when there are countless threads about other topics ..... countless repetitions of the same thing.

x( :hide:

:hug:

[TahitiNut]

79. Only outrage at Rick Warren seems to 'float' in GD these days.

:hug:

[mntleo2]

2. Important!

The homeless are forgotten and left to freeze, starve, and get murdered with no justice served. it is important to observe this time!

Cat In Seattle

[bobbolink]

5. absolutely, Cat! For some, this will be the only remembrance they get.

:cry:

It's the least we can do for the least of these.

Is there one in Seattle?

[Uncle Joe]

3. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, dajoki.

[dajoki]

24. your welcome Uncle Joe n/t

[dajoki]

4. Doing nicely...

on the Recs, need more kicks

[hamsterjill]

6. Recommended. And educated

I was not aware of this. Thank you for educating me about it.

[dajoki]

25. no problem hamsterjill n/t

[Laelth]

7. k&r for a worthy cause. n/t

The United States is a LIBERAL Country.

:dem:

-Laelth

[dajoki]

37. Thank you Laelth n/t

[Laelth]

40. No, thank you for increasing awareness of this shameful tragedy.

re-kick.

:dem:

-Laelth

[dajoki]

44. I wish more people felt like you n/t

[wellstone dem]

8. tonight it will be -15 in my hometown

that's not windchill, that will be the temperature in Central Minnesota. Those who do not fit into the local shelters. (ShelterS in a city of less than 70,000 people--we need more than one.) Those who do not fit into one of the local homeless shelters will be sheltered by church communities in their basements or community rooms, through the Church of the Week program. When I volunteered, giving a simple pad and a few blackets to homeless men, women, and children--all sleeping in one room, a man said, "We like staying here, this church is warm."

Merry Christmas to all. I have tears in my eyes as I think of how Christmas began, a homeless family--sleeping in a shed. With all of us Christians in the world, we have made so little progress.

[maryf]

10. No room at the inn...

Thanks Wellstone Dem, very good point that needs to be brought up more often...

[dajoki]

29. "a homeless family--sleeping in a shed"

Beautifully said wellstone dem and a great reminder of what Christmas is all about. Thank you!!

[sarcasmo]

9. If I am not mistaken, the 21st is the date of the Winter Solstice.

[maryf]

11. K & R big thanks for the info

So timely Dajoki! only a week away! :hi:

[dajoki]

26. Happy to do it maryf...

it needs as much attention as it can get.:pals: :hi:

[Two Americas]

12. In the bleak midwinter

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day,
Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels fall before,
The ox and ass and camel which adore.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

[maryf]

13. Give all the homeless our heart!

Who's to say who they may be, what they may have to offer the world? By disenfranchising the homeless we do the community a huge disservice and commit an atrocity against humanity.

Thanks TA, beautiful poem! :hi:

[dajoki]

30. Beautiful, Two Americas, thank you n/t

[bobbolink]

14. Manual for organizing a Memorial in your area

http://www.nationalhomeless.org/getinvolved/projects/memorial/memorial05.pdf

[maryf]

16. Thanks Bobbolink!

I looked for the ny vigils and saw none!! I'm going to share this manual with some other folks, and a group of kids at the school I teach at! great stuff!:fistbump:

[bobbolink]

18. that would be exciting if the kids would get energized to put together a vigil!

I hope they will take the step to do that.

:hug:

[maryf]

19. I know just the group to go to...

There's also a peace and justice group that holds a vigil Monday nights, I'll be contacting their group too...:pals:

[bobbolink]

20. That would be a great idea, too! Can you get a list of the homeless people who've died during the

year?

Surely some of the kids can start to gather those names...?

:yourock: Mary!

:hug:

[maryf]

22. I'll have to look into it...

or have them do it, good idea!

[maryf]

23. kick for the night! thanks again Dajoki! nt

[northofdenali]

15. There's a huge Winter Solstice celebration in Fairbanks

every year. The Downtown Association and the merchants go all out - and fortunately, two of the huge beneficiaries of the event are our local homeless shelter (it's big, new, beautifully appointed, has areas for men, women, children and families) and our local food bank (run by donation only and it NEVER runs "dry").

Many merchants set out bins for toys, other gifts, food cans, clothing and the like so it's convenient for us downtowners to donate.

Santa's Clearing House gathers tons of toys, clothing and gifts for infants to teens each year; the food bank always has enough "Christmas Baskets" to go around (including to our senior citizen's and Pioneer's homes).

