Remembering Our Neighbors. Honoring Their Lives.
Each year, communities across the country gather on or around the winter solstice, the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, to pay tribute to those who have passed away during the year. At the Homeless Memorial, we recognize three groups: people who died while experiencing homelessness, those who experienced homelessness at some point in their lives, and the dedicated individuals who worked to support people experiencing homelessness. We celebrate their lives, acknowledge the impact they had on others, and reflect on the compassion and care they brought to our community.
In Santa Cruz County, this annual memorial has been a tradition for nearly three decades. Held in conjunction with National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, the ceremony offers an opportunity to gather in remembrance, support those who are grieving, and renew our commitment to a community where everyone is treated with dignity and can live safely.
This year, we’re expanding the tradition with two memorials: one in Santa Cruz and another in Watsonville. These gatherings will make it easier for people throughout the county to participate and pay their respects.
Why We Gather
People experiencing homelessness face significantly shorter life expectancies and disproportionately high rates of violence, trauma, and serious health conditions. Behind every name is a person whose life mattered: a neighbor, friend, family member, and community member. The memorial offers an opportunity to honor those we’ve lost and recognize the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness.
Submit a Name or Share a Remembrance
If you would like to honor someone who passed away this year, we invite you to submit their name through our Homeless Memorial Name Submission Form. This includes people who died while experiencing homelessness, those who experienced homelessness at some point in their lives, and individuals who dedicated their lives to supporting people experiencing homelessness. All names submitted through the form will be read aloud during the memorial.
Friends, family members, and community members are also welcome to attend and share a brief remembrance of someone they’ve lost. Time will be set aside during the ceremony for those who wish to speak.
Whether you come to remember someone you knew or to stand in solidarity with your community, your presence helps ensure that those we’ve lost are not forgotten.