National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day

Homeless Persons' Memorial Day

Last night, Catherine McAuley Center (CMC) staff, residents, supporters, and other community members gathered in remembrance of National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day at the sites of the murders of Raymond Ursino and Sharon Mead, who were both homeless at the time of their deaths in Cedar Rapids in September.

National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, promoted at the national level by the National Coalition for the Homeless, has been hosted on December 21, the longest night of the year, since 1990. The day serves as a time to “bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness and to remember those who have died while living without a permanent home” (NCH Organizing Manual). The Cedar Rapids memorial was hosted by the CMC Transitional Housing Program, which provides housing and individualized, gender-responsive case management services to women who have experienced homelessness.

Raymond Ursino memorialAt the memorial sites, friends of Raymond and Sharon spoke of the qualities they most admired in the victims, “They always put a smile on your face.” Many CMC residents, not far removed from homelessness themselves, explained to the group, “It could have been me.”

The Catherine McAuley Center thanks everyone who attended the memorial for demonstrating the spirit of our foundresses, the Sisters of Mercy, by recognizing the dignity of each individual in the Cedar Rapids homeless community.

To see more highlights, please see the broadcast from KGAN. Please note a correction to the broadcast: the overflow shelter system that is noted is a coordinated effort of agencies and shelters across Linn County, including but not limited to the Catherine McAuley Center. If you or someone you know is in need of immediate housing assistance, please call 319-366-7999.