Fairbanks may be a little red town in a big red state, but we are known for caring and generosity to the less fortunate among us, and I'm damn proud of it! It's year-round giving here, lots of concerts and movies accept donations in lieu of ticket prices, with a counter-winter Summer Solstice Foodstock (yep, based on the legend) where dozens of local bands play indoors and out, and the price for entry is canned or otherwise preserved food. A friend owns the local venue where it's held (the Howling Dawg Saloon) and last year, we were able to load up 4 tractor-trailers with donated food.

Friends, it's a good day to reflect and review how much you have, and how you can give, even if it's only your time.

[bobbolink]

17. Memorial in Denver, Dec 18, City And County Building

Homeless Persons Memorial Vigil When: 12/18/2008 - 12/18/2008 Where: Denver City & County Building -
http://www.metrocarering.org/current-news/events/details/14-homeless-persons-memorial-vigil

[maryf]

88. Here's a post linking to articles about the Denver vigil

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4687991&mesg_id=4687991

[varelse]

21. K&R

[Bobbie Jo]

28. K&R

:kick:

[alittlelark]

31. We had a homeless man die here last month.

At the intersection of San Antonio and El Camino - at a bus stop.

I had seen him in the area many times.

He never panhandled... he just 'was there'.



It made me cry.

When I was young (early 70's) I don't remember any homeless. In the 80's there were very few. In the 90's I saw panhandlers, and a few shopping cart ppl.

In the last 8 or so years their #'s have exploded.


Civilized countries take care of their citizens...... What are we?

[babylonsister]

33. Lots of Vets in the mix, from VN. Next up, Iraqi Vets, combined with

people just like us. It's scary and going to be or is happening, depending where you are.

[bobbolink]

39. When we seperate out groups that are more "important", we make it HARDER to get the solutions.

I'm not a vet.... is my death on the street any less important?

We homeless people are ALL important... if we don't begin to solve this, the deaths will continue.

Here is the action you can take right now:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=mydu

Then write to Obama's Transition Team and plead for more low-income housing!

http://www.change.gov/page/s/contact

[maryf]

48. Great Point, Bobbie

Not only harder to get to the solutions, but harder to figure out the true sources of the problem as divergent paths are taken. One of the biggest sources of the problem is the lack of low income housing! the waiting lists are huge; where can people wait when they need a home?

[dajoki]

36. Lack of affordable housing is the biggest problem...

prior to 1996 there was a law that mandated one for one replacement of any demolished public housing, we need it reinstated, tell your rep and senators.

[babylonsister]

32. Thanks to everyone who cares. Great post. nt

[dajoki]

66. Thank you for caring babylonsister n/t

[dajoki]

34. kick

[maryf]

35. Good morning kick...

How many are waking up in their car? How many in a shelter? How many on the street? Lets not forget the forgotten...:grouphug:

[bobbolink]

41. ps...

Did you add this to your journal, so people can find it next year in time to plan an action for their own city?

Thanks for posting this important information!

[dajoki]

46. Yes I did...

thank you for the reminder!!:hug: :loveya:

[Sequoia]

42. This woman I ride the bus with told me her dad kicked her out.

He and her mom are very well off, surrounded by vineyards. The adult daughter has to sneak into a trailer on the property that has no electricity, heat, or plumbing. She told me on Sunday at 2pm her dad kicked her out and she spent the night under a ledge. It was cold and rainy that day. So last night we got off the bus together and gave her a ride near her home. (My SO picks me up at the bus stop). We have to let her off near because she doesn't want them to see our headlights and dropping her off. She said she would have to go to a homeless woman's shelter. I can't understand why a parent would treat their child this way. She does seem to have some mental issues but she had gone to the university and excelled in music. She told me once that her parents blame her for the grandmother's death because she was with her the day she died. Her grandmother was like 92. I bet these parents treat their dog better than the daughter.

Being homeless is not a crime, but treating your child that way is morally sinful.

[dajoki]

43. I have two grown daughters...

and I can't imagine a parent treating their own child that way. If one or both of my daughters fell on hard times, for whatever reason, or just wanted to move back home, they both know they would be welcomed with open arms by two loving parents. If they had issues of any sort they know they will be helped. So I just don't understand how ANY parent can justify "throwing" their children out.

[bobbolink]

52. Kicking out kids is becoming quite common, apparently.

I know of two local families who have done this, and I understand it's common here. Apparently in other areas, too.

I can tell you that I got to know the one (this year a senior) quite well, and everyone who knows her is VERY ANGRY with her parents... mostly her day, who is a control freak. (And ... get ready for this.. a THERAPIST!!!)

They have swallowed the Dobson line of "tough love" which is heavy on TOUGH, but has NOTHING to do with LOVE---it's all about power and control.

