National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day
Across the nation, December 21st is recognized as the National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day. This day serves as a time to remember our neighbors who have died homeless during the year.
On this first day of winter and the longest day of the year, the Community Health Center of Burlington (CHCB) and Uncommon Grounds have partnered to take action and to not only remember those who have died, but to help ensure that those who continue to struggle with homelessness have at least a warm pair of socks, gloves and a hat.
Bring in a new pair of warm/wool socks, gloves, or a hat to Uncommon Grounds, located at 42 Church Street, between 7 am - 8 pm on Monday, December 21st and receive a free small coffee. Hot, freshly brewed coffee, donated by Uncommon Grounds, will also be served to our homeless patients during the day at our Safe Harbor Clinic.
Please take the time on Monday when you drive down College Street and see the big purple ribbon on the memorial tree on the lawn of the Fletcher Free Library to pause and remember those who have died homeless this year; and if you're on Church Street finishing up your holiday shopping, please stop by Uncommon Grounds to donate a new pair of socks/gloves/hat and warm up with a free cup of coffee.
As the primary homeless health care provider in the state, it's important for us to emphasize just how critical the need is for our homeless patients to have warm, clean, dry socks, gloves, and hats. According the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, "In the coldest areas, homeless persons with a history of frostbite, or hypothermia have an eightfold risk of dying."
In our work at the Safe Harbor Clinic, we also experience daily the importance of warm clothing for our homeless patients. According to Safe Harbor social worker Erin Ahearn, MSW, "Warm weather gear or dry socks can mean the prevention of a health crisis for many of our folks during the cold winter months."
Every day, low-income Vermonters who are struggling without insurance or even a home can find high quality, affordable health care at CHCB. Our Homeless Health Care Program, offers a full range of free services at two specialized clinics, Safe Harbor Clinic for adults and families at 184 South Winooski Avenue and Pearl Street Clinic designed for at-risk youth and young adults, which is located on Pearl Street.
