Remembering Our Unhoused Neighbors
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 19 seconds
The longest night of the year is the perfect time to remember our unhoused neighbors who died while living on the streets.
Jan and I would participate together in Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day.
Last night I attended my home county’s event at Zion Lutheran Church in Rahway.
Over the last decade, I have participated in many across NJ.
This was one of the best.
Hearing Richard Uniacke of Bridges Outreach speak about the critical lesson learned from the pandemic, housing is healthcare, was inspirational.
I last visited Zion Lutheran for a memorial in December 2019. Jan had lymphoma and was advised to stay home.
I called Jan when I arrived and when I left.
Albeit I parked in the same spot three years later, I could not call her.
I wish I could have spoken to Jan, but just as we have learned lessons on how to end homelessness, I continue to learn from grief.
Mourning has ended, and I need, in Jan’s honor, to be the Shamash and share her love and the light with the world.
The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Gifts made this month; I will match dollar-for-dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.
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Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigil
The Homeless Persons' Homeless Vigil was held on the year's longest night.
Jan and I would attend the Vigil together when she did not have another meeting.
Our life's work was to repair the world.
These events, indoors or outdoors, are always very emotional.
I wept on occasion and thought of how much I missed Jan.