They are setting her up to fail.... she was an excellent student, and they pulled her out of school... won't let her finish her senior year of high school. She was on the swim team, and looking forward to winning a lot in her senior year. All that... wasted.

It's absurd in the extreme!

But, that's what this country has come to.

I could tell you all kinds of stories of the "tough love" (read: power and control) shit that I've gotten from people because I'm homeless. Hell, I get it right here at DU!

USians have lost their soul.

[maryf]

47. kicking to keep this going 'til the day!!nt

[ulysses]

49. too late to rec, but I'll keep kicking.

[dajoki]

51. Thank you ulysses n/t

[ulysses]

54. back up.

[dajoki]

58. Way to Go!!

:fistbump: :yourock:

[ulysses]

65. aaaand again.

[bobbolink]

68. I appreciate your loyalty!!! Thanks so much!

I hope your calls generated much thought....

:hi: :yourock:

[ulysses]

70. I'm just picking the low-hanging fruit, Bobbie.

Be well, friend, and thanks for everything *you* do. :hi:

[dajoki]

50. Good Night Kick

[bobbolink]

55. And good night to you, too, dear friend!

:hug:

I think you've caused some calls to be made! :bounce:

[dajoki]

57. Thank you...

and good night to you, also, dear friend!! I really appreciate your kind words, but I do not feel like I am doing anything that deserves recognition. After all what good would I be if I didn't do somethiing so small as to try to make people aware of this important issue? I couldn't live with myself just sitting by and doing nothing.

:loveya: :hug:

[bobbolink]

56. kicking for the night crew!

[maryf]

60. Kicking for the morning crew, three days till the 21st!nt

[bananas]

77. "keep this kicked at least until 12/21/08" - two more days! nt

[bobbolink]

61. Any DUers attending memorials? Only a few more days...

:cry:

[bdamomma]

62. kick

[bobbolink]

64. thanks, alyce!

:hi:

Any memorials in your neck of the woods?

[bananas]

63. k&r nt

[bobbolink]

69. Thanks, bananas!!!

:hi:

[bananas]

76. You're welcome! Merry Christmas!

:hi:

[maryf]

71. Another morning kick!! nt

[dajoki]

72. Good Morning Mary...

we woke up to what looks like a pretty big snowstorm. How's your weather?

[maryf]

86. Well, its good night now!!

Pretty good storm here, sore from shoveling...Makes me really think about the longest night of the year...How horrible is it for the homeless to have to find shelter from a storm; no just heading home for the homeless...:hug:

[dajoki]

89. That is why I mentioned it...

I knew you would get it and I hope everybody else did also. Good Night!!:pals:

[lightningandsnow]

73. Kicking.

Thank you so much for posting this.

I don't know of an event happening in my area, but I'll light a candle for those who have passed.

[bobbolink]

74. Thank you for the candle! Just being remembered is MORE than they had in life.

Your thoughts are sooo welcome, and appreciated!

[bobbolink]

75. The memorial in Denvoid last night remembered over 160 people who died on the streets this last year

:cry: :cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:

[a la izquierda]

78. Kick...nothing going on in the OKC area.

Not a huge surprise. I'll have to see if I can't get one together for next year, since I should be in the country full time all of next year.

[bobbolink]

81. That would be wonderful if you would/could do that! Did you see the manual for planning one?

The link is in this thread... let me know if you can't find it.

And... thanks. :toast:

[a la izquierda]

83. I did and I bookmarked it for next year.

I go to the University of Oklahoma, where I'm a grad student. It would be little problem to gather up grad students, undergrads and faculty for an event next year and I will gladly do it. I got in a massive argument last night with a friend of mine who said that there are no poor people in the US. He's an American citizen who I think has lived entirely too long in other countries. Your story and your words to me echoed in my head...

If I wasn't landing at 11pm Sunday night, I'd drive up to Tulsa to take part in their vigil...but I've emailed my friend the info and she said she'd probably go.

Peace to you:toast: and cheers back at you!

[bobbolink]

84. That's terrific! It's people like *you* who give me hope... not an empty slogan.

Did you also see the post with the study guide for college students? The picture on it was the old one with Martin Sheen out on the street with homeless people, too.

Maybe there could actually be a college group formed....?

