A Candlelight Vigil and Memorial: Remembering those who died in 2022 whose lives were shortened by homelessness
Sponsored by UVGEAR, DIGS, the City of Lebanon, and LISTEN Community Services and supported by the NH Coalition to End Homeless
When: Wednesday, December 21, 2022, 5:30-6:30 pm
Where: Colburn Park (the Green) in Lebanon
A traditional vigil followed by a “call to action”.
We believe:
- Homelessness in rural areas can sometimes be invisible, but it is here.
- Homelessness has increased as housing demand has increased.
- Homelessness is inhumane and unacceptable; everyone has a human right to shelter and housing.
- Housing ends homelessness; shelter saves lives.
- Our community must work together to ensure there are shelter options and homes for all members of our community.
To demonstrate our commitment to working together to provide decent shelter until there is affordable housing for all, those identified below will sleep outside and experience the longest night of the year as many of our homeless neighbors do.
- Lebanon City Manager Shaun Mulholland will sleep in a mobile micro-dwelling provided by DIGS.
- Lebanon City Councilor Devin Wilkie will sleep in a tent provided by UVGEAR
- Lebanon Human Services Director Lynne Goodwin will sleep in a tent provided by UVGEAR
- LISTEN Program Services Director Angela Zhang will sleep in a tent
- Headrest Hotline Manager Al Carbonneau will sleep in a tent
- Simon Dennis from DIGS will sleep in a geodome created by DIGS
It is possible to end homelessness. Here’s what you can do:
- Advocate for affordable housing
- Get involved in local efforts to increase shelter options
- Contact elected officials to let them know that ending homelessness is important to you and your community
- Volunteer for the January 25, 2023 Point-in-Time Homeless Count
- Donate time and money to UVGEAR, DIGS, LISTEN, Upper Valley Haven
For more information, contact Lebanon Human Services Director Lynne Goodwin at 603-448-2944 or email Lynne.Goodwin@lebanonnh.gov