SNOHOMISH COUNTY — Last year, at least 36 people died on the streets in Snohomish County. This year’s number is not final, but organizers note that one is too many.
The county will commemorate the deceased Friday, Dec. 20 with a vigil at 5 p.m. at the county campus. It is tied to National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, which is held on the longest night of the year, Dec. 21.
The event honors those who died as homeless individuals between Dec. 22, 2018 and Dec. 19, 2019.
It will be the county’s 11th annual participation in the national memorial.
Typically, a bell rings after each name to honor each individual. “Taps” was played for the five veterans among the 36 at last year’s ceremony.
It is solemn, and a place to reflect.
This year’s vigil will be held on the county campus in the outdoor amphitheater, 3000 Rockefeller Ave. in Everett, rain or shine.
The vigil typically lasts one hour.
The people who are honored at the event go beyond high-profile deaths in media, but a wide range of sources from names identified through local channels such as the needle exchange program and the Everett Gospel Mission.
In Snohomish County during 2017, there were 21 people who were classified as having died while homeless.
The increase in 2018 over 2017 is in part because the vigil organizers are working with more groups to identify people, the vigil’s listmaster said earlier this year.
If you go:
Snohomish County homeless memorial vigil
Friday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m., 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett
Look for a podium. Seating is along the steps.