:bounce:

Thanks so much, and Merry Christmas.. safe travels in the winter weather! :yourock:

[a la izquierda]

85. Thanks...

fortunately, Dallas and OKC will be nice on Sunday for my flights.
When I get back, and get settled, I'm going to go over and talk to the College Activities Council...they should be able to help me with this, and I know there are lots of service orgs on campus that will have some ideas as well.
Merry Christmas to you, and if I'm ever in Denver (which I might be in the near future), you and me are going for a beer. :)

[bobbolink]

92. I've flunked my German heritage.. I can't stand beer. Now OUZO...

OPA! :toast:

:gigglesnort:

Hey... we're working on some ideas right now... is it OK if I PM you? It's in the planning, and your input would be GREAT.

I'm excited about your activism!

:bounce: :yourock:

[a la izquierda]

93. Absolutely!

PM me for sure...I'll be out of touch all day tomorrow, getting back into the US.

[ulysses]

80. yet another determined

:kick:

[bobbolink]

82. Thank you for your determination, ulysses! There are invisible people who shouldn't be forgotten!

:yourock:

[maryf]

87. So we all just have to keep reminding each other!!

:grouphug:

[dajoki]

91. And Good night Mary

:hug:

[maryf]

96. Thanks Dajoki! for this and all you do!!

:pals: :loveya:

[dajoki]

99. Check out...

Bobbie the commedian's post "Good night John Boy", I love it, made me laugh after a rough day.:hug: :loveya:

[maryf]

101. Check out...

this that won't make you laugh, sorry!!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4695146&mesg_id=4695146

And yes Bobbie is very funny!! Amazing isn't it? Everyone light a candle for our homeless! Especially our own Bobbolink!! :grouphug:

[dajoki]

90. Good night , Bobbie

:hug:

[bobbolink]

94. Good night, John Boy!

:rofl:

:loveya:

[dajoki]

98. LOL!!

:rofl: Good one Bobbie, perfect reply. I had a rough day today and your sense of humor has just lightened my spirit, thank you. BTW, where I am it is now 12/21/08!!:hug: :loveya:

[maryf]

103. Dear Bobbie...

The fact that you always laugh despite your hardships, the fact that you always work hardest for the homeless despite being homeless yourself, makes me declare you my Hero!! Thanks for all you do, I have two candles lit today in honor of Memorial Day for the Homeless, one for all Homeless, one for you!:loveya: :yourock: :applause:

[ulysses]

95. at least one more.

:kick:

[Muttocracy]

97. kick. nt

[dajoki]

100. I just wanted...

to make the 100th post!! Great job everybody, let's get this through the day!!

[NaturalHigh]

102. I guess it's to late to rec for the greatest page...

but I'll gladly kick for the morning crowd.

[maryf]

104. Kicks are always good!!

And Dajoki got 40 recs on the first day! A hero for the homeless!! 6 days and still going...Today's the day, light a candle, and always, at least, recognize the homeless, even a little smile goes a long way!!!

[dajoki]

108. Thanks Mary...

but we know who the REAL hero is!! Your hero is also mine!! Two candles are burning in my home.:grouphug: :loveya:

[maryf]

110. Yep

A perpetual candle always burns for Bobbie :loveya: :grouphug:

[tosh]

105. Kick. Today's the day.

[dajoki]

109. Yes it is...

and thank you for remembering, please light a candle.:hi:

[smokey nj]

106. Kick!

[dajoki]

114. Thanks smokey nj n/t

[smokey nj]

115. My pleasure!

[elizfeelinggreat]

107. Thanks for this information

I wasn't aware of this either.

[bobbolink]

112. thank you, elizfeelinggreat! Please light a candle, and set aside a moment to think of those

who are suffering and who have died on the street.

We appreciate your thoughts and concern.

[maryf]

111. As we light symbolic candles and hold vigils

Let perpetual light shine upon all those who passed without homes...and please help stop homelessness, it is avoidable and inhumane, how many would pick up a stray kitten and at least find it shelter? when the main cause of homelessness is lack of low-income housing, we can push for legislation to provide it...Thank you!!

[dajoki]

113. Yes...

everybody please use this link:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4656815&mesg_id=4656815

[bobbolink]

116. Absolutely! With the remembrance and sadness goes a commitment to CHANGE!

Taking action is the only lasting response to needless death.

:grouphug:

[bobbolink]

117. A reminder kick for Vigil day!

:kick:

[maryf]

118. And a reminder to remember the forgotten homeless everyday...

:grouphug:

[dajoki]

119. Great job everybody...

but when this day is over please do not forget that the work must begin, PLEASE CALL!!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[dajoki]

120. Check this out...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4697093&mesg_id=4697093

[bobbolink]

122. exactly... FIFTEEN MINUTES a week may very well save some lives!

:hug:

[bobbolink]

121. Anyone attending a vigil tonight?