SNOHOMISH COUNTY — Last year, at least 85 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 5:15 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, 2023 and Dec. 19, 2024.
Typically, a bell rings after each name to honor each individual. “Taps” is played for the veterans.
It is solemn, and a place to reflect.
The vigil will be held on the county campus in the outdoor amphitheater, 3000 Rockefeller Ave. in Everett, rain or shine.
This year’s guest speaker will be Gary Walderman, Executive Director of Heroes Café, a veterans organization based in Lynnwood.
The vigil typically lasts one hour.
It concludes with the singing of “Amazing Grace.”
This will be the county’s 14th time participating in the national memorial.
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.
In Snohomish County in 2017, 21 people were identified and honored as having died while homeless. The list of honorees rose to 36 in 2018, 53 in 2019, 52 in 2020, 64 (including nine veterans) in 2021 and 86 (including 12 veterans) in 2022.
If you go:
Snohomish County homeless memorial vigil
Friday, Dec. 20 at 5:15 p.m., 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett
Look for a podium. Seating is along the steps.
