EVERETT — Dozens of people died on the streets in Snohomish County over the past 12 months.
The county will commemorate the deceased Wednesday, Dec. 21 with a vigil at 5:15 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, 2021 and Dec. 20, 2022.
It will be the county’s 15th annual participation in the national memorial.
A bell rings after each name to honor each individual. “Taps” was played for the 10 veterans among the 64 at last year’s ceremony.
It is solemn, and a place to reflect. The vigil typically lasts one hour.
This year’s vigil will be held on the county campus in the outdoor amphitheater, 3000 Rockefeller Ave. in Everett, rain or shine.
The risk of dying prematurely is real for homeless individuals. The life expectancy for a homeless person is estimated to be some 25 years shorter than the average American.
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.
If you know of anyone to add, contact Michael Salceda: michael.salceda@snoco.org
In Snohomish County during 2017, there were 21 people who were classified as having died while homeless, which rose to 36 in 2018. There were 53 honored in 2020 and 64 in 2021.
If you go:
Snohomish County homeless memorial vigil
Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 5:15 p.m., 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett
Look for a podium. Seating is along the steps.
