HomeFirst and the Sonoma County Department of Health Services will host a memorial this Thursday, December 19th, to honor the 43 people who died while experiencing homelessness in Sonoma County between January 1st and November 30th of this year.
The service, held just two days before National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, will take place at the Arlene Francis Center in Santa Rosa from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is open to the public.
Officials say the 43 individuals ranged in age from 22 to 80, with an average age of 58.
Sonoma County Department of Health Services Director Nolan Sullivan emphasized the harsh realities facing the unsheltered community, stating that the memorial is a chance to honor those lost and reaffirm the commitment to addressing the public health challenge of homelessness.
While the county’s unhoused population has reportedly dropped, officials stressed that the need for stable housing remains critical.
The event will feature speakers from HomeFirst, the Department of Health Services, and advocates with lived experience, coming together to recognize the lives lost and renew efforts to solve homelessness in the county.
