Timed to coincide with the longest night of the year, Homeless Persons Memorial events, remembering those whose deaths in the past year were hastened by homelessness, will take place in 12 New Hampshire communities from December 19 to 22. Two events will take place in Manchester.
“The first night of winter and the longest night of the year is an appropriate time to reflect upon the struggles faced by our homeless citizens,” commented Governor Chris Sununu in a proclamation issued to mark the events.
“We are right to honor those we have lost, to encourage all stakeholders to help our local communities in making sure that we never lose sight of the need to bring our citizens into long term housing,” the governor’s proclamation added.
Thursday, December 19
Concord---4:00pm at City Plaza (on Main Street in front of the State House) sponsored by the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness. Contact: Ellen Fries, ellenfries@concordhomeless.org See this event on Facebook. Download this flyer to share.
Keene---5:30pm at the United Church of Christ Dining Hall, 23 Central Square, Keene Parking and entrance behind church on Vernon Street. Sponsored by the Greater Keene Homeless Coalition. Contact: Mindy Cambiar, mcambiar@yahoo.com. (see flyer for extra details).
Laconia---5:30pm in Veterans Park Contact: Organized by NH Catholic Charities with the Homeless Coalition of Laconia. Len Campbell, 603-528-3035.
Manchester---6:00pm in Veterans Park. Sponsored by the Catholic Medical Center Healthcare for the Homeless and the City of Manchester Health Department. Contact: Gerry Paquette, 603-235-6823.
Friday, December 20
Manchester---12 noon at Cafe 1269, 351 Chestnut Street, 2nd floor. Contact: Craig Chevalier, cachevalier@cpinsolutions.com.
Portsmouth---5:30 pm to 6:00 pm in Market Square (in front of North Church). Sponsored by CrossRoads House. Contact: Jessica Parker, j.parker@crossroadshouse.org Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/477911482857256/
Saturday, December 21
Dover---6:00-8:00 pm, outside Dover City Hall. Donations of shelf-stable protein sources (peanut butter, tuna, beans, etc.) and winter items (gloves, socks, etc.) will be accepted and shared with local organizations. Organized by Dover Neighborhood Alliance. See this event on Facebook. Download flyer.
Lancaster--- 6:00pm, Main Street gazebo, followed by a night sleeping out to raise awareness about homelessness. Contact: Carolyn Towne, Tri-County Community Action Program, ctowne@tccap.org.
Newport---6:30 pm in Newport Town Common. Contact: Rev. Jay MacLeod, jaymacleod@mac.com.
Peterborough---5:00 pm at the Peterborough Town House. Organized by the Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter (MATS). Contact: Susan Howard, 603-924-5033.
Sunday, December 22
Hampstead---6:00pm at Hampstead Congregational Church, 61 Main Street.
Lebanon---4:30pm at Colburn Park (The Green). Contact: Lynne Goodwin, 603-448-2944.
Monday, December 23
Nashua---6:00 pm in front of City Hall. Contact: Tom Lopez, tomlopezward4@gmail.com.