December is upon us and with it the holiday season; a time of celebration spent with friends and family.  December also brings short days and colder nights, especially for our many neighbors who will spend this holiday season on the streets.   Among those living on the streets are some who have passed away this year, leaving friends, family, and lost opportunity behind.  It is important that our communities acknowledge those who have died while experiencing homelessness.

On December 21^st, the first day of winter and the darkest day of the year, communities throughout the country pay reverence to those who have died this year living on the streets.  This event is known as Homeless Persons Memorial Day and has been promoted by the National Consumer Advisory Board (NCAB), along with the National Health Care for the Homeless Council and the National Coalition for the Homeless, for 25 years.  

NCAB strongly encourages Health Care for the Homeless clinics to stage events in their communities and many clinics currently do so.  For information about planning an event in your community please contact NCAB or visit the 2010 Organizing Manual.

Such public acknowledgement is noble in its own right but NCAB believes that it is crucial that individuals who have experienced homelessness actively participate in the planning of this day's events.  In many cities it is consumers who completely plan these activities, but at least some participation is strongly encouraged.  The input from those who have experienced homelessness will help ensure the proper tone for the event and also empower consumers to become more active in general.  Please consider facilitating consumer involvement in the planning and staging of Homeless Persons Memorial Day events in your community.

Sincerely,

Amy Grassette, Chair, NCAB