Denver Mourns Those Who Died in 2020 while Experiencing Homelessness

Photos and Story by Giles Clasen

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On the longest night of the year, individuals came together to mourn the lives of more than 222 individuals who died while experiencing homelessness in Denver. 

This was the only memorial for many of those whose names were shared during the vigil.

 The event, “We Will Remember: Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigil” was put on by the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.

 The 2020 memorial was different from past years. Usually, the event involves vigil participants listening at the stairs of the Denver City and County Building while each name is read. This year, each individual’s name was printed on a votive bag, lit by candlelight, and placed along the walkway of the City and County Building. Participants walked through the memorial reading the names on each bag.

We will publish more in-depth coverage of this year’s memorial soon.