A service of remembrance for homeless individuals who have died in New Britain during the past year will be held on Friday, December 21, 2012, at 1:00 p.m., in the Erwin Chapel at South Congregational Church,    90 Main Street, New Britain, Conn.   The names of those being remembered will be read. All are welcome.  

December 21 marks the Winter Solstice - the first day of Winter - the longest night of the year. It was picked as National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day to emphasize the plight of homeless persons and their need for shelter, particularly during cold weather.

Homeless people die from illnesses that affect everyone, frequently without health care. Homeless people die from exposure, unprotected from heat and cold.   Homeless people die from violence, often in unprovoked hate crimes,

New Britain's memorial service is a collaboration of the Friendship Service Center of New Britain and South Congregational Church, and in support of New Britain's 10-year Plan to End Homelessness.  Last year, National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day was commemorated in 175 communities in 44 states and District of Columbia. The event is sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless, the National Health Care for the Homeless Council and the National Consumer Advocacy Board.