Community Corner
Homeless People Who Died In Santa Cruz To Be Remembered At Event
The names of dozens of homeless people who died in the last year will be read aloud at a memorial this week.
SANTA CRUZ, CA — The names of dozens of homeless and formerly homeless people who died in the past year will be read at the 21st annual Homeless Memorial at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Harvey West Park clubhouse, 326 Evergreen St. in Santa Cruz.
Event organizers, the Santa Cruz County Homeless Persons Health Project and Encompass Community Services' River Street Shelter, invite the public to attend the friends and family of those who died to speak at the memorial event.
"Last year, a total of 58 homeless persons died on the streets of Santa Cruz County -- more than one per week," organizers said in an announcement. "People experiencing homelessness have much shorter life expectancies and are more likely to suffer violence, chronic disease and behavioral health issues."
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The event is one of similar annual memorials held in the United States, organizers said.
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