Twenty-six Chicagoans who died in 2016 were remembered at a Homeless Memorial service at Old St. Pat's Church.
Featuring singers from the Harmony, Hope & Healing choir, the Dec. 19 service celebrated the lives of people not forgotten by those who cared about them in their struggles with homelessness. Among them, Richard S. was remembered as "he always helped others more than he received help."
The annual service was first organized in 2010 by the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Ignation Spirituality Project, and Old St. Pat's Church, 700 W. Adams. It features a pre-service dinner for homeless families and adults, this year serving 50 people from Breakthrough Urban Ministries and Madonna House.
"I was homeless for three years, so I understand what it means to be homeless," said John Owens, a Breakthrough SRO resident. "It's almost like they're brothers of mine."
Dominique Moore, a mother of two, said her family has coped with homelessness for a year.
"I've lost a few people, relatives and friends, who were homeless," said Ms. Moore. "I'm here in support. We may have lost a few battles, but we're hoping to end the war and end homelessness."
Other service organizations also co-hosted the Homeless Memorial: Cornerstone Community Church, Harmony, Hope and Healing Choir, Heartland Health Outreach, New Moms and The Night Ministry